Why Visit Tarapoto?

Tarapoto may not impress first-time visitors with its initial appearance. The city is characterized by a combination of unremarkable, semi-modern buildings and modest tin-roofed homes, while its surroundings lean towards agriculture, contradicting the expectation of a dense jungle environment. Furthermore, the often oppressive heat and persistent noise from mototaxis may make the destination seem less appealing to some travelers.

However, Tarapoto is a place that reveals its charms to those willing to explore. Notable sights include the intriguing Tabacalera del Oriente cigar factory, located at Martinez de Compagñon 1138. For additional attractions, visitors should venture out of the city limits to discover breathtaking waterfalls such as Ahuashiyacu and Huacamaillo, along with the historical petroglyphs of Polish and significant towns like Lamas and Chazuta.

Moreover, Tarapoto is ideal for specialized tourism. The area’s rich biodiversity attracts nature lovers from around the world, seeking everything from exotic orchids to local bird species. Adventure seekers can partake in thrilling white-water rafting excursions or explore spiritual growth through ayahuasca retreats. Tarapoto is home to the Takiwasi Center, a prominent facility for drug addiction treatment that incorporates traditional medicine, including ayahuasca.

Eating in Tarapoto

Tarapoto offers a diverse culinary scene, featuring a variety of inexpensive to midrange restaurants, along with an increasing number of upscale dining options. Street-side restaurants frequently serve affordable lunchtime menús for S/.4 to S/.6 nuevos soles, yet the food quality may vary. Additionally, ice cream shops are favored in the heat. For coffee, desserts, and Wi-Fi connectivity, Cafe Plaza on the main square is recommended.

Meat enthusiasts will appreciate the region’s remarkable pork and its derivatives, such as cecina (cured pork) and chorizo sausage, often served with tacacho (mashed plantain balls). As evening approaches, look for street vendors grilling cecina, chorizo, and other meats at reasonable prices. For a local jungle snack, try a leaf-wrapped juane.

Recommended restaurants include:

• El Brasero: known for outstanding pork dishes (San Pablo de la Cruz 254)
• El Rincón Sureño: an upscale choice for steak lovers (Augusto B. Leguía 458)
• Brava Grilled: popular for delicious burgers (San Martin 615)
• La Collpa: a bit pricey, but offers regional dishes with a view (Circunvalación 164)
• Caja Criolla Restobar: famous for its roast pork (Jr. Rioja 328)
• Primer Puerto: one of the newer cevicherias with great reviews (Ramirez Hurtado 461)
• El Pollo Marino: a well-liked cevicheria near the main square (Grau 182)
• La Patarashca: an upscale eatery for regional specialties (Lamas 261)
• Chifa Canton: centrally located and among the best chifas in town (Ramon Castilla 140)
• El Norteño: known for its exceptional Cantonese chicken (Santa María 246)

Drinking and Dancing

On weekends, a stroll through the city center may suggest that Tarapoto has limited nightlife. However, just two blocks from the main square lies the Calle de las Piedras (Street of Stones) on Jr. Lamas.

This vibrant block is dotted with bars, including the iconic Stonewasi, the trendier La Montañita, the cozy Suchiche Cafe Cultural, and Huascar Bar, renowned for its friendly atmosphere appealing to locals, expats, and international backpackers.

After enjoying a few drinks on Calle de las Piedras, visitors can take a mototaxi to the Morales district, where lively discotecas like Anaconda, Macumba, and Estación provide ample opportunities for a spirited night of dancing.

Accommodations

Tarapoto offers various accommodation options suited to every budget, although the selection of backpacker hostels is limited. Hotel San Antonio (Jiménez Pimentel 126) serves as a satisfactory budget option conveniently located in the center. Affordable guesthouses can also be found along Alegría de Morey, just off the main square. For those willing to spend a bit more, La Patarashca (San Pablo de la Cruz 362) is a charming choice.

Other hotels of varying qualities are scattered throughout the city. The Boca Raton Hotel (Miguel Grau 151) is a modern complex centrally situated in Tarapoto, while the three-star Hotel Nilas (Moyobamba 173) presents another viable option near the main square.

For a resort-like experience, consider staying at Puerto Palmeras, located just outside of Tarapoto (Carretera Fernando Belaúnde Terry, Km 614). Although it may be pricier, it offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle.

When to Visit

The primary annual event in Tarapoto is the Festival of San Juan, celebrated on June 24 throughout the jungle regions of Peru. A key highlight of local culture, Tarapoto’s Semana Turística (Tourist Week) occurs from July 8 to 19, featuring parades, music festivities, and gastronomic fairs.

Generally, Tarapoto experiences hot and humid weather year-round, with March and April typically being the wettest months. However, weather patterns can fluctuate. Visitors should be prepared for sudden thunderstorms that may bring heavy rain at any time.

How to Get to Tarapoto

• By air: Tarapoto’s Guillermo del Castillo Paredes Airport is a short mototaxi ride from the city center (approximately S/.6 fare). Several domestic airlines, including LAN, TACA, and StarPerú, operate daily flights between Tarapoto and Lima, with StarPerú also serving Iquitos and Pucallpa.
• By land: Two main overland routes lead from Lima. Travelers can journey up the coast to Chiclayo and then head inland through Pedro Ruiz and Moyobamba. Movil Tours offers direct buses from Lima to Tarapoto, approximately a 28-hour ride. Alternatively, travelers can go from Lima to Tingo Maria and then north to Tarapoto, which may be quicker despite requiring some changes. The route from Tingo Maria to Tarapoto is serviced by the Pizana Express company.
• By boat: Although Tarapoto cannot be directly accessed by boat, passenger boats to Iquitos operate from the port in the nearby town of Yurimaguas, located two hours from Tarapoto.