Things To Do
in Tarapoto
Tarapoto is a bustling jungle city in northern Peru’s San Martín region, known as a gateway to Amazonian rainforests, waterfalls and oxbow lakes. Its streets mix urban conveniences with strong indigenous and criollo cultural influences, lively markets and a tropical-food scene. The surrounding countryside offers accessible natural attractions — waterfalls like Ahuashiyacu, Laguna Azul and reserves in the Cordillera Escalera — within short drives.
Visitors come for wildlife and birdwatching, river trips and to use Tarapoto as a base for deeper Amazon expeditions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh tropical fruits and coffee. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the main square, Plaza de Armas, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the nearby Cathedral of Tarapoto, a stunning church that showcases local craftsmanship and offers a peaceful respite.
After lunch at a local eatery, explore the bustling markets where you can find local handicrafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs. Experience the lively culture as you chat with local vendors and sample some street food. In the late afternoon, visit the Museo de Historia Natural to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the Amazon region.
As evening falls, dine at a restaurant known for its traditional Peruvian cuisine, savoring dishes like ceviche and juanes. After dinner, take a relaxing walk along the riverfront, enjoying the sound of the water and the warm tropical breeze. Conclude your night by experiencing the local nightlife at a bar or café, where you can enjoy live music and mingle with locals.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting out on a short trek to Ahuashiyacu Waterfalls, a popular local destination. The hike is surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, making every step an adventure in itself. Upon arrival, the sight of the cascading water will take your breath away, inviting you for a refreshing swim.
Enjoy a picnic lunch near the falls, taking in the beautiful scenery while listening to the sounds of nature. Afterward, spend some time swimming in the natural pools or relaxing on the rocks as the sun warms your skin. If you're feeling adventurous, consider joining a guided tour that offers activities like zip-lining or canyoning nearby.
Return to Tarapoto in the evening and unwind at your accommodation. Choose a cozy restaurant for dinner, where you can try local specialties such as tacacho con cecina. End your day by reflecting on the natural beauty you experienced, perhaps with a nightcap at a nearby bar.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5 L) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
| 🎟️Half-day guided tour / entrance | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to Amazonian wildlife, waterfalls and lakes without deep-jungle travel
- Lively markets and unique regional cuisine
- Good base for day trips and affordable outdoor activities
- Warm, tropical environment year-round
- High humidity and heavy rains in the wet season
- Limited nightlife and fewer luxury amenities compared with big Peruvian cities
- Mosquitoes and tropical insects can be persistent
- Some attractions require a guide or vehicle to reach
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Necesito ayuda" - I need help
- "Sin carne, por favor" - No meat, please
Places to Visit in Tarapoto
Visit one of these nice places.
One of the most accessible waterfalls near Tarapoto; a short rainforest trail leads to cascades and natural pools — excellent for action and portrait shots.
A striking oxbow lake with clear blue water and forested edges; calm reflections at dawn or dusk are photogenic.
Forest ridgelines, lookout points and diverse birdlife offer panoramic and wildlife photography opportunities — bring telephoto lenses for birds.
Colorful stalls, fruit piles and dynamic vendor scenes create rich street-photography subjects capturing daily life.
Hilltop viewpoints provide sweeping city and river valley vistas at golden hour; good for wide-angle landscapes and sunset panoramas.
Food in Tarapoto
Tarapoto Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice, egg, olives and chicken seasoned with local herbs and wrapped in bijao leaf, traditionally eaten during festivals; find it at markets and breakfast stalls.
Must-Try!
Mashed roasted plantain (tacacho) served with smoked pork (cecina) — a hearty regional classic available at local eateries and roadside stands.
Seasoned fish (often paiche or local river fish) wrapped in banana or bijao leaf and grilled, aromatic and smoky — offered in family restaurants and riverfront places.
A comforting chicken and peanut soup with herbs, lemon and yucca; commonly found in traditional restaurants and home-style menus.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market for fresh produce, Amazonian fruits, juices and local breakfast stands — great for tasting juane, chapo, and fresh-squeezed juices.
Smaller but lively market with cooked food stalls, roasted meats and typical sweets; good for quick local meals and snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use basic Spanish greetings (hola, buenos días) and polite phrases (por favor, gracias). A warm handshake and eye contact are common in introductions.
When visiting indigenous communities, ask permission before taking photos, dress modestly and follow guide instructions. Gift-giving should be discreet and respectful.
It’s polite to wait for the host to begin eating and to accept at least a small portion if offered. If invited to a home, small gifts like fruit or sweets are appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Tarapoto
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For restaurants: 10% is common if service charge isn't included. For guides and drivers: tip modestly (a few soles to 10% depending on service). Porters and small helpers often expect small tips.
Cash (Peruvian soles) is widely used, especially at markets, taxis and small restaurants; carry small bills. Major hotels and some restaurants accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). ATMs are available in Tarapoto but can run out of cash, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect frequent heavy showers and higher humidity; rivers and waterfalls swell, making boat trips dramatic but some trails muddy or temporarily closed. Bring waterproof gear, insect repellent and flexible plans.
Drier conditions, lower river levels and easier hiking — the most comfortable time for outdoor activities, birdwatching and jungle treks. Nights can be slightly cooler and mosquitoes less intense.
Transition periods with variable weather; you may get fewer crowds and good rates, but check local forecasts for sudden rains or higher river levels.
Tarapoto at Night
Hiking in Tarapoto
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, well-marked rainforest trail to a photogenic waterfall with natural pools; suitable for most fitness levels and popular for half-day trips.
Network of trails in a protected forest reserve with opportunities for multi-hour hikes, birdwatching and canopy viewpoints — guided options recommended.
Flat to moderate trails around the lagoon and adjacent forest patches; good for birdwatching, sunrise photography and gentle walks.
Local rural tracks and forest paths used by nearby communities for short hikes and cultural visits; best explored with local guides to learn about flora and fauna.
Airports
How to reach Tarapoto by plane.
Tarapoto’s main airport with regular domestic flights to Lima and regional hubs; convenient 10–20 minute drive to the city center.
Smaller regional airport serving parts of San Martín; limited connections and farther from Tarapoto (useful only for specific regional routing).
Lima’s international airport — most international travellers connect through Lima to reach Tarapoto by a domestic flight (approx. 1.5 hours).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are mestizo (mixed indigenous and European ancestry) with strong criollo cultural influences, reflected in cuisine and festivals.
Nearby indigenous groups (including Quechua and Awajún or other Amazonian peoples) contribute to regional cultural practices, crafts and traditions — especially visible in surrounding towns and artisan markets.
Tarapoto serves as a regional commercial and educational center, attracting students and professionals from surrounding districts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport with local amateur leagues, street matches and passionate fans; community clubs and occasional regional matches draw locals together.
Recreational and subsistence fishing on rivers and lakes is common; sport fishing for species like paiche is popular on organized excursions.
Plazas, riverside paths and parks are used for morning runs and community fitness activities, especially during cooler hours.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tarapoto.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited compared with meat/fish dishes; markets and vegetable-based stews, rice-and-plantain plates, and fresh fruit are easy choices. Ask for 'sin carne' (without meat) and be specific about broths made with meat.
Vegan dining requires care: request no dairy, eggs or animal broth. Use markets for fruit, salads and plantain/yuca-based dishes, and confirm preparation methods at restaurants.
Rice, yucca and plantain are naturally gluten-free; cross-contamination can occur. Always state allergens in Spanish (e.g., 'soy, maní, gluten') and consider carrying translation cards for severe allergies.