Tarapoto Art & Culture: Top 5 Unmissable Experiences

Tarapoto, often called the “City of Palms,” is, you know, much more than just a pretty face. It’s almost like a hidden gem tucked away in the Amazon rainforest of Peru, that’s just bursting with some seriously fascinating art and deep culture. I mean, it’s where the vibrant traditions of the Peruvian Amazon meet the modern vibes of a growing city. If, like your typical tourist, you’re wanting to scratch beneath the surface and experience the heart of Tarapoto, there are so many places where you can start.

From, basically, cool museums showcasing the region’s past to bustling markets brimming with local crafts, you’re, maybe, bound to find experiences that stick with you long after you’ve left. We’re going to take a closer look at some seriously awesome cultural hotspots in Tarapoto – five spots that I think really highlight the city’s heart and soul. So pack your bags, put on some comfortable shoes, because, as a matter of fact, we’re setting off to find a different side to this Peruvian paradise! Read our full review: Tarapoto Art & Culture Full Review and Details

Museo Departamental de San Martín: Uncovering Regional History

If you want to take a trip back in time and see how the region grew, the Museo Departamental de San Martín is just a little spot you might, arguably, want to check out. It is that it gives you, the interested party, a really, really good look at the local history and some unique cultural stories. Basically, through its collection of archaeological objects, colonial art, and some ethnographic stuff, you start to put the pieces together about San Martin’s history.

You will see pottery that’s, kind of, super old, tools that are even older, and some cool clothes – basically things people living here used way back when. Actually, many visitors talk about the displays explaining the lives of indigenous groups. By the way, it really brings the history to life and helps you imagine what the region was like ages ago. After, that, when you leave, you might, just might, feel a deeper link to the city’s past and those who walked here before. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Museo Departamental)

Mercado Central de Tarapoto: A Taste of Local Life

The Mercado Central is definitely a lively spot to just walk around and soak things up; so I’d really suggest going. To be honest, this market isn’t a museum but more a snapshot of everyday Tarapoto culture in real time. You, yourself, can watch people interact, how things move about, and basically see the place come alive.

Stroll, leisurely, through piles of colorful fruits, spices with an intense aroma, and, of course, local stuff you probably won’t find anywhere else; anyway this market will overload all your senses in the nicest possible way. Just to talk to the vendors; they often tell stories about the things they’re trying to sell, that’s cool. Oh, and tasting some of the local food there isn’t just lunch; to be honest, it gives you a delicious bite-sized sample of regional culture and lets you find more cool things along the way too. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mercado Central)

Petroglifos de Polish: Ancient Amazonian Rock Art

For, perhaps, a super interesting day trip just outside Tarapoto, you can visit the Petroglifos de Polish; anyway, I’d advise checking them out because you’re probably curious. Actually, These old rock carvings are something to behold and offer a direct link back to the old people of the Amazon.

As a matter of fact, these drawings carved on rocks have given anthropologists insight into the rituals of the ancient people that once lived here, how these early cultures dealt with nature, and maybe something of what their normal, average, life was like. Walking near those old stones helps you understand just a little about Peruvian Amazon heritage; yet, still has room to be pondered over as time passes and the world learns more about them. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Petroglifos de Polish)

Comunidad Nativa Kechuas Lamas: An Immersive Cultural Experience

Want to, pretty much, dive headfirst into living culture? Actually, you could visit the Comunidad Nativa Kechuas Lamas, a Quechua-speaking indigenous village really near Tarapoto; by the way this gives you the awesome chance to learn how one of the few Amazonian communities keeps doing things their own way while the rest of Peru changes and adapts.

As a matter of fact, when tourists can visit (sensitively, in respectful fashion), they often learn some stuff about how they spin textiles and make pottery from the villagers themselves — super unique souvenirs; as I was saying they often demonstrate their unique dances, or just share the wisdom they’ve accrued from life around here. Basically, it gives you some interesting peeks into daily existence there, helping, in a way, break down gaps, expand horizons and learn a ton of stuff in the process. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Comunidad Kechuas Lamas)

Templo del Amor: A Unique Architectural and Cultural Site

For a truly weird attraction, take a look at Templo del Amor just outside of Tarapoto. Like your slightly crazy uncle after a bit too much sherry it is not always considered “high art”, actually the Templo’s unusual architecture, made of cement with designs intended to capture symbols tied to local folk beliefs plus thoughts about love; definitely grabs your attention.

Visiting something, well a bit different, provides tourists opportunity to explore the regional popular art and culture on a slightly deeper plane – you won’t find things like the Templo del Amor somewhere that has been sanitized for tourism’s benefit. To be honest that stuff, right there, allows you to see what ordinary Peruvian culture has got simmering beneath it. You get culture that lives. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Templo del Amor)

Read our full review: Tarapoto Art & Culture Full Review and Details