TARAPOTO & ALTO MAYO
Tarapoto and Alto Mayo form the vibrant green heart of the Peruvian Amazon, known for their stunning cloud forests, dramatic waterfalls, and thriving coffee and cacao production. This region is a gateway to the jungle, offering adventure and a deep dive into Amazonian life.
It is a land where nature reigns supreme, providing a blend of thrilling outdoor activities and cultural encounters. From bustling jungle cities to serene mountain landscapes, the region offers a truly unforgettable tropical experience.
Most Popular Attractions
Tarapoto City Core & Surrounding Jungle:
Plaza de Armas de Tarapoto: The central square of Tarapoto, a hub of local activity and the social heart of the city.
Museo Regional San Martin: A small museum dedicated to the history and ethnography of the San Martin region.
Cacatulo Lagoon (Laguna Azul): A popular and scenic lagoon where visitors can take boat rides and swim, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Ahuashiyacu Waterfall: An easily accessible and popular waterfall just outside Tarapoto, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Cascadas de Pishurayacu: A series of less-frequented but beautiful waterfalls offering a more tranquil jungle experience.
Castillo de Lamas: A unique, modern stone castle built in the colonial style, offering panoramic views near the historic town of Lamas.
Lamas: Known as the “City of the Three Floors,” a historic town with a rich indigenous Kichwa-Lamas culture and community.
Fundo El Padricida: A farm and reserve specializing in the conservation and study of Amazonian butterflies.
Centro Urku: A rescue and conservation center for Amazonian wildlife, including various species of monkeys and birds.
Tabacalera del Oriente: A local factory where visitors can see the process of making hand-rolled cigars from local tobacco.
Alto Mayo Nature & Adventure Sites:
Reserva Ecológica de Tingana: An important ecological reserve offering canoe tours through flooded forests (Aguajales) to observe unique flora and fauna.
Bosque de Protección de Alto Mayo: A vast protected forest area crucial for biodiversity, especially for endemic birds and cloud forest ecosystems.
Velo de Novia Waterfall (Catarata del Gera): A spectacular, tall waterfall that resembles a bride’s veil, located in a remote but beautiful natural setting.
Cueva de los Tayos: A deep, mysterious cave system near Rioja, famous for being the habitat of the oilbird (Tayos).
Morro de Calzada: A prominent, unique hill offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding Alto Mayo valley.
Agri-Tourism & Local Products:
Chocolates Orquídea Factory Tour: A renowned local chocolate factory offering tours and tastings of chocolate made from regional cacao.
Ruta del Cacao: Various farms in the region that offer tours to learn about the process of growing, harvesting, and processing cacao beans.
Ruta del Café: Numerous coffee farms, especially around Moyobamba and Rioja, where you can sample high-quality Amazonian coffee and learn about its production.
Orchid Gardens of Moyobamba: Moyobamba is known as the “City of Orchids,” with many gardens and nurseries dedicated to cultivating these beautiful flowers.
Baños Termales de San Mateo: Natural hot springs near Moyobamba, a perfect place for relaxation and therapeutic bathing.
Waqanki Orchid & Hummingbird Conservation Center: A private conservation area near Moyobamba dedicated to protecting local orchids and attracting numerous species of hummingbirds.
Destilería Río Mayo: A local distillery where visitors can sample and learn about the production of regional spirits, including sugarcane rum and fruit macerates.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the Ahuashiyacu Waterfall: Take a short ride from Tarapoto to this easily accessible and beautiful waterfall, perfect for a refreshing swim in its natural pool.
Explore Laguna Azul (Blue Lake): Take a ferry or canoe trip across this expansive lagoon in El Sauce district. Activities often include boat tours, swimming, and enjoying fresh local cuisine at lakeside restaurants.
Go Rafting on the Mayo River: Experience an adrenaline rush with white-water rafting on the Mayo River, offering a mix of adventure and stunning jungle scenery.
Discover the Lamas Native Village and Castle: Visit the indigenous community of Lamas, known for preserving their traditional customs and distinct Quechua-Lamas language. Also, explore the unique medieval-style castle built by an Italian businessman.
Hike to Huacamaillo Waterfall: Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike through the jungle to reach the Huacamaillo waterfall, often considered a less crowded and more immersive nature experience.
Indulge in a Cacao and Chocolate Tour: Visit a local farm to learn about the bean-to-bar process, from harvesting cacao pods to tasting high-quality Amazonian chocolate.
Explore the Alto Mayo Protected Forest: Take a full-day tour to this vast reserve for an immersive biodiversity experience, including birdwatching, visiting underground caves, and discovering medicinal plants.
Bathe in the Tio Yacu River: Journey towards Rioja to visit the source of the Tio Yacu River, known for its incredibly clear, refreshing waters and the chance to swim in a picturesque natural setting.
Birdwatch in the Orchid Capital, Moyobamba: Head to Moyobamba, the “City of Orchids,” and visit one of its many orchidariums or a reserve to spot a huge variety of orchid species and endemic Amazonian birds.
Visit the Petroglyphs of Polish: For a touch of archaeology, visit these ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) near Tarapoto, which are believed to date back to the Chachapoyas culture.
Relax at the San Mateo Hot Springs (Moyobamba): Enjoy the therapeutic mineral-rich thermal waters in a tranquil jungle setting near Moyobamba.
Discover the Caves of Palestine or Chumpe: Explore the subterranean wonders of the region by taking a guided tour into the Palestine or Chumpe caves, home to stalactites and stalagmites.
Local Tips & Transport
Motorcycle Taxis (Mototaxis) are King: In Tarapoto and surrounding towns, the primary and most affordable mode of transport is the mototaxi (a covered motorcycle with a back seat). Negotiate the fare before you get in, especially for longer trips.
Getting to Alto Mayo Towns (Moyobamba & Rioja): The cities in Alto Mayo (Moyobamba, Rioja) are easily accessed from Tarapoto via shared taxis (colectivos) or minivans/buses. The trip is around 2 to 3 hours and is a scenic drive along the Fernando Belaunde Terry Highway.
Renting a Scooter/Motorcycle: For travelers comfortable with two wheels, renting a scooter or motorcycle is a popular and flexible way to explore the various waterfalls and attractions around Tarapoto at your own pace.
Guided Tours for Remote Sites: For major natural attractions like Laguna Azul or the Alto Mayo Protected Forest, booking a tour (which typically includes hotel pickup, transport, and a guide) is often the easiest and most convenient option.
Embrace the Heat and Humidity: Tarapoto and the Alto Mayo region are part of the Selva Alta (High Jungle). It is hot and humid year-round. Plan your most strenuous activities for the early morning and ensure you stay well-hydrated.
Taste the Local Delicacies: The cuisine is distinct from the rest of Peru. Must-try dishes include:
- Juane: Rice, chicken, olives, and egg wrapped and cooked in a bijao leaf (often eaten during the Festival of San Juan).
- Cecina con Tacacho: Cured, smoked pork served with mashed, fried plantain balls.
- Inchicapi: A thick, flavorful soup made with ground peanuts, chicken, and corn.
- Exotic Fruit Juices: The region boasts an incredible variety of fruits; try the juices (jugos) of cocona, camu camu, and aguaje.
Jungle Drinks (Tragos Exóticos): Be adventurous and try the local, often root-infused, alcoholic drinks known as tragos. The most famous is Siete Raíces (Seven Roots), made from various Amazonian roots and herbs mixed with aguardiente (sugarcane liquor).
The Calle de las Piedras (Street of Stones): This street on Jr. Lamas in Tarapoto is the center of the city’s nightlife and a great place to find lively bars and restaurants, especially on weekends.
Hidden Gems:
- Centro Urku: A local rescue and conservation center for Amazonian flora and fauna, offering a close encounter with animals like monkeys and parrots.
- Taytamaki Viewpoint: Located near Tarapoto, it offers an incredible panoramic view of the city and the surrounding jungle landscape, especially beautiful at sunset.
- Takiwasi Center: A renowned center for drug addiction treatment and research into traditional Amazonian medicine, including ayahuasca. While not for everyone, it is a key cultural and medicinal site.
Top Restaurants
La Patarashca [$10-$20] – A long-standing, beloved restaurant right in the city center of Tarapoto, known for its rustic, Amazon-inspired decor and authentic regional dishes like paiche fish and the signature patarashca (fish steamed in bijao leaves).
Doña Zully [$8-$15] – Highly recognized in Tarapoto for keeping the culinary traditions of the region alive, this restaurant offers a home-style, family atmosphere and classic plates like Inchicapi (peanut soup) and flavorful Chonta Salteada (sautéed palm heart).
El Norteño [$8-$15] – Located in La Banda de Shilcayo, just across the river from Tarapoto, this spot serves excellent Northern Peru-inspired food, with their Cantonese chicken and fried rice (pollo cantones con arroz chaufa) being a local favorite.
Central Mercado [$5-$10] – Found at the corner of Jirón Lima and Nicolás de Pierola in Tarapoto, this is the place for delicious, inexpensive local jungle cuisine and fresh, exotic fruit juices, offering a very authentic, bustling market experience.
Comidas Tipicas El Tinajon [$8-$15] – A celebrated spot for authentic Peruvian flavors in Tocache (San Martín region, often visited from Alto Mayo) that champions local cuisine and offers a real taste of the jungle.
Fundo Angaiza [$10-$20] – A hidden gem offering authentic Peruvian cuisine amidst stunning jungle scenery in the Alto Mayo area, providing a more rustic and immersive dining experience.
Restaurante de Real Park [$12-$25] – Located within the Real Park complex in Tarapoto, it’s praised for its commitment to authentic Amazonian flavors and fresh, local ingredients, with standout dishes like Juane de Gallina and Patarashca de Doncella.
Asaditos Buena Vista [$5-$10] – A lively evening spot on Av. Circunvalación in Tarapoto where crowds gather at open-air tables to enjoy simple, delicious grilled specialties (asaditos) and a vibrant local vibe.
Caja Criolla [$8-$15] – This local favorite on Jr. Rioja in Tarapoto specializes in fantastic, succulent chunks of pork cooked in a caja china (Peruvian roasting box), delivering crispy crackling and juicy meat.
El Rincón Sureño [$10-$20] – Located on Jr. Augusto B. Leguia in Tarapoto, this ranchero-style restaurant is locally famous for serving some of the best, most perfectly cooked steaks and grilled meats in the city.
Los Diamantes [$8-$15] – An incredibly popular cevicheria on Jr. Ricardo Palma in Tarapoto that gets rammed with locals for lunch, serving fresh seafood that’s a must-try for non-touristy ceviche.
Primer Puerto [$10-$20] – One of the most popular cevicherias in Tarapoto on Jr. Cahuide, known for its fresh, vibrant coastal dishes despite being in the jungle.
El Festum De Mambo’s [$10-$20] – More than just a restaurant, this spot in Tarapoto offers local cuisine in a cafe-lounge-bar setting, known for its lively ambiance and a mix of traditional and innovative flavors.
Restaurante La Selva [$8-$15] – Situated in the wider San Martín region (accessible from Tarapoto), this restaurant offers authentic Peruvian cuisine, ensuring every meal is a journey through traditional flavors.
Amoé Restaurant & Exotic Bar [$20-$40] – Located in the Morales area of Tarapoto, this is a “Vivencial, Ecológico y Natural” restaurant known for blending Amazonian and regional ingredients with sophisticated grilling techniques (Kamado grill) and creative cocktails.
Suchiche Café [$10-$20] – Located on Jr. Lamas in Tarapoto, this stylish café and art gallery is a hub for new culinary ideas, offering a fine selection of salads, wraps (enrollados), and modern takes on dishes like lomo saltado.
Don Betoo Trattoria [$15-$30] – A pretty, intimate restaurant in the Tarapoto center (Jr. Lamas) that successfully blends Peruvian and Italian flavors, perfect for a slightly more upscale, romantic evening.
Kiru Sushi [$15-$30] – Offers a unique blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine (Nikkei) in Tarapoto, a fusion style that is very popular across Peru, using local ingredients where possible.
Quilpa Tostaduría [$8-$15] – A charming wooden cafeteria with an upper-level terrace in Tarapoto (Jr. Leoncio Prado) known mainly for its excellent coffee and creative toasted sandwiches (tostadas), featuring colorful Amazonian art.
Chalet Venecia [$15-$30] – A beautiful wooden chalet on Jr. Alegria Arias de Morey in Tarapoto that offers a successful fusion of fresh Amazonian produce with Italian simplicity, known for good lasagnas and pasta.
El Festum De Mambo’s – Restaurante Cafe Lounge Bar [$15-$25] – Already mentioned, this Tarapoto spot is specifically noted for its “Innovative Cuisine” category, blending jungle ingredients with a modern flair in a sleek atmosphere.
La Nieta de Portella [$15-$25] – Located in Tarapoto, this restaurant is known for its quality ingredients and a modern approach to traditional local food, appealing to a younger, food-savvy crowd.
Estar Cajue [$15-$30] – Found in Tarapoto, this Latin American-focused restaurant suggests a more contemporary and creative take on regional flavors than a simple traditional eatery.
Zygo Cafe [$10-$20] – Located on Miraflores in Tarapoto, this cafe is known for its high-quality food, warm atmosphere, excellent coffee (with homemade almond milk), and a focus on healthy, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly options.
Quinoa Restaurante [$10-$20] – A modern eatery in Tarapoto that, as the name suggests, focuses on healthy and contemporary Peruvian cuisine, incorporating Andean and jungle superfoods.
Quesos y Vinos Suchiche [$15-$30] – A popular spot in Tarapoto offering a selection of local cheeses and wines, providing a different, more European-style culinary experience with Peruvian products.
El Trinchero Carnes y Tacachos [$10-$20] – While specializing in the traditional tacacho (mashed plantain), the focus on various grilled meats and presentation in Tarapoto often gives it a slightly more modern, specialty feel than a basic street grill.
Manchakori Bar & Grill [$15-$30] – Located in the wider San Martín area, this establishment blends grilled delights with local cultural vibes, suggesting a creative and lively dining experience.
Blue Elephant [$15-$25] – For a break from regional flavors, this spot in Tarapoto is noted as the only Thai option in town, offering an international, fusion experience.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Warmi Bar Tarapoto: Located centrally in Tarapoto, this bar is celebrated for its authentic Amazonian drinks, particularly its star cocktail, the “El Chuchuwarmi”. The setting is warm and inviting, often featuring shows and live music on weekends.
Stone Wasi: A well-known institution situated right on Tarapoto’s popular Calle de las Piedras (Jr. Lamas 218). It’s famous for its musical atmosphere, blending a natural stone design with varied music (pop and rock are common) and a great terrace.
Musmuqui: Described as a beautiful cocktail bar in Tarapoto, it specializes in exotic regional drinks and tragos exóticos. It’s a great spot to try uniquely Amazonian flavor combinations in a lively setting.
Yurac Yana: A comfortable lounge bar in Tarapoto featuring cozy sofas and excellent drinks. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great place for conversation over cocktails and beers.
Cava Licorería y Bar: Found in central Tarapoto, this bar offers a quiet and cozy environment, ideal for a relaxed evening. It often features a karaoke area and a bar serving delicious drinks.
Oficina Bar: A popular spot near the nightlife hub in Tarapoto, known for being a great meeting place. It offers a very nice atmosphere and a good variety of drinks.
Santo Bar Tarapoto: An incredible bar located in Tarapoto’s center (Jr. Saposoa 238), known for its welcoming ambiance, great music, and delicious local drinks. Perfect for a fun night out with friends.
Real Park Restobar: Part of a hotel complex in Tarapoto, it’s considered one of the city’s most elegant restobars. It offers a sophisticated setting with a tropical flair and a wide variety of cocktails made with Amazonian fruits like camu camu and aguaje.
Suchiche Café & Bar: Located on Jr. Lamas in Tarapoto, this spot has a fantastic atmosphere and ambience, and is highly recommended for a coffee or a drink, making it a great pre-party venue.
Humo’s Tushpa y Bar: A good option in Tarapoto, mentioned among the top restobars, suggesting a comfortable environment for drinks and perhaps food before the club scene heats up.
Huascar Bar Tarapoto: Found in the heart of the city, specifically on Calle de las Piedras, this bar is popular with both locals and foreigners due to its variety of beverages and inviting atmosphere.
Lux Bar Tarapoto: Boasting modern-style facilities and great service, this is a popular spot in Tarapoto for a fantastic night out with friends.
La Tangana: Located just up the road from the busy Calle de las Piedras area in Tarapoto, this bar is a nice option if you are looking for a slightly less crowded place to enjoy a cool drink.
El Artesano Restobar: Situated a few blocks from the main bar street in Tarapoto, this bar has a pleasant vibe and offers live music on weekends, making it a good choice for a date or a relaxed cocktail event.
Black Dog Bar: Located on Calle de las Piedras (Jr. Lamas 226) in Tarapoto, this spot is often described as having a “dive bar” feel, with darts, foosball, and some of the best live music nights (including rock and electronic nights) in the city.
Discoteca Anaconda: An iconic and legendary nightclub just outside the main center of Tarapoto (a short taxi or mototaxi ride away), known for its massive space, exotic jungle theme (including an entrance shaped like an anaconda head), and high-energy atmosphere. Music is diverse, ranging from cumbia and reggaeton to electronic music.
Pachanga Discoteca: Another major nightclub in Tarapoto, popular for its vibrant party atmosphere and wide musical selection, including bachata, cumbia, electronic, and pop/rock. It is often referred to as a trendy dance spot.
Discoteca Pink: Located right on Tarapoto’s active Calle de las Piedras, this club is a newer, popular spot in the most energetic nightlife zone, known for electronic, pop, and rock music.
Casa Barril: A spot in Tarapoto mentioned among the top night venues, likely offering a mix of bar and club experiences in a lively atmosphere.
Farandula Karaoke & Boxes Tarapoto: While primarily a karaoke venue, the “Boxes” and general atmosphere provide a club-like experience perfect for groups looking for private fun and late-night singing in Tarapoto.
Cava Licorería y Bar (Late Night): As the night progresses, this central Tarapoto location can take on more of a club/discotheque ambiance, attracting a trendy crowd, especially when visitors are looking to dance without going to the larger clubs outside the center.
Stone Wasi (Late Night): Already a popular bar, as the night gets later, the vibrant music and packed atmosphere on Calle de las Piedras turn this spot into a bustling club for dancing and partying in Tarapoto.
El Mirador de Killa: While the specific ambiance is not detailed, having a “mirador” (viewpoint) suggests a beautiful setting, likely a restobar or lounge that transitions into a dancing venue with great views over Tarapoto.
Chopp Bar Tarapoto: Known for a good bar atmosphere and often great music, this place can shift into a dancing spot as the night progresses, catering to a lively, local crowd in Tarapoto.
Bar Billar El Tiburón: While focused on billiards and games, the presence of tables and drinks suggests it serves as a casual late-night bar in Tarapoto where people hang out and enjoy the buzz before or after hitting the dance clubs.