Tarapoto is a typical large Peruvian town, full of motorbikes. It isn’t particularly remarkable, but the number of natural wonders in the area definitely are. The most popular tourist attraction in town is the Orchid Chocolate Factory.

Centro Urko

On the north edge of town is the Centro Urko, which is an animal rescue and rehabilitation center. Many of their animals are rescued from the illegal animal trade. This is a great place to learn about how to stop people from poaching animals from the Amazon and to support a place that is working to rehabilitate and release these illegally caught creatures.

Blue Lake

The most famous is Laguna El Sauce, above, which translates to Willow Lake but is also called Laguna Azul. The scenery and wildlife are spectacular, but this is a long drive and includes a ferry river crossing. It is not recommended Dec-March when rains raise the river level, making the roads and crossing more difficult.