OK, here’s the big question: Is Tarapoto actually worth visiting? Anyone who has read much of this blog has probably guessed that I’m pretty fond of the place. However, one man’s opinion isn’t worth much in the greater scheme of things.
Tarapoto Tourism – Worth a Visit?
So here you go, now’s the chance to have your say. If you really like the place then feel free to write a comment explaining why. If you hate Tarapoto then definitely leave a comment – that’s just as interesting (just keep the language relatively clean or you risk being rejected by the authorities: me).
Coming from Amazonas, Tarapoto has always been the big city. (Bigger than Moyobamba, that is!) I love the food, the fact that there’s an italian deli, when I’ve been 12 months with only one type of cheese in the sierra. Oh and the pizzeria!!!! I love that I can fly to Iquitos from Tarapoto, the only reasonable route to the place, in my opinion. I love love love the vastly underused and underrated hot springs out on the Sauce road. I love the friendliness of the local people once you head a short way out from the city. I love – oh gosh, I can’t remember the name of it now – the small quechua speaking town just outside the city, how delightful the older generation there are, how helpful the younger, how willing to talk and let strangers learn from them. I love that they are almost the only quechua speaking town in the northern highlands of Peru.
In Amazonas, we would dream of weekends away in Tarapoto!
Thanks for the comment Sarsparilla,
Sounds like you are quite a fan of Tarapoto!
Tony.
I received the following email from a gentleman by the name of Vincent Tufano, author of a historical novel entitled Empires of Gold. I asked if I could post his email here as it is an interesting perpective upon Tarapoto; he kindly agreed:
“I’m from Baltimore, Maryland and have had the pleasure of visiting Tarapoto twice, first in 1974 for about 2 weeks, and then again about 5 years ago. My first visit was one of the most enjoyable ones of my life. I was invited by a friend who was from Tarapoto, but studying in Lima. When in Tarapoto, I was treated like a king, surrounded by her beautiful friends and relatives. I went to two weddings, a great New Years eve Party, and a bunch of social events given by her friends and relatives. For Christmas, I ate a delicious Turkey that was purchased live and killed the day before I got to eat the Turkey.
At that time, there were practically no paved roads, limited electricity, etc. When i returned several decades later, I found the city quite different. I stayed at the hotel Lilly. Now, Tarapoto had plenty of paved roads, TV, cable shows from the USA, and tons of restaurants all over the place. I really love Tarapoto and will visit again when I return to Peru in a few years.
When I visited Peru in 1974 I stayed at the home of Don Miguel Sandoval who owned a chupete factory at the time. When I returned a few years ago, i was able to locate his daughter Evon who I had not heard from for many decades, and through her was able to meet my old friend Teresa Sandoval who I also had not seen for many years. I fondly remember the wonderful people of Tarapoto and enjoyed very much my trip to Lamas that was a very quaint little town located nearby.”
Thanks Vincent, I’ll look forward to hearing from you again.
Tony.
I’m wanting to get away from Lima for a week or so before heading south. I’m wanting to get to Tarapoto but not interested in the long bus trek. Let me know how you feel about the following: suggest staying longer/shorter if you think so…
LC Peru flight to Huanuco- collectivo or bus to Tingo Maria for 1-2 days
Tarapoto road to Tarapoto-3-4 days. Could you suggest a jungle/river deal? I don’t want to be with a ton of tourist—ie buffet is awful– I’m from Colorado & would rather hike myself silly even in the heat.
Tarapoto to Trujillo via bus- 2 days
bus to Lima–possibly stop off at another town?
Any suggestions? This s my second trip to Peru–I’ll be around for two months this time–but am spending a proper month in the south.
Thanks!