Discover San Martín: Nature and Culture

San Martín brings together a range of themes to help you plan your trip: viewpoints and rock formations, water experiences, regional collections, ceramics, and chocolate. To get your bearings, it is worth looking at the tourist areas and considering which of these interests you want to shape your trip.

Three Tourist Areas to Help You Get Your Bearings

In the central part of the San Martín Department is the Tarapoto Tourist Destination, which includes the provinces of San Martín and Lamas. The Alto Mayo Tourist Destination is in the north and includes the provinces of Moyobamba and Rioja. The Abiseo Tourist Destination lies in the southern-central part and includes the province of Mariscal Cáceres.

Viewpoints, Rock Formations, and Water

Morro de Calzada is a natural viewpoint in the Río Mayo valley. From there, the panoramic view extends 360 degrees, while limestone formations also define the area. Visitors can hike at Morro and observe the local flora and fauna. Views and nature observation go hand in hand here, but they offer different perspectives on the landscape: the panorama opens up a view across the valley, while the limestone formations highlight a specific geological feature.

Cueva de Palestina reveals another geological side. Its formations include stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and draperies; the cave extends for 3,416 meters. In the Abiseo Tourist Destination, Catarata El Breo plunges down in four tiers, with a total height of 140 meters. These offer distinct natural highlights: the expansive view from Morro, the cave’s formations, and the tiered waterfall.

At the source of the Río Tío Yacu, crystal-clear waters form pools and small waterfalls where visitors can swim. For comparison, the Aguas Termales de San Mateo offer a different kind of bathing experience: this thermal bath complex has seven pools, with temperatures ranging from approximately 32°C to 40°C. Conditions at the source may change; check them before planning your visit. The thermal pools’ opening hours and services may also change.

Regional Collections, Ceramics, and Chocolate

The Museo Departamental San Martín is located in the Alto Mayo Tourist Destination. Regional cultural heritage includes La Gran Saposoa, El Gran Pajatén, and the funerary urns of Chazuta. The collection also includes fossils of prehistoric animals, as well as ceramics, stone objects, textiles, and wood. The museum thus brings together archaeological and natural history themes, along with a variety of materials and craft traditions. If you plan a visit, check current visitor information in advance.

In Chazuta, visitors can take part in traditional pottery workshops, make their own pieces, and purchase finished products. The experience ranges from making your own creations to buying finished ceramics; schedules and prices may change. The Ruta del Chocolate de Tocache offers a look at another world of local products: it follows the journey of cacao from seed to the production of various chocolate products. The focus is therefore not only on the finished product, but also on how it is made.

Santa Rosa Raymi, the Semana Turística de Lamas, combines religious processions and Masses with traditional dances, handicraft fairs, and presentations of typical dishes. If this festival is important to your trip, check the event dates and program in advance.

Choose a Focus for Your Hotel Search

First, consider whether nature and scenery, swimming, or culture and crafts are the main focus of your trip. The places and experiences mentioned offer different starting points, without implying a fixed itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Tarapoto, Sauce, Cuñumbuque, Lamas, Moyobamba, Chazuta, Puerto Franco, La Florida, Leimebamba, Rioja Province, Picota Province, Moyobamba Province.

For the broader travel overview: Peru.