The department of San Martín is located in the northeast of Peru. Among its main natural attractions are waterfalls, orchids and butterflies. It is a reserve of endangered species that are protected in the Río Abiseo National Park and the Cordillera Azul National Park. It has interesting archaeological sites such as the citadel of Gran Pajatén.
3 km from Moyobamba on the route to Jepelacio (direction to the south). There are the popular sulfurous baths to which medicinal properties are attributed (rheumatism, skin conditions, etc.). The best known are: San Mateo, Jepelacio and Oromina.
Rafting in the river Mayo
The Mayo river and the Morona rapids lend themselves to the practice of boating.
Fishing in the Patowasi Lagoon
3 km from Tarapoto ideal for fishing and observe the rich fauna of the area (lizards, turtles, taricayas, etc.)
Anniversary of Tarapoto
August 20th
Río Abiseo-Gran Pajaten National Park
The Rio Abiseo National Park comprises 274,520 hectares in the Huallaga river basin, department of San Martin. It was created in 1983 to preserve the archaeological zone of the Gran Pajatén and protect threatened ecosystems and species in danger of extinction, such as the yellow-tailed woolly monkey. This vast territory differentiates several altitude levels with defined characteristics, such as the cloud forest, the dwarf forest and the grasslands.
Rioja
It is located near the left bank of the Tonshima River, a tributary of the Mayo. The region produces rice and fine handicraft straw bombonaje, with which hats are manufactured: Near the city is the source of the river Tioyacu where lagoons and waterfalls of turquoise color form a beautiful landscape and invite to take baths.
Moyobamba
Capital of the San Martin region, it was one of the first cities founded by the Spaniards in the jungle (1539).It is located on the mesera in the Alto Mayo river valley and is known as "City of Orchids".
Gera Waterfalls
21 Km. From Moyobamba, Jepelacio district. Great water fall near the Gera hydroelectric project. El Morro Calzada offers a spectacular view of the Mayo River valley. Between September and November, time of flowering, you can see dozens of orchid species there.
Tarapoto
Known as the "City of Palm Trees" and "Capital of the Amazonian Gastronomy". Tarapoto is the largest city in the San Martin region, both in extension and commerce and has the best tourist services in the area.
Lamas
22 km from Tarapoto. Traditional town, also called "City of the Three Floors". It is worth visiting the native neighborhood of Wayku, populated by the Chancas descendants, who preserve their ancestral customs, traditions and native language (Quechua).
Sauce lagoon
50 km south of Tarapoto. Also called Laguna Azul. On the banks of the town of Sauce.
Lago Lindo
Private nature reserve with more than 2,000 hectares, located at the southern end of the Blue Lagoon, the best known in the region. It has boats, canoes, bicycles and bungalows.
Ahuashiyacu Waterfalls
Stunning waterfalls located on the hill Escalera. In the vicinity you can find the baths of the Cacique de Kanchiskucha, luck of natural jacuzzis that the cacique used to enjoy with his graceful maidens.
Inchicapi
It is one of the most popular and traditional soups of the Peruvian jungle. It is made with ground peanuts, free-range chicken or farm, coriander, cassava, corn or chopped or ground corn, garlic, salt, pepper and chopped onion. It is served accompanied by rice or banana.
Patarashca
It is one of the dishes that descend from the ancient inhabitants of the jungle. The dish is a fish wrapped in banana leaf or the bijao plant; It carries condiments, onions, sacha culantro, green chili peppers, ground garlic and other species (depending on taste). It is prepared in the oven, grill or roast. It is also served with parboiled yucca or roasted bananas.
Data you should know if you travel
Weather
Tropical climate with an average temperature of 23ºC and frequent rains.
Best season
It is hot all year round and March is the rainy month.
How to get?
Land route, Lima - Chiclayo - Olmos - Bagua - Rioja - Moyobamba - Tarapoto 1,445 Km. Airway, daily flights from Lima.