Peruvian Amazon Travel Guide: Tarapoto, Peru (South America)

A low-key spot on the map, that offers unique beauty and biodiversity, that inches you closer to more remote parts of the Amazon. Below, I share a travel guide to a fantastic spot called Tarapoto, in Peru, which is nestled within the Peruvian Amazon in South America.

End goal: the 3-day cargo ship from Iquitos, Peru to Leticia, Colombia.

Recommended amount of time: 2-3 days but really up to you! There's a ton to do here so I stayed here for 3 days.

1. Place of stay

2. Activities

3. Restaurants x Cafes

4. Transportation

1. Place of stay

• Tengana Hospedaje Y Tours: A simple accommodation that offers spacious rooms, solid wifi, and centrally located. I felt it was nothing special but yet understood the assignment.

2. Activities:

• Laguna Azul: Catch this all day tour to spend a few hours hanging out on the lake in the Amazon. Additional activities such as jet skiing, banana boating, and water tubing are available for extra excitement. Along the way, you'll stop at scenic viewpoints, sample local alcohol, and visit natural springs where you can indulge in nourishing mud. I had a great experience with the company I linked but you can explore other tour companies around the main square- ust remember to negotiate for a good price!

• Lamas Nativo: Not a tour I would boast, but it does offer insight into indigenous cultures within the amazon. Simply a 3-4 hour touristy tour that stops at a man-made castle.

• Waterfall Ahuashiyacu: One of the most famous waterfalls in this area! A guide is not needed as it can easily be done on your own.

3. Restaurants x Cafes

• Cafe Plaza: On the more upscale side near the main plaza, offering a wide variety that feels similar to a Europe type cafe.

• Rico's: A plesant and clean spot for dinner wit ha wide varity anda delcious dessert menu

• Jugeria La Naranijita: 10/10 family run breakfast spot since 1980. Clean, delicious, cheap offering a ton of sandwich choices for breakfast.

• Nina & Beer: 50 SOL (12-13 USD) for unlimited cocktails until midnight..Great music with a view of the entire city.

4. Transportation

• Turismo Selva: Colectivos (also known as shared taxis) run throughout the day. You can simply arrive at any time to find a van going to your desired location. Don't worry, most likely within the second of pulling up, drivers will badger you and ask you where you are going to direct you to the van awaiting people. Once the van is filled, you pay and depart immediately. This option is significantly cheaper and faster than taking a bus. Plus, riding with the locals adds a fun and authentic touch to your journey!

Next stop: Lagunas, Peru but spent one night in Yurimaguas to buy the boat to Lagunas for the following day. Ticket bought in Yurimaguas at the port.

Xoxo,

Chelsey