Tarapoto

Where to stay

Budget hostels cluster around the Plaza de Armas and the adjacent commercial streets, where you are within walking distance of the main market, cheap eateries, and tour agencies. Staying in the center keeps you close to the mototaxi stands that radiate out to the riverside parks and the bus terminal, avoiding the need for expensive private transfers.

Getting around

• Water supply in Tarapoto is intermittent, often cutting off in the early morning and afternoon. Always ask your hostel about their water tank system and whether rooms have hot water, as many budget places do not guarantee either.
• The airport is about four kilometers from town. Mototaxis wait outside, but drivers often try to divert passengers to specific shops or hostels for commission. Agree on a fare before getting in or call your hostel for a pickup to avoid being overcharged.
• Tarapoto is the gateway to the Cordillera Escalera and its famous waterfalls. Book day trips through agencies near the plaza rather than through your hostel to get better rates, and expect to spend a full day on the road for the most remote sites.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest during the rainy season from December through March, when frequent downpours make trekking to the waterfalls muddy and less appealing. Prices rise during the dry season (May to October) when clear skies and accessible trails draw the highest number of domestic and international tourists.