TRAVEL AND TOURS

The department of San Martin, in the Higher Jungle of northeastern Peru, is a colorful corner of the country, with amazing scenery and enormous contrasts, offering the visitor adventure without limit in exuberant forests, mythical lagoons, extraordinary waterfalls and rolling rivers.

The history of the department of San Martin shows evidence of man's struggle against a harsh geography. Hundreds of years ago, the people of this region built distinctive citadels, such as the Gran Pajatén (Great Pajatén), in the Rio Abiseo National Park, an architectural monument considered to be the boldest and greatest in architectural design in all Peru.

Tarapoto, founded September 14, 1906, is the tourist and trade centre of the department of San Martin. The city lies between the Cumbaza and Shilcayo rivers and is the converging point for all land and air transport systems in the three regions, sierra, coast and jungle, in this part of Peru.

Tarapoto, founded in 1782 by Baltazar Martínez Jiménez de Compañón, it is surrounded by fascinating tourist attractions. The petroglyphs and archeological remains of Polish, with plant and animal motifs; the resort of Cumbaza; the falls of Ahuashiyacu and Venecia lagoon, are but samples of its magic spots.

The "Ciudad de las Palmeras" (the City of Palm Trees), Tarapoto is the starting point for all circuits leading to Moyobamba. Capital of the department, in the Valley of the Alto Mayo or "Valle de las Orquideas" (Valley of Orchids), in the province of Lama, Moyobamba is a town that has conserved its immemorial traditions. The nearby Laguna Azul ("Blue Lagoon") and Lago Lindo ("Beautiful Lake") have surfaces as peaceful as mirrors, and are exceptionally beautiful.

Tarapoto, due to its strategic location, and its economic and tourist development, is also the entry point for excursions to the citadel of Kuelap, in the department of Amazonas; a huge fortress of stone, 584 meters long and 110 meters wide, built on the top of a mountain.

ATTRACTIONS

Ideal for leisure and adventure, the department of San Martin is one of the finest places in Peru for both natural and archeological tourist attractions. With the city of Tarapoto as your "operating center", you will be able to visit Moyobamba, Rioja, Lamas and even the pre-Inca citadel of Kuelap in the neighboring department of Amazonas.

Tarapoto's night life will satisfy everyone, as you will have an enjoyable time in the discos and pubs to the rhythm of rock, salsa, Brazilian "sambas" and Colombian "vallenatos".