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| Destination Information |
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| SAN MARTIN |
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| ► About the city |
San Martín is a zone full of fertile valleys and rough terrain that is spread out between the Andean mesa and a small area of lower jungle. The first Spanish city in the jungle, named Santiago de los Ocho Valles de Moyobamba, was founded there in 1549. It served as a base for later colonization and departmental growth as well as the site where the first religious orders established themselves.
Abiseo River National Park (274,520 hectares) is part of the select UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List and it contains eight live zones and thirty-six registered archeological sites. There are 980 species of flora, in particular the bromeliads, orchids, and ferns, more than 220 species of birds, and nearly fifty species of mammals like the yellow-tailed woolly monkey, the Andean deer, the spectacled bear, and the jaguar, species nearing extinction. The park also has fascinating archeological remnants of the Chachapoyas like the Gran Pajatén, Los Pinchudos, and La Playa archeological site with the characteristically circularly shaped stone buildings decorated with geometric designs and diverse figures in relief.
Small lakes, hot springs with restorative properties, and lovely waterfalls dot the entire department. Other attractions are the Alto Mayo Protection Forest and the Azul Cordillera National Park, protected areas that guard veritable treasures of nature. |
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| ► Useful Information |
| Altitude |
Moyobamba (860 masl / 2822 fasl)
Lowest point: 190 masl / 623 fasl (Pelejo)
Highest point: 3080 masl / 10.105 fasl (Agua Blanca) |
| Climate |
The department of San Martin is defined by its diversified climate and variable geography that includes fertile valleys, rough terrain, Andean flatlands, and a small area of lower jungle with floodable zones and smooth terrain.
The climate in Moyobamba is hot and humid, December to March is the most rainy time. The average annual maximum temperature is 29ºC (84ºF) and the minimum is 18ºC (64ºF). |
| Access Routes |
By land:
-Lima – Chiclayo – Olmos – Bagua – Rioja – Moyobamba – Tarapoto: 1445 km / 898 miles on the Pan-American Highway North and Fernando Belaunde Terry or Marginal de la Selva Highway (22 hours by bus)
-Lima – Pacasmayo – Cajamarca – Balsas – Leimebamba – with a turnoff at Chachapoyas – Pedro Ruiz: 1547 km / 961 miles on the Pan-American Highway North and Fernando Belaunde Terry Highway (28 hours by car)
-Lima – Huánuco – Tingo María – Tocache – Juanjui – Tarapoto: 1020 km / 634 miles on the Central Highway and Fernando Belaunde Terry or Marginal de la Selva Highway (20 hours by car)
By air:
Regular flights to Tarapoto from Lima (1 hour) and Iquitos (45 minutes). Air taxi services are offered in the department.
By river:
Iquitos–Yurimaguas: on the Amazon, Marañon, and Huallaga Rivers then continuing to Tarapoto on the highway (136 km / 85 miles) that connects at Yurimanguas
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| Distances |
From the city of Moyobamba to the following cities:
- Bellavista (Province of Bellavista) 214 km (133 miles) / 4 hours
- San José de Sisa (Province of El Dorado) 149 km (93 miles) / 4 hours
- Saposoa (Province of Huallaga) 254 km (158 miles) / 4 hours and 40 minutes
- Lamas (Province of Lamas) 112 km (70 miles) / 2 hours
- Juanjui (Province of Mariscal Cáceres ) 253 km (157 miles) / 5 hours
- Picota (Province of Picota) 176 km (109 miles) / 3 hours and 40 minutes
- Rioja (Province of Rioja) 20 km (12 miles) / 20 minutes
- Tarapoto (Province of San Martín) 113 km (70 miles) / 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Tocache Nuevo (Province of Tocache) 427 km (265 miles) / 9 hours and 30 minutes |
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| ► Directory: |
| Airports |
Tarapoto: Guillermo del Castillo Paredes Airport FAP Jiron Jiménez Pimenta. Telephone: (042) 52-2278
Roja: Juan Simons Vela Airport Jiron Teobaldo Lopez y Raimondi. Telephone: (042) 55-8434.
Moyobamba: Antonio Siimons Vela Airport Jiron Dos de Mayo, block 17. Only for Special Services
Juanjui: Juanjui Airport Jiron Mariscal Castilla, block 14. Telephone: (042) 545023 – 545632 Tocache: Tocache Airport Avenida Belaunde - Villa Mercedes. |
| Overland Transport |
Moyobamba: Bus Station. Avenida Grau Tarapoto: There is no bus station; however, the majority of companies is located between the sixth and eighth block of Avenida Salaverry. |
| Health Centers |
Tarapoto: Tarapoto General Hospital. Jiron Leguia. Telephone: (042) 52-2192 Banda de Shilcayo Hospital. Jiron Pajaten, block 2 Banda de Shilcayo. Telephone: (042) 52-6112
Juanjui: Health Services Network. Jiron Arica 205. Telephone: (042) 54-5151 / 54-5782. Attention: 24 hours Moyobamba: Moyobamba Hospital. Avendia Grau. Telephone: (042) 56-2524 Moyobamba Health Network. Avenida Grau. Telephone: (042) 56-2160 Lluyllucucha Health Center. Jiron 2 de Mayo. Telephone: (042) 56-2509 Tocache: Rural Tocache Hospital. Jiron Jorge Chavez 808. Telephone: (042) 55-1016
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| Local Police |
Tarapoto: San Martin Police Front. Jiron Ramirez Hurtado, block 2. Telephone: (042) 52-2141. Attention: 24 hours National Police of Peru. Avenida Salaverry Morales. Telephone: (042) 52-2929. Attention: 24 hours
Moyobamba: National Police of Peru. Jiron Pedro Canga Main Square. Telephone: (042) 56-2141 / 56-2508. Attention: 24 hours
Juanjui: National Police of Peru. Jiron Iquitos, block 6. Telephone: (042) 54-5018. Attention: 24 hours
Rioja: National Police of Peru. Jiron Teobaldo Lopez 250. Telephone: (042) 55-8515
Tocache: National Police of Peru. Jiron Fredy Aliaga, block 4.
Telephone: (042) 55-1152 |
| Craft Market |
- Moyobamba: The stores are located in: 3rd block of Jiron Callao 4th block of Jiron Serafin Filomeno Main
- Square Rioja: The stores are located in: 11th and 12th blocks of Jiron Santo Toribio 2nd block of Jiron Grau 5th - block of Julio Arana Tarapoto: Most of the stores are located downtown. |
| Postal Services |
Tarapoto: Jiron San Martin 482. Telephone: (042) 52-2021. Attention: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Juanjui: Prolongacion Huallaga 126. Telephone: (042) 54-5066
Lamas: Calle San Martin 1348. Telephone: (042) 54-3103. Attention: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Moyobamba: Jiron Serafín Filomeno 501. Telephone: (042) 56-2209 Rioja: Jiron Almirante Grau 736. Telephone: (042) 55-8007. Attention: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Tocache: Jiron Bolognesi 650. Telephone: (042) 551346 Regional Government of SAN MARTIN www.regionsanmartin.gob.pe |
| Tourist Information |
IPerú, Tourist Information and Assistance Service. More information click here Dircetur San Martin www.regionsanmartin.gob.pe
Regional Government of San Martin www.regionsanmartin.gob.pe |
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| ► Moyobamba and surroundings |
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Jiron Arequipa, block 1
A study and preservation center of native and exotic flora.
San Mateo Hot Springs
4 km / 2 miles from Moyobamba (5 minutes by car) Known for their therapeutic properties, it is said that the waters are ideal against arthritis, rheumatism, muscle pain, and stress. The temperature varies from 32ºC (90ºF) to 40ºC (104ºF).
Las Puntas – Natural Lookouts
It is the name given to the San Juan Point, Tahuishco, and Fachin on the edge of the city of Moyobamba. These feature steep slopes from which you can see the countryside and beautiful sunsets.
Renacal del Avisado Aguaje Swamps
20 km / 12 miles from Moyobamba until Boca de Huacayan (Mayo River port) on paved highway (40 minutes by car). Then the route continues to Tingara by motorboat on the Avisado River (1 hour).
It is a humid ecosystem, unique in the world for its altitude (800 masl / 2625 fasl). Among the many plants there you will find the aguaje palm tree and the ficus. Different exotic mammals giant otters, fraile monkeys, saddle-backed tamarins, black-capped capuchins and sloths as well as, birds, fish, reptiles, and insects inhabit the zone. |
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| ► Rioja |
Cave of the Diamond
58 km / 36 miles northwest of the city of Rioja (40 minutes by car). Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 8:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Located within the Alto Mayo Protection Forest, these caves contain capricious formed stalagmites and stalactites.
Tioyacu River Source
14 km / 9 miles from Rioja (20 minutes by car and 15 minutes on foot)
The Tioyacu River is born at the foot of a mountain at 898 masl / 3245 fasl. The water is cold and crystal clear, and along its course, it forms pools and waterfalls. |
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| ► Tocache |
Province of Tocache
Tocache, capital of the province, is located 432 km / 268 miles south of Tarapoto, 12 hours on the Fernando Belaunde Terry Highway.
Shunte Petroglyphs
The series of rock carvings is spread out between kilometer marker 20 and 45 of the highway connecting Tocache and the town of Shunte (1 hour and 30 minutes) The petroglyphs are carved upon a total of twenty-three rocks with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic symbols worked in low relief.
San Juan Waterfall
16 km / 10 miles from Tocache
This area has six waterfalls that form natural, crystal clear pools of cold water. The vegetation surrounding them is completely pristine, and the place is home to several species of orchids. |
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| ► Mariscal Cáceres: The Gran Pajatén |
Breo Waterfalls
20 km / 12 miles south of Juanjui (40 minutes by car), you reach the town of Huicongo. From there, you musttake a 58 km / 36 -- mile motorboat trip (5 hours). It is possible to arrive via the Juanjui – Dos de Mayo – Waterfall route of 80 km / 50 miles (3 hours by charterboat)
They are located in the upper basin of the Huayabamba River over a rocky mountain covered by primary forest vegetation typical of the upper jungle. It falls 140 meters / 459 feet down, and there are four levels.
The giant rocks towering more than four meters in height are carpeted by a thin layer of moss and algae. Walking along the path to the waterfalls you see ferns, elephant ear lichens, colorful orchids and the hanging nests of oropendolas, birds characteristic of the place.
Gran Pajatén Archeological Site
The most direct route is via Trujillo (30 minutes by small plane) to the town of Chagual. Another 40 km / 25 miles is needed to reach the town of Pataz (2 hours by car). From there, take a 15 km / 9 miles dirt road (30 minutes by car and 2 hours and 30 minutes on foot or on horseback) until Chigualen. Then, there is another 35 km / 22 - mile hike or horseback ride to Puerta del Monte (9 hours). The next leg is to La Playa, 10 km / 6 miles (3 hours on foot) and then another three hours’ walk to Camp Macedonio.
It will take another two - hour hike to reach the archeological site. You can only enter the site with previous authorization. There is no tourist access.
The archeological complex is attributed to the Chachapoyas (1200 A.D. – 1500 A.D.) and is found on the right bank of the Montecristo River, at 2850 masl / 9350 fasl within the Rio Abiseo National Park. It was declared a Natural and Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO respectively in 1991 and 1992. Upon seeing it for the first time, the place seems to be covered by dense vegetation. The works extend to the flanks of the mesa to the sector called Las Palmas and feature buildings constructed on different levels. The architecture is dominated by circular floors and paved platforms and features high decorative reliefs of geometric, zoomorphic, and anthropomorphic motifs.
A 20 - minute walk from Camp Macedonio takes you to the Pinchudos Burial Sanctuary (2800 masl / 9186 fasl), an important location because it was built on a large cliff and features colorful friezes and anthropomorphic wood carvings. |
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| ► Lamas |
Town of Lamas
22 km / 14 miles northwest of Tarapoto (30 minutes by car) Founded in 1656, it is one of the oldest towns in the Peruvian jungle, located at 1000 masl / 3281 fasl at the top of a hill. This town possesses streets covered with logs and the main characteristic is the position of the terraces. They say that the first floor belonged to the Chancas who came from the south, the second story to the mestizos, and the third level was used as a lookout. Today, they maintain this division between the Indians, the Lamistas, and population of mixed races, who celebrate their patron saints separately. In spite of its jungle location, the town has the structure of a highland village, probably due to the origin of its inhabitants. The Wayku neighborhood is populated by descendents of the fierce Chanca Indians, who maintain their traditional ancestral customs.
Lamas Ethnic Museum
Jiron Lima, block 5. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Here, they show part of the history and folklore of the Quechua-Lamista culture where you can witness different cultural expressions and customs like the lanta-tipina, the first hair cut, the making of clothes from native cotton and other vegetable fibers, dyeing, and the dances of the lamas people.
Chapawanki Waterfall
5 km / 3 miles from Lamas (20 minutes by car) where you start a 200 meter / 656 - feet hike (15 minutes) This 4 meter / 13 feet high waterfall plunges into a 2,5 meter / 8 - feet deep pool. The area is surrounded by lush countryside with plants like the pashaca, the shapaja palm, the quinilla, the ficus tree, orchids, and ferns. It is the habitat of different birds, butterflies, and insects.
Ahuarpía Waterfalls
25 km / 16 miles south of Moyobamba (30 minutes by car) to the village of Ahuarpía and then there is a 1 km / 0,6 - mile hike (20 minutes) The waterfalls are located on the hills of the village, and the water falls 10 to 12 meters / 33 to 39 feet from the Plantanayacu Gorge. |
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| ► Prov. de San Martín: Laguna Azul y Ahuashiyaku |
Blue Lagoon
50 km / 31 from Tarapoto (2 hours and 30 minutes) in the city of Sauce
It covers an area of 350 hectares, and the deepest part is 35 meters / 115 feet. The water temperature varies from 25ºC (77ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF), and the color runs from green to blue. It is the home of herons, common kingfishers, muscovy ducks, eagles, different amphibians, reptiles, and fish. The place is surrounded by orchards, corn, beans, bananas, yucca, and rice fields and pasture land for cattle.
Lindo Lake
2 hours by 4x4 vehicle from the city of Sauce or 20 minutes by motorboat from the Blue Lagoon It is a private eco-tourist reserve on the southern end of the Blue lagoon. It is composed of two small lakes, Sunicocha, known commercially as Lindo Lake, and Limon Cocha, characterized by its salt water. The beauty of Lindo Lake is typified by the pristine vegetation surrounding it, where a large variety of birds and insects can be found.
What also catches your attention are the tops of the trees that stick out of the lake, and shelter birds’ nests, particularly in the huge variety of ferns.
Paucaryacu Hot Springs
35 km / 22 miles from Tarapoto (1 hour and 30 minutes)
There are three pools of salty, sulfurous, hot water with an average respective temperature of 25ºC (77ºF), 36ºC (97ºF), and 45ºC (113ºF), that are supposed to have therapeutic properties.
Polish Petroglyphs
8,5 km / 5 miles from Tarapoto (20 minutes by car)
These are figures of animals, plants, and some linguistic symbols in low relief. It is still not possible to date them accurately, even though some believe they correspond to the early period of the Chachapoyas. You find more petroglyphs at Cabo Leveau, 30 km / 19 miles from Tarapoto (1 hour).
Ahuashiyaku Waterfalls
14 km / 9 miles northwest of Tarapoto (30 minutes by car and 15 minutes on foot) This 40 meter / 131 feet waterfall is located on the hill, “La Escalera” (the Stairs), at 465 masl / 1526 fasl. The water flows over rocks densely surrounded by ferns, orchids, and diverse species of trees. In the surroundings, there are plenty of butterflies, birds, and insects to watch.
Baths of the Cacique de Kanchiskucha (Kanchiskucha chieftain)
14 km / 9 miles from Tarapoto (40 minutes by car) According to the legend, this complex of natural pools was for the enjoyment of the local chieftains and their harems.
Tirayaku Waterfalls
30 km / 19 miles from Tarapoto (1 hour) This area possesses six pools of crystal clear water fed by different waterfalls, some 30 meters / 98 feet in height, surrounded by dense vegetation housing a great quantity of birds.
Carpishoyaku Waterfalls and the San Jose Hot Springs
36 km / 22 miles from Tarapoto (1 hour) After a 20 - minute hike, you arrive at the hot springs, a series of small waterfalls of hot water coming from the hill. From this spot, you can walk another 15 minutes to reach a large pool of warm water.
Chazuta Funeral Pots
52 km / 32 miles from Tarapoto (1 hour and 30 minutes) During recent digs, archeological remnants were discovered, the most important being twenty-five burial pots with mummies inside. Tools and offerings were also found. Some of the pots are on display at the Wasichay Cultural and Artisan Center and others in different neighborhoods of the town.
Tununtunumba Waterfalls
4 km / 2 - mile hike from Chazuta (1 hour and 30 minutes), along the banks of the Huallaga River The main pool is fed by a 40 meter / 131 feet, three-level waterfall. The area is surrounded by a tall forest and abundant flora.
Shapaja Waterfalls
21 km / 13 miles from Tarapoto (40 minutes) and a 40 - minute hike You hike through thick vegetation to the crystal clear pool and the huge rock from where the water flows. Along the route, there are great quantities of birds to see. |
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