There is not much to see in Tingo María itself, although the Jardín Botánico (**) (end of Alameda Peru, 5 blocks from Plaza de Armas, entrance $0.30) contains a good collection of tropical plants and trees. There is also a small zoo in the university.
There are many attractions around Tingo María, including several waterfalls and caves.
***Cueva de Las Lechuzas
(open 8am ? 6pm, entrance $1.50)
The most popular attraction in the Tingo María area is the Cueva de Las Lechuzas (the cave of the oilbirds), an enormous cave set in beautiful, verdant jungle. It is possible to enter the cave for 200m with just a torch, and here you can see, or hear, at least, the numerous oilbirds. There are also many bats in the cave. The cave is full of impressive stalactites and stalagmites and there is a wonderful view out of the mouth of the cave into the jungle. There are many parakeets at the entrance to the cave. If you do not have a torch, a guide can be hired for $1.50.
The caves are 6km from the town, and a mototaxi from Tingo María should cost around $1 for the bumpy ride. It is possible to pay the driver to wait for you, although there are plenty of mototaxis at the entrance to the cave so this is not necessary.
Cueva de las Pavas
This is not actually a cave, but rather a series of small pools in the river where you can swim. The area is very beautiful, and a 30-minute walk from here is a beautiful spot with several small waterfalls for bathing. The spot is about 8km from Tingo María.
El Velo de las Ninfas
This beautiful waterfall, 16 kilometres from Tingo María, is quite difficult to reach, requiring a beautiful two-hour walk through the jungle to reach it.
Cataratas de Tambillo
This is a beautiful spot on the river, where the water cascades down several small waterfalls, making for a wonderful swimming spot.
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