Lagunas on the Río Huallaga: Gateway to the Tibilio Sector

Lagunas lies on the right bank of the Río Huallaga and near the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. The town is the gateway to the Tibilio Sector and the main place for tourist activities in this sector. Access arrangements for the sector may change seasonally; check the latest plans before departure.

River journey and access to the sector

A 170-kilometer river route connects the ports of Yurimaguas and Lagunas. The speedboat journey is estimated to take five hours, depending on river conditions. From Lagunas port, a 15-kilometer paved gravel road leads to the Tibilio guard post. The mototaxi ride is estimated to take one hour, depending on road and river conditions. The river connection between the ports and the road to the guard post are two distinct parts of your travel plans.

Visitors to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve must use the services of SERNANP-authorized tour operators or local tourism groups. Check the current list of authorized providers before traveling. If you are also taking a trip to Tibilo Pastocha, confirm the camping arrangements before departure; local transport options may vary.

Canoes, trails, and wetlands

The tourist route to Tibilio runs within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve along the Quebrada de Tibilo. It follows roads and trails, but mostly waterways, including journeys in lightweight canoes and guided hikes. In the Tibilio Sector, you can observe flora and fauna by canoe and learn about Amazonian wetland ecosystems. The focus is on immersive ecotourism in flooded aguajal forests.

Tibilo Pastocha is visited from Lagunas on the Río Huallaga. There, the Quebrada de Tibilo is explored in small canoes, and overnight stays take place in camps. Flooded forests are among the attractions of Tibilo Pastocha. If you are planning this excursion, factor in changing transport options and camping arrangements that need to be confirmed in advance.

Two cochas in Lagunas District

Cocha Lagunas is in Lagunas District on the left bank of the Río Huallaga. It is semi-oblong, more than eight kilometers long and more than 500 meters wide at the channel. It is connected to the Río Huallaga by the approximately eight-kilometer-long Caño Paranapura. It can be reached by canoe during the winter season; access depends on water levels.

Cocha Achual Tipishca is also in Lagunas District. Its horseshoe shape, length of more than five kilometers, and width of about 500 meters at the channel distinguish it from the more oblong Cocha Lagunas. The water in both cochas is black and calm. Their sizes and shapes offer two distinct landscape reference points for a stay focused on excursions to waterways in the district.

History and practical information

In a historical description published on December 14, 2021, the Loreto Regional Government described Lagunas as an old town in Alto Amazonas Province, Loreto Region. The description states that the town was founded 351 years earlier. In Lagunas District, a patron-saint festival in honor of María Inmaculada is associated with December 8. If you are traveling specifically for this occasion, check the exact event dates in advance.

The IPREES Lagunas health facility is located in town; check its current operating status before traveling. There are also gas stations and other fuel stations in town. Check their local availability in advance if it matters for your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Paraíso, Arica, Tamshiyacu, Puerto Pardo, Shapajilla, Santa Fe, San Jerónimo, Nauta.

For the broader travel overview: Loreto.