Tarapoto Attractions
Famous for the taraputo palm tree that grows in the rich agricultural areas around Tarapoto, this city is reinventing itself as a tourist destination. Just a short flight from Lima, Tarapoto with its 94,000 inhabitants has much to offer the traveler. Cloud forests, waterfalls, and unique jungle flora and fauna including the elusive Cock of the Rock bird are easily accessible via day trips.
Tarapoto was formerly the center of Peru's illicit drug trade, however, efforts in the mid 1980's have cleaned up this problem and the city is now safe for travelers. The only remaining evidence of Tarapoto's drug days can be found in the lavish real estate projects situated throughout the city.
Tarapoto's location at the foot of the Eastern Andes makes it an ideal spot for a multitude of activities. One trip worth the effort is the Huacamaillo waterfall. The Huacamaillo waterfall literally explodes outwards from the steep rock face. The waterfall is reached after a 2 hour steamy walk from the town of San Antonio de Cumbaza.
Other activities include rafting, early morning tours to see the Cock of the Rock bird and a visit to the "lamistas", the local indigenous people living in the village of Lamas.
Tarapoto was formerly the center of Peru's illicit drug trade, however, efforts in the mid 1980's have cleaned up this problem and the city is now safe for travelers. The only remaining evidence of Tarapoto's drug days can be found in the lavish real estate projects situated throughout the city.
Tarapoto's location at the foot of the Eastern Andes makes it an ideal spot for a multitude of activities. One trip worth the effort is the Huacamaillo waterfall. The Huacamaillo waterfall literally explodes outwards from the steep rock face. The waterfall is reached after a 2 hour steamy walk from the town of San Antonio de Cumbaza.
Other activities include rafting, early morning tours to see the Cock of the Rock bird and a visit to the "lamistas", the local indigenous people living in the village of Lamas.
