At the foot of the Andes is Tarapoto, the largest city in the province of San Martin and the economic center of the region. The city is located on a plateau of the jungle, which is also known as the “Cloud Forest” and is considered a starting point for trips to the Amazon rainforests.
The tropical climate, lush surroundings with impenetrable jungle, transparent lakes and towering waterfalls, as well as numerous historical attractions make Tarapoto a popular destination for leisure travelers, so there are many quality hotels and restaurants to choose from.
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The revenge of the Inca
Tarapoto was officially founded on 20 August 1782 by Bishop Baltazar Jaime Martínez de Compagnon y Bujanda, who named it after the growing Taraputus palm trees. Today, the city is the economic and tourist center when it comes to the “entrance” to the Amazon region. There is not only a small airport with connections to Lima and Iquitos, but also a road that leads from the Pacific coast via Moyobamba (the real capital of the province of San Martin) to Yurimaguas in the Amazon basin.
The waterfalls in the area of Tarapoto
If you want a little more “original jungle feeling”, book an excursion to the Huacamaillo Waterfalls, which is much less crowded. However, that’s probably because you have to go through a two-hour walk with several river crossings to get there. The tour costs around $ 85, but you will be rewarded with a unique and beautiful panorama. One of the best places in the area that you should not explore without a guide.