The main attraction in the Tarapoto area is the Ahuashiyacu waterfall (***), 15km from Tarapoto, forming a beautiful lagoon at the bottom of the falls. The legend has it that a local leader, not wanting others to enjoy his daughter's beauty, had a witchdoctor change her into a tranquil stream. However, the witchdoctor, not wanting to deprive others of the beauty of the maiden, changed her into the Ahuashiyacu falls. The falls are looked after by the local council, and there is a $0.30 entrance fee. The forest around the falls is very attractive, and the cock on the rock can sometimes be seen here. There are several small pools and waterfalls, ideal for swimming, very close to the falls. There are also several restaurants near the falls, making excellent lunch spots, with very beautiful views. It is possible to visit the falls on an organised tour with an agency in Tarapoto, costing around $20 per person. A return taxi to the falls, including time to explore, will cost around $15. Otherwise, buses going to Yurimaguas pass the falls, and there is occasional traffic to return to Tarapoto.
4 kilometres past the falls is the Reserva de Biodiversidad (**), a small zoo of jungle creatures that have been rescued from poachers. The reserve is run by the Universidad Nacional de San Martín. The animals are kept in smallish cages, although they are often let out and can wander about freely. The reserve contains several species of monkey, parrots, caimans, jungle birds, tortoises and boars. A guide accompanies you around the reserve, letting you enter some of the cages and hold the animals. There is a $0.30 entrance fee. It is possible to walk to the reserve from the Ahuashiyacu falls. Alternately, a taxi from Tarapoto to the falls and the reserve charges about $20.
There are many other attractive wateralls near Tarapoto, including the Shapawanca waterfalls, the Huacamillo waterfalls, 16km from Tarapoto and the Tununtununba waterfalls, 45 km from Tarapoto, where the falls finish in a beautiful pool where you can swim. The Carpishoyaku falls and San José thermal baths are 36km from Tarapoto, and there are hot streams pouring into a pool leading to the falls. The Baños de la Unión and the Chullachaki cave are 8km from Tarapoto, and offer natural jacuzzis separating three pools for swimming. The Mamonaquihua waterfalls are 35km from Tarapoto. The Balneario de Cumbaza, 5km from Tarapoto, is a popular bathing spot with locals.
Tarapoto also has several attractive lakes. 52 km from Tarapoto is the Laguna Azul, or Laguna El Sauce (***), which is a local centre for water sports, including fishing, water skiing and swimming. There are many good jungle walks nearby, and there are several pretty waterfalls that can be visited. One-day tours to the lake can be organised by a travel agency in Tarapoto, but are expensive at around $50 per person. Cesar Reátegui, at the Hotel La Patarashca, organises two-day tours from Tarapoto, visiting several waterfalls and the jungle, for $80 per person. Otherwise, colectivos leave when full from the Banda de Shilcayo, charging $3.50 per person.
Laguna Venecia (**) is a small lake only a few of kilometres from Tarapoto. This is surrounded by pretty vegetation and there are fine views of the surrounding hills. There is a boat that you take out on the lake, and it is possible to swim, although the water is rather murky. It is also possible to fish. The lake is very popular with locals at weekends, although during the week it is very peaceful.
Lamas (**), a small town 30 minutes from Tarapoto, is known as the folklore capital of the region, and has an interesting ethnic museum. The Wayku neighbourhood is a native reserve of anthropological importance, and it is possible to see many people in traditional dress, especially at weekends. Traditional weddings can be seen on most Saturdays from July to September. Most of the town is quite modern now, however. There are many craft shops in the town. One of these, Artesanía El Indio, at Jr. Chiclayo 100, specialises in local liqueurs, including snakes preserved in alcohol, which serves as a love potion! The shop also has worms and ants to eat. The Chapawanka waterfalls are 3km from the town. Colectivos to and from Tarapoto leave when full, taking 30 minutes and charge $1. In Tarapoto they leave from Marginal Sur.
The Petroglyphs of Polish are 8.5km from Tarapoto, and were created by the first inhabitants of the area. 8km from Tarapoto are the Petroglyphs of Demor. The salt mine 40km from the town can be visited, which is of interest for the multi-coloured salt, as well as the beautiful views of the Central Huallaga valley.
It is possible to organise a couple of longer trips from Tarapoto, including to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Cesar Reátegui, at the Hotel La Patarashca, organises an 8-day trip to this jungle reserve for $350 per person. He also organises river trips to the Río Abiseo National Park, although not to the Gran Pajatén ruins.
www.peru-guide.com - the most comprehensive travel guide to Peru available on the Internet.
The Peru Guide is © 2004-2008 Llama Travel
Peru Holidays from Llama Travel