Tarapoto: 5 Tourist destinations you must visit

A land of lush vegetation, impressive waterfalls, luxuriant forests, and hills with towering cliffs; Tarapoto is a natural paradise with a great variety of attractions to discover. Located in the department of San Martin, this Amazonian city is the gateway to the northeastern Peruvian jungle and the starting point for dozens of outdoor excursions waiting for you.

Known as the 'City of Palms,' Tarapoto is now the main tourist and commercial source of this region. Thousands of people arrive every year to enjoy a boat ride on the Laguna Azul (Blue lagoon), explore the majestic castle of Lamas, cool off in the Ahuashiyacu waterfalls, or take a spectacular hike through the Altomayo Protection Forest. As you can see, Tarapoto is a wonderful destination for nature lovers, fun-seekers, and adventurers.

Ahuashiyacu Waterfalls

Located 20 minutes from Tarapoto, it is one of the most visited and famous destinations in the entire region. It is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing swim and rest with the sound of the cascading water. To get there, you can take a public bus or a motorcycle taxi from the city center and, after entering the reserve, walk for about 15 minutes. In the surrounding area of the waterfall, you will find a viewpoint that offers a fantastic view of Tarapoto.

Located 20 minutes from Tarapoto, it is one of the most visited and famous destinations in the entire region.
Credit: Alex Bryce / PromPerú.

Lamas

Located 22 km (about 25 minutes by car) from the city. This charming town is one of the oldest in the Peruvian jungle and is famous for preserving its traditions, crafts, and dances. Its population is made up of friendly people who speak a unique mix of Quechua and various indigenous languages.

Here, you can visit the wonderful medieval-style castle built 15 years ago on a huge hill. Inside, you will find impressive decorations and paintings, imposing rock walls, and balconies with a privileged view. It was built by an Italian entrepreneur who, upon arriving for the first time in this place, fell in love with its beautiful landscapes, which reminded him a lot of his home country.

Moreover, you can explore the Escalera Mountain Range Regional Conservation Area, which has a great diversity of wild flora and fauna.

Its population is growing. It is made up of very friendly people who speak a particular mix of Quechua
with various aboriginal languages. Credit: Alex Bryce / PromPerú.

Altomayo Protection Forest

Located two and a half hours from Tarapoto, near the town of Rioja, this protected area promotes ecotourism and environmental conservation. It covers a piece of land with an altitude range from 800 to 4000 meters above sea level, which offers a variety of habitats for numerous species thanks to the diversity of microclimates.

This place is also home to native communities that offer excursions to different parts of the area. The caves is a must-visit place, here you can see the Andean cock-of-the-rock and the yellow-tailed woolly monkey. Another destination is Playa de las Mariposas (Butterflies Beach), where you will witness an amazing spectacle full of color.

The Altomayo Protected Forest covers a terrain that goes from 800 to 4000 m a. s. l.
Credit: Ronald Hinostroza / PromPerú.

Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon)

Thanks to its natural beauty, this place is one of the most important tourist attractions in Tarapoto. It is surrounded by grasslands that are home to a great diversity of species and enchanting landscapes, so making a boat ride on its waters is an incredible experience.

If you are into adventure, you can also go trekking and be in contact with nature. Many visitors come here to spend a refreshing day in the middle of the Peruvian Amazon and enjoy nearby tourist places that offer exquisite cuisine and many activities such as canopy tours, canoeing, artisanal fishing, and jet ski rides. Undoubtedly, a great destination to spend pleasant family moments.

Petroglyphs of Polish

For archaeology enthusiasts, this is the ideal destination to learn more about the history of this region. It is located 8 km from Tarapoto and features a large number of animal, plant, and human figures carved in stone. Although the exact age of these symbols has not yet been determined, historians suggest that they may belong to the Chachapoyas culture.

The Petroglyphs of Polish hold significant artistic and social value for the city of Tarapoto, as they represent the religious beliefs of the ancient settlers in this region. This attraction is becoming increasingly popular among visitors due to its magic and mystery.

For lovers of archeology, this is the ideal destination to learn more about the history of this region.
Credit: Armando Rodríguez / PromPerú

Sources: Sernanp / Turismoi.pe / Redbus / Lanzateyviaja / Tarapoto.tours

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