Ucayali is an inland region in Peru. Located in the Amazon rainforest, its name is derived from the Ucayali River. The regional capital is the city of Pucallpa.
The Ucayali Region is bordered by the Brazilian state of Acre on the east; the region of Madre de Dios on the southeast; Cusco on the south; Junin, Pasco and Huanuco on the west; and Loreto on the north.
According to the 1993 Census, the Ucayali Region has a population of 314,810 inhabitants, 52.4% of which (164,826) are male and 47.6% (149,984) are female.
As of 2002[update], the Instituto Nacional de Estadistica e Informatica esimates the region’s population to be 468,922.
Pucallpa, whose name means “red land” in Quechua, is the capital of Ucayali and one of the most progressive cities in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest whose inhabitants make a living from logging and agriculture. The Panos people initially inhabited the department. The Ucayali River is one of the most important highways in the central jungle.
Spanish is spoken at home by 86.5% of the population; while 2.3% speak Quechua and 0.5% speak Aymara. Other indigenous languages, including the Shipibo, are spoken by 9.7% of the population and 0.2% speak foreign languages.
Lake Yarinacocha, one of the largest in the Amazon rainforest, is just a few minutes away from Pucallpa, and the Shipibo-Conibo people have settled along its shores. The place is perfect for rest and relaxation in the many tourist lodges and for enjoying water sports such as water skiing, rowing and fishing.
The area is also inhabited by the descendents of the Panos, people full of hospitality and skillful artisans who sell their works. Also located in the department is the Padre Abad Boqueron Water Channel, a narrow canyon with several waterfalls with curios names like Velo de la Novia (Bride’s Veil) and the Ducha del Diablo (Devil’s Shower).