Location: Tarapoto
Top Things to do in Tarapoto
The 10 Best Things to Do in Tarapoto, Peru
Tarapoto is a commercial hub town in the San Martín Province of the San Martín Region or northern Peru. It is an hour by plane from Lima, in the high jungle plateau to the east of what is known as the selva baja (low jungle). Although Moyobamba is the capital of the region, Tarapoto is the region's largest city and is linked to the Upper Amazon and the historic city of Yurimaguas by a relatively well-maintained transandean highway, paved in 2008-9.
Restaurants in Tarapoto
1. Catarata de Pucayaquillo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By Jaybar5
Ok so the hike to this waterfall is supposed to be around 3 hours but we took longer than that - especially since it started raining. It was nice but be prepared. Also, the hike is beautiful when you get into the forested area it gets a bit tricky climbing up to it but when you get there = it is worth it to cool off in the small pool like area.
2. Laguna Sauce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 913 reviews
Reviewed By Robert S - Honolulu
I have to tell you that there is nothing wrong with Laguna Azul. It's all about expectations.
First, the name, "Laguna Azul" (Blue Lagoon). Although I assume this refers to the entire lake, eutrophication has degraded the water appearance (and I assume quality) radically. You quickly note the water is tinged green, not blue. A "Secchi disk," developed to measure the transparency of water, would probably be visible for about a foot. In comparison, Lake Tahoe in California, also known as a blue lake, currently has a Secchi disk measurement of 73 feet!
There seemed to be a number of resorts located on the lake. You get into a boat, and head toward one. The one we visited had a very short zipline, kayaks and jet skis for rent, a small swimming area, horses, and a place to buy drinks and souvenirs. I chatted with my son (who lives in Peru) about these opportunities, which seemed so basic and small for a famous destination. He opined that the tourist from Lima, a city in a desert environment, really hasn't had the opportunity to recreate around a large body of fresh water, to ride a horse, and perhaps even to swim. After all, the ocean around Lima is cold!
So for me, this destination was really not very attractive. I spent most of my time sitting at a table, nursing a cerveza and having a great conversation. In fact, the most exciting part of the trip was the ride from Tarapoto when we crossed the river on a ferry, and when some women stopped the combi and asked us all for change... then said we didn't give enough!
3. Cascadas de Pishurayacu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Tomas C
Be prepared to hike an hour each way through some serious jungle. If you are afraid of heights, I would not recommend this tour, as there are three instances where you have to descend about 45 feet down the side of a cliff on a ladder (without the use of harnesses). Also, I don't think any tour operators have English speaking guides, so you may have to reconsider coming to Tarapoto or bring a translator friend.
4. Las Cataratas de Ahuashiyacu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 796 reviews
Reviewed By BirgM - Portland, Oregon
The waterfall was huge and beautiful. It was great to swim in the basin in front of the waterfall. It's a short visit but a nice little walk to the waterfall.
5. Tambo Ilusion
Overall Ratings
5 based on 57 reviews
Tambo Ilusion is a beautiful private nature conservation area recognized as such by the Peruvian Minister of Environment. Tambo Ilusion is also a wellness retreat center which was selected as one of the top 5 yoga retreat centers of Peru by one of the most prestigious newspaper of Peru "El Comercio". We are located on the way to the Ahuashiyacu Waterfalls, the main tourist attraction of the area. We offer 3 to 10 day programs to come enjoy the beautiful surroundings while living a rural tourism experience. You are sure to relax, enjoy delicious wholesome food, swim in the beautiful fresh water lagoon, participate in yoga classes, etc. Please visit our web page for more information. If you only have a few hours to visit us, you could enjoy a private yoga lesson or Reiki session in our beautiful yoga space which overlooks the jungle vegetation. Johanne and Armando,a Canadian-Peruvian couple will greet you warmly in English, Spanish or French. Please reserve via our webpage before coming.
Reviewed By Karin E - Cusco, Peru
I highly recommend this relaxing and rustic jungle getaway. Not only are Johanne and Armando wonderful and caring but they are also wealths of knowledge regarding nutrition, health and nature conservation. If you are looking for a place to get away from the backpacker crowd and immerse yourself in a rejuvenating, slower pace of life, Tamboilusion is the place for you. Perfect for healing, grounding, being healthy, or just giving your body some good old R & R in the Peruvian jungle.
Situated on a large plat of land outside Tarapoto, Peru, you immediately feel as if you've entered a different sort of rhythm than city/town-life. Five lovely thatched roof house or Tambos (two queen/king beds in each, mosquito netting, hammocks, lanterns and candles - no electricity) serve as your home while staying at TamboIlusion. THere are shared bathrooms above and below on the hill the tambos are situated on. Birdsongs, monkey chatter, roosters crowing and a medley of insect and frog voices servce as your background music while you swing in your hammock or swim in the lagoon.
This was my second time back to Tamboilusion. The first time, earlier this year, I went for a lovely 5 day yoga retreat where I was relaxed and rejuvenated and heard about the 8-day liver detox that Johanne does. I came back for this this November.
I felt incredible - during and after the liver detox. Johanne takes so much care and is very organized and detail-oriented with your nutrition throughout the week. We always ate incredible food (despite there being no gluten, lactose, meat, salt, sugar....) and I never felt hungry. She also teaches a yoga class each day, a great way to detox. Yet the heights to which my body felt better afterwards were incredible.
The only downside to Tamboilusion (like any jungle getaway) is the bugs. You will come back with a few bug bites here and there. This is great if you want an off the beaten path relaxing jungle getaway, but be prepared for shared bathrooms and no electricity in your tambo. As long as your expectations are not that of a 5 star resort, then you will be pleased.
I highly recommend TamboIlusion!
6. Fabrica de Chocolates Orquidea
Overall Ratings
4 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By marliayu7811 - Lima, Peru
We were waiting in the shop while waiting for enough people for a short tour into the factory. As per our guide they have several factories but the one that we visited was their first factory. You may buy the delicious Orquidea Chocolate bar for PEN 4.5 (small bar) and PEN 10 (the big bar). Bar of hot chocolate for PEN 3.5, Small box of Chocoteja for PEN 12.5. When we visited, the factory opened at 9AM, the guide will show you outside of the building, most of them were only pictures but the view of Rio Cumbaza was beautiful, then to go inside the factory building they will lent you white coat, disposable mask and shoes protector. It was quite hot inside, the machine made loud noise. But it was a very good experience for us to know how to make chocolate bar from the Cacao fruit. You may buy the Orquidea chocolate in the La Inmaculada Supermarket for 10 cents for than in the factory, and even in Lima but for more expensive price. The chocolate were delicious, we tried the chocolate bar with Quinoa, with Kiwicha and with coconut. There was a clean toilet inside the shop in case you need it.
7. Centro Urku
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
We are a community center who shares his secrets and offer to his visitants an amazing amazonian experience in harmony with the nature.
Reviewed By Marta P - Volendam, The Netherlands
the center is busy with saving animals that were to be smuggled for example or simply sth happened to them and someone brought them. After a period of healing the animals are set free so all the time there are different species. It's definitely worth...MoreWe really appreciate your opinion. Thanks for your visit!
8. Asociacion de Proteccion de Flora y Fauna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
The Association of protection of Flora and Fauna is located in the sector of Alto Shilcayo in the amazonian peruvian rainforest. The association proposes several tours from one to three days of walk. Small Typical facilities have been created to welcome you in a magic place with waterfall and an amazing biodiversity.
Reviewed By Gcurriec - Nivelles, Belgium
We spent two days in the company of Miguel, our guide, who took us deep into the jungle, stopping every so often to explain fascinating details about the various insects, birds, flowers and trees surrounding us. Tours go from 1 to 3 days, I'd recommend at least 2 to spend the night in the jungle, if you're lucky you might see fireflies in the evening. Different routes are possible, you can either climb to the top of the mountain for a great view over Tarapoto and the jungle or swim in natural Waterfalls.
If you're in Tarapoto and want to visit the jungle but don't have time to visit Iquitos, I'd definitely recommend Asociacion de Proteccion de Flora y Fauna.
9. Museo Chanka y de la Diversidad Lamista
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By CFEIII - Austin, Texas
kind of an interesting museum, worthy of a visit for S 1. It is smaller, but does have a variety of "stuff" from insects and old taxidermy mounts to pottery, different types of rocks, prehistoric animal bones, funeral crocks, even a 450 year old mummy. I particularly enjoyed the discussions of mythological creatures and the associated artwork.
10. Parque Tematico Chullachaqui
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Juana O - Lima
Bonito lugar con dos museos, uno de arte selvático con sus mitos y otro de historia, incluso se ven celulares del tamaño de ladrillos, triciclos, etc.. También hay algunos animales en proceso de recuperación. Muy recomendable.
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