Things To Do
in Lamas
Lamas is a small hillside town in northern Peru that sits amid lush jungle landscapes and coffee farms. It blends Andean and Amazonian influences, reflected in its markets, architecture, and warm, welcoming locals. The town serves as a quiet gateway to the surrounding biodiversity and community-led reserves.
Visitors are drawn by its relaxed pace, colorful streets, and opportunities to learn about traditional livelihoods such as cacao and coffee cultivation.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in the vibrant town of Lamas and check into your accommodation, taking a moment to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Peruvian dishes like 'pan con chicharrón'. Spend some time wandering through the town, observing the unique blend of Indigenous and Spanish cultures.
Visit the Lamas Castle, a historical landmark that offers stunning views of the region and an insight into the area's rich history. Engage with local artisans as they share their skills in textile weaving and other crafts. Take time to relax in the town square, soaking in the atmosphere and interacting with friendly locals.
Savor a dinner of regional specialties at a cozy restaurant, where you can try local favorites. As the sun sets, wander through the illuminated streets, taking in the sounds of music and laughter from the gatherings around you. End your night with a traditional 'mate de coca' to help with the altitude adjustment.
Embark on a guided tour to nearby indigenous communities, where you'll learn about their traditions and customs. Participate in an interactive weaving workshop, creating your own small piece to take home as a memento. Enjoy local refreshments and learn about the community's relationship with the land.
Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to a local market, where you can purchase handicrafts and fresh produce. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch, sampling local cheeses, fruits, and bread while surrounded by the stunning Andean landscape. Engage with vendors and learn the significance of their crafts.
Return to Lamas and prepare for an evening of traditional music and dance. Seek out a local venue where you can immerse yourself in performances showcasing instruments like the charango and pan flute. Share in the enthusiasm of the community as you partake in traditional dances.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $25-70 |
| 🚖Taxi or local ride | $2-6 |
| 🧃Water bottle (1.5L) | $0.50-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming small-town atmosphere with genuine local hospitality
- Access to rainforest trails, coffee and cacao farms, and river scenery
- Affordable costs and relatively easy to navigate on foot
- Rich cultural experiences and markets with fresh produce
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options
- Rougher roads during the rainy season and limited public transport options
- Smaller medical facilities; for major care, travel to larger cities
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Buenas tardes" - Good afternoon
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Soy vegetariano(a)" - I am a vegetarian
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Ayuda, por favor" - Help, please
- "¿Puede recomendarme un restaurante?" - Can you recommend a restaurant?
- "Disculpe" - Excuse me
Places to Visit in Lamas
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft morning light over colonial façades and the church offers a serene scene for street photography and portraits.
Colorful walls and traditional balconies provide vibrant backdrops for architectural photography.
Bursting with color and texture—great for candid street photography of daily life and local produce.
Calm water and lush riverbanks create reflective photography opportunities during golden hour.
Terraced fields and processing areas offer insight into local agriculture and scenic shots of crops in the Amazonian foothills.
Food in Lamas
Lamas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice, meat (often chicken), olives and spices wrapped in bijao leaves, traditionally prepared for festival days and widely available at markets and eateries.
Must-Try!
Mashed fried plantains spiced with bacon or dried meat, a hearty staple found in many local restaurants and roadside stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant daily market where you can buy tropical fruits, fresh fish, herbs, and prepared snacks from friendly vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm greeting in Spanish, such as 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes,' goes a long way. A handshake or brief nod is common in initial meetings.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; remove hats and avoid loud behavior inside sanctuaries. Ask for permission before photographing worshippers.
Politeness and patience are valued. Try to avoid topics that could be sensitive and appreciate local time-keeping, which can be relaxed in informal settings.
Safety
Tipping in Lamas
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is not included. Guides and drivers often appreciate a tip at the end of a tour. In markets, round up the bill or offer a small amount for vendors who provide extra service.
Cash (Peruvian soles) is widely accepted; some places may take cards, especially larger restaurants or hotels. Carry small denominations for tips and market purchases; inform before using a card in smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
May to September brings cooler days and less rain, making outdoor activities and hikes more comfortable. Little humidity means clearer skies for photography and longer sightseeing hours.
October to April brings higher humidity and frequent rain showers. Trails can be muddy; landscapes are lush, and waterfalls swell—great for rainforest experiences but plan for rain gear and flexible itineraries.
April–May and October offer milder weather with fewer crowds, balancing outdoor activity with comfortable temperatures and vibrant greenery.
Lamas at Night
Hiking in Lamas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible trails along the Mayo River offering wildlife viewing, river scenery, and opportunities to visit nearby agroforestry and community reserves.
Short, guided hikes through private or community-managed reserves focusing on flora, birds, and local livelihoods.
Airports
How to reach Lamas by plane.
Primary gateway to the northern Amazon region; serves flights from Lima and other major cities, with road connections to Lamas taking a few hours depending on conditions.
Alternative regional airport in the surrounding area; longer overland transfer to Lamas but can be useful for multi-city itineraries in Amazonas and nearby areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Mestizo communities with strong Amazonian cultural influences; nearby communities include indigenous groups, contributing to a rich tapestry of languages, crafts, and traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed; local games and informal matches are common in the evenings and weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lamas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at several local eateries; look for plant-based sides or request vegetables, beans, or grains, and ask for dishes without meat or fish. When in doubt, request 'sin carne' (without meat) or 'vegetariano' to guide adjustments.