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A Guide to Tarapoto, the City of Palms in Northern Peru

The city of Tarapoto isn’t a prime tourist destination. Stuck out in the high jungle region of Northern Peru, it’s a long way from the northern coastal circuit and even further from the popular Gringo Trail down south. The so-called “City of Palms,” however, is far from being a sleepy outpost.

Since its founding in 1782, Tarapoto has grown to become the main commercial, tourism, and transport hub for the San Martin region. The city has all but absorbed the two outlying districts of La Banda de Shilcayo and Morales, with the combined metropolitan area now home to a population of more than 150,000.

Why Visit Tarapoto?

Tarapoto rarely wows new arrivals with impactful first impressions. The city itself is a mix of non-descript, semi-modern facades and ramshackle tin-roof homesteads, while the immediate surroundings are agricultural and not the dense jungle that some visitors assume they’ll find. Throw in the often-oppressive heat and the constant buzz of mototaxis and you have a destination that some visitors find... disagreeable.

In Tarapoto, however, you need to dig deeper, explore further; you need to give the place a chance. The city itself is short on sights, but don’t miss the fascinating Tabacalera del Oriente cigar factory (Martinez de Compagñon 1138). You’ll need to head beyond the city limits for further attractions, including scenic waterfalls such as Ahuashiyacu and Huacamaillo, the petroglyphs of Polish, and culturally important towns such as Lamas and Chazuta .

Tarapoto also attracts visitors in search of more specialized forms of tourism. The region’s diverse flora and fauna is a big draw, with people coming from across the globe in search of everything from orchids to birds to frogs. There’s also white water rafting for thrill-seekers, and ayahuasca for those in search of enlightenment. (Tarapoto is home to the Takiwasi Center, a major center for the treatment of drug addiction and research into traditional medicine, in which ayahuasca plays a major part.)

Tarapoto has a wide range of cheap to midrange restaurants and a growing number of upscale options. You’ll find plenty of cheap eateries selling lunchtime menús for S/.4 to S/.6 nuevos soles, but the quality is hit-and-miss. Ice cream parlors are also popular due to the heat. If you’re looking for coffee, cake and an internet connection, head to Cafe Plaza on the main square.

Meat-eaters should make the most of the region’s exceptional pork and pork products, including cecina (slabs of cured pork) and chorizo sausage. These are often served with tacacho (balls of mashed plantain), another regional specialty. From the late afternoon onwards, keep an eye out for street-side grills selling cecina , chorizo and other meats at affordable prices. For a traditional jungle snack, pick up a leaf-wrapped juane .

Some recommended restaurants include:

• El Brasero: for excellent pork dishes (San Pablo de la Cruz 254)
• El Rincón Sureño: an elegant restaurant and the best place for steaks and other big chunks of meat (Augusto B. Leguía 458)
• Brava Grilled : excellent burgers (San Martin 615)
• La Collpa: overpriced, but a good option for regional dishes (especially fish) with a great view (Circunvalaciòn 164)
• Caja Criolla Restobar : sublime roast pork (with perfect crackling) cooked in a caja china (Jr. Rioja 328)
• Primer Puerto: one of the newer cevicherias in Ta5rapoto, and probably the best (Ramirez Hurtado 461)
• El Pollo Marino: a popular cevicheria near the main square; ceviche in Tarapoto can’t rival ceviche found on the coast, but El Pollo Marino generally does a good job (Grau 182)
• La Patarashca: a hot spot for regional dishes, albeit expensive and borderline-trendy (Lamas 261)
• Chifa Canton: one of the best chifas in town, centrally located (Ramon Castilla 140)
• El Norteño: it’s worth heading to the Banda de Shilcayo district just to try El Norteño’s Cantonese chicken (Santa María 246)

Drinking and Dancing

If you stroll around the city center on a Friday or Saturday night, you might think Tarapoto has little to offer in terms of nightlife. But just two blocks up from the square you'll find a block known as the Calle de las Piedras (Street of Stones) on Jr. Lamas.

This block is full of bars, including Stonewasi, a lively bar that has become something of a Tarapoto institution; the slightly more trendy and more expensive La Montañita; the comfortable Suchiche Cafe Cultural; and Huascar Bar, a friendly bar frequented by locals, Tarapoto expats, and foreign backpackers.

After a few beers in the Calle de las Piedras, jump in a mototaxi and head down to the Morales district. The road heading out of Morales is lined with lively discotecas , including Anaconda, Macumba, and Estación. Take your pick and prepare for a long night of dancing.

Accommodations

Tarapoto has accommodation options for every budget, although backpacker hostels (aimed at the international crowd) are limited. Hotel San Antonio (Jiménez Pimentel 126) is a good budget option right in the center; you’ll also find a number of affordable guesthouses along the second block (cuadra dos) of Alegría de Morey, a street just off the main square. La Patarashca (tied in with the restaurant of the same name, but a block away on San Pablo de la Cruz 362) is a charming option if you’re willing to spend a little more each night.

There are plenty of other hotels of varying quality dotted around the city. The towering Boca Raton Hotel (Miguel Grau 151) is a modern complex right in the center of Tarapoto. The three-star Hotel Nilas (Moyobamba 173) is another good option near the main square.

For a relaxing resort-style stay, consider Puerto Palmeras, located just outside Tarapoto (Carretera Fernando Belaúnde Terry, Km 614). It’s not cheap but it will keep you away from the constant hustle and bustle of the city.

When to Visit

The main annual event in Tarapoto is the Festival of San Juan , a festival celebrated throughout the jungle regions of Peru on June 24. Tarapoto’s Semana Turística (Tourist Week) takes place from July 8 to 19 (exact dates may vary), featuring street parades, music festivals, gastronomic fairs, and more.

In terms of weather, Tarapoto is hot and humid year-round (with some rare exceptions). March and April tend to be the wettest months, but shifts do occur. At any time of the year, it’s not unusual to hear a large crack of thunder followed by an hour or so of torrential rain.

How to Get to Tarapoto

• By air: Tarapoto’s Guillermo del Castillo Paredes Airport is located a short mototaxi ride from the city center (S/.6 fare). The domestic airlines LAN, TACA, and StarPerú have daily flights between Tarapoto and Lima; StarPerú also connects with Iquitos and Pucallpa.
• By land: From Lima, there are two overland options. You can head up the coast to Chiclayo and cut inland via Pedro Ruiz and Moyobamba. Movil Tours has buses direct from Lima to Tarapoto (28 hours approx.). Alternatively, you can head from Lima to Tingo Maria and then north to Tarapoto. This route involves a few changes but is quicker if you can avoid delays. You can do the Tingo Maria to Tarapoto route with the Pizana Express car company.
• By boat: Tarapoto can’t be reached by boat, but the port in the town of Yurimaguas (a two-hour ride from Tarapoto) has passenger boats to Iquitos.

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Peru , Things To Do

Things To Do In Tarapoto, Peru’s Jungle Paradise

If you’re on the hunt for a destination with interesting sites to see, an abundance of wildlife, adventure sports, and a great party, Tarapoto is the perfect place for you. Well-known for its nightlife, traditional jungle food, and awesome weather all year round, don’t miss out on any of the plentiful things to do in Tarapoto or its amazing attractions.

Facts about Tarapoto

Located in the northern jungle of Peru, Tarapoto has a population of roughly 180,000 people and is the largest city in the greater province of San Martín. The reason why the city holds the name Tarapoto is a bit of a local mystery, but two theories have been suggested. The first refers to a palm tree that grows by the river, Tarapotus. The second talks about the language used by the indigenous community of Lamas, around 30 minutes drive from the city. In the Quechua of Lamas, “tara” refers to fish or beans, and “poto” which refers to the shape of a huingo, a well-known jungle fruit.

Things to Do in Tarapoto:

• Entertain yourself at the Plaza de Armas: Tarapotos’s Plaza de Armas is a hotspot of activity of the city that you simply can not miss. The perfect time to go is around 6:00 pm, as almost the whole city is there. You can find people painting, drawing and even singers right in the center of the plaza. If you get a little hungry, treat yourself to some traditional snacks found around the Plaza de Armas. These include chifles, (plantain, sliced thin and fried). Mani confitado, (a type of sweet peanut), and cotton candy (you already know). If none of these tickle your fancy then don’t worry! There are plenty more things to choose from. Of all the things to do in Tarapoto, this is one that you will not miss.
• Fill Up on Some Local Food: Be sure to visit some of the places that offer traditional food from the jungle! We talk about food a lot on this blog, but that is because the food from the jungle is so unique and delicious! No list of things to do in Tarapoto would be complete without including a sampling of the local cuisine, and no trip to Tarapoto would be complete without trying what the jungle has to offer. There are no (or barely any) formal restaurants serving traditional dishes, instead food stalls offering local food. This local food includes dishes such as anticucho (a small stick of meat and vegetable pieces), and cecina and chorizo (a type of smoked pork). You will find plenty of fresh barbecue and bananas (you HAVE to try the barbequed bananas) while you’re eating in the jungle! And the best part? It’s all very cheap!

• Enjoy Ahuashiyacu Waterfalls: Just 20 minutes from the city, Ahuashiyacu waterfall is the most famous and visited fall in the whole region of San Martín. If you are looking for a peaceful and natural day out, you will definitely love this place. It has a small natural pool with clean and fresh natural water. Make sure to spend a little time looking out for the exotic birds and plants as well!
• Try the Special Drinks: The iconic drinks in the jungle are very popular, and they have very appealing names. A few of the most well known are 7 raíces , a mixture of local roots and aguardiente. People used to drink this for health purposes, similar to emoliente, but now it is mostly just drunk for fun! Another one to try is uvachado . Uvachado is a sweet wine that is the most famous drink in the jungle. Be careful! These drinks are powerful, it only takes one shot and you’re ready for the evening! The drinks are a combination of alcohol, which is called “aguardiente” and made from natural roots and local fruits. They’re available in specific bars.
• Bird-watching: If you love to get in touch with animals and nature, this is for you. A relatively new activity to Tarapoto, birdwatching consists of observing and studying wild birds. There are several routes for bird-watchers near the city. Two of the most popular are Circuito Ecoturìstico Alto Shilcayo and Bosques secos de Juan Guerra, but there are plenty to choose from. Keep in mind that there are a few guides around to help you. This is another great, free activity to do in Tarapoto. Make sure to pack a pair of binoculars if you want to have a go!

• Happy Hour at Calle de las Piedras (Stones street): Calle de las Piedras (Stones street) is popular spot in Tarapoto. There are always plenty of tourists and locals alike, all enjoying the discounted drinks. What makes Calle de las Piedras a great place to visit is the variety of crazy drinks you can find in the many bars and pubs. The entire street is completely dedicated to the nightlife. Some bars sell only alcohol but others also offer food as well (just in case you get hungry). You will find a loads of recorded and live music in each bar. The local bands are bursting with talent, so try and enjoy some! There’s no debate, on this strip you will definitely find a place that suits you.
• Discover the Castle of Lamas: This medieval castle was built by a rich Italian man. He used the natural stones of the region, and according to his memoirs, he molded the stones for the castle by hand. This beautiful creation is five floors high, and on each level, there is a magnificent view of your surroundings, including the valley of the Rio Mayo. Here is where two worlds collide, the European World and the world of Native Americans.
• Rafting: If you like extreme adventures, you will love this. This amazing experience can be found on the Mayo River and is the perfect activity to do with your friends and family. You’ll be able to get in contact with nature, birds and the communities living close to the river, as well as getting your adrenaline pumping!
• Spend time at Laguna Sauce: We recommend spending the whole day on this! You will love the huge Laguna Sauce (also known as the Blue Lagoon, or Laguna Azul) and the hypnotic blue of the water. There are small boats available to rent, and even tours available. If you choose to take a tour then you can get up close and personal with all the best parts, seeing the exotic jungle wildlife. There are also rustic restaurants dotted around the lake and are a great spot for lunch. Fill up on local, freshly caught fish accompanied by the delicious bellacos bananas (a special kind of banana found in the jungle) and of course, try the local drinks.

• Swim in the River: Tarapoto is also known for its nearby rivers. There are a couple to choose from, all very near to the city, just a 10 or 15-minute drive away. If you are tired of swimming in pools but want to keep swimming, this is your chance to try something a little different. Spend some time on the riverbank enjoying the water (which arrives fresh from the mountains). You could even make a picnic to enjoy with your friends. This is a great thing to do as it doesn’t have a price, just an unforgettable experience to enjoy with your loved ones.
• Explore Pumarinri and Pucayaquillo: If you are looking for a nice stroll in the jungle, this is the perfect trip for you. The adventure begins at Pucayaquillo waterfall, which is roughly 45 minutes from the city. Here, you can swim in the natural pool, formed by the waterfall and enjoy the scenery for as long as you like. As you move on, make sure to stop in at the Pumarinri Lodge for an exotic jungle-inspired lunch.

Visit Tarapoto!

Too many times, travelers are left wondering what there is to do in Tarapoto. The city is rich with opportunities for tourists to experience the majesty of the jungle and to mix with the always friendly locals. Tarapoto, the city of palms trees, is the perfect place for those looking for fun and those who are in search of the ‘off the beaten track’ style of traveling. This gorgeous jungle town also makes an excellent stop when traveling from Ecuador to points further south in Peru. In Tarapoto, you will have everything you could ever want in just one place. Food, nature, and adventure are just a tiny snippet of the things to do in Tarapoto. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this Peruvian paradise!

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