Discover Moyobamba: Culture, Orchids and Nature

Moyobamba offers cultural attractions in the city, as well as orchids and nature activities in the district. The Museo Departamental San Martín and Plaza de Armas are at the heart of the city; in the district, you can also visit the Reserva Ecológica Tingana, hot springs and a viewpoint where you can observe wildlife. If you’re looking for hotels in Moyobamba, you can use these different interests as a starting point for planning your trip.

Culture and Getting Your Bearings in Moyobamba

The Museo Departamental San Martín has nine exhibition rooms featuring objects and clothing from the Indigenous Awajún, Shawi and Kichwa de Lamas peoples. Its collections also include traditional pottery and funerary urns from Chazuta, as well as vessels and textiles from expeditions to Gran Pajatén and Gran Saposoa. The museum also has a spacious lounge with Amazonian murals by contemporary artists and a departmental library.

The museum is open Monday to Friday and on the first Sunday of each month, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check opening hours before your visit, as they may change. From Plaza de Armas de Moyobamba, a 350-meter paved route leads to Centro Cultural Moyobamba (CUMO); the walk takes about five minutes.

Plaza de Armas: Culture and Events

Plaza de Armas de Moyobamba is of great cultural significance and serves as a city landmark. Visitors can admire and photograph its buildings. At its center is an illuminated ornamental fountain with water jets and sculptures of women carrying water, representing the orchid species Cattleya máxima.

The plaza is the main venue for Corpus Christi, Semana Turística de Moyobamba and the city’s founding anniversary. Flag-raising ceremonies, parades and concerts are also held there; the program for individual events may vary. Semana Turística is a traditional festival shaped by local customs and associated with San Juan and San Pedro. Festivities include Pandilla performances featuring city neighborhoods and public and private organizations, as well as a Juane cooking competition.

Orchids and Plants

Vivero Orquídeas Amazónicas showcases various species of ornamental plants and orchids and is one of the most representative nurseries in the city of Moyobamba. For plant enthusiasts, it offers a different focus from the museum’s collections and the buildings around the plaza.

Nature and Hot Springs in Moyobamba District

At Reserva Ecológica Tingana, visitors can take canoe trips on the Río Avisado and go on ecological walks through plots growing coffee, pitahaya and vanilla. Dining options include regional dishes and innovative Amazonian food made with vanilla and native tubers. Canoe trip operations may change; check what visits are available before making plans.

The Aguas Termales de San Mateo thermal complex has seven pools with temperatures ranging from approximately 32°C to 40°C. On the slopes of Cerro Oromina, sulfurous water at 8°C flows from two springs, forming two pools with clear waters. At Aguas Sulfurosas de Oromina, visitors can bathe in sulfurous pools and observe orchids and other plants. The temperature figures refer to different settings: the pools at the thermal complex on the one hand, and the water at the Cerro Oromina springs on the other.

Mirador Punta de Tahuishco offers a 180-degree view of the Río Mayo, the surrounding lush vegetation and forest areas. Visitors can observe birds and primates there, including the Mono Tocón.

Consider which focus matters most for your trip and tailor your search accordingly.

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