Arrival and transfer to Pumarinri Lodge following the Mayo and Huallaga rivers.

Free afternoon at Pumarinri swimming pools.

There are thousands of reasons to go to Chasuta. Located at a transition point between the high and low Amazon, it is here that the road ends and river transport begins. Travelling on the Huallaga, we come to Shilcayo Island, the perfect place to see a cocoa plantation and taste the fruit. Or we can visit Fundo Pasikiwi in Chasuta.

In Mishky Cacao, we see how this cocoa is transformed into chocolate and candy. Chasuta has a strong identity and rich cultural legacy, principally embodied in their traditional pottery, which is preserved in the Wasichay museum and workshop.

In the 80s, with the spread of plastic, which represented modernity, traditional pottery was on the point of disappearing. But thanks to Wasichay’s work in rescuing and giving renewed value to local crafts, they now have a bright future.

Departures: Tuesday, Thursdays & Saturdays

Duration: 6 hours approximately.

Difficulty: Medium to high Route: Pumarinri – Pasikiwi – Mishky Cocoa – Wasichay – Pumarinri

Recommendations: Comfortable clothing, sunglasses, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

Journey: Land transport to Chasuta, with visits to Pasikiwi, Mishky Cocoa (Chocolates) and Wasichay (native pottery).

Itinerary: By road from Pumarinri (4 km/ 2.5 miles, 10 minutes) to the starting point of the hike, where the Estero and Pucayaquillo rivers meet. 1.8km / 1.1 mile hike; 250 m / 820 ft elevation. The walk up takes around 1 hour and the return 30 minutes.

Access to Pucayaquillo waterfalls is along a 1.8km (1.1 mile) path that is totally surrounded by jungle. This makes for a pleasant botanic journey, as we learn about some of the many plants and trees to be found in the forests of Tarapoto.

From pioneer tree species and palms to hardwoods; epiphytes like vines, creepers and stranglers; medicinal plants and resins that are used to varnish native ceramics. We will encounter brilliantly-coloured poison dart frogs, trails of leaf-cutter ants carrying vegetation, and the feared bullet ant.

Our reward is a refreshing dip in the crystalline pools of the waterfall, perhaps enjoying the aerial dance of a blue morpho butterfly, surrounded by greenery.

Duration: 3.5 hours approximately.

Difficulty: Medium

Route: Pumarinri – Quebrada Estero – Pucayaquillo.

Recommendations: Boots or suitable footwear; comfortable clothing for walking; a change of clothes; swimwear; water; cap/hat; sunglasses; insect repellent; and sunscreen.

Sauce Lagoon, or Blue Lagoon, is the most popular tourist destination in Tarapoto. There is no bridge across the Huallaga, so to get there, we cross the river on wooden platforms fixed to boats. The ascent to the lagoon offers beautiful views over the river, at the curve known as Vulture Point.

And the arrival at Sauce is spectacular! Once at Sauce, we have a day of exploring and relaxing on the lagoon, stopping at the best beaches in order to take a dip. Blue Lagoon is a lovely mirror of water, surrounded by green hills.

On the shores of the lagoon, the local people fish for a living. What we are able to catch from our canoes will then be served on our plates: at Sauce, fish is always fresh!

Departures: 8.30 am Fridays & Sundays.

Duration: 8 hours.

Difficulty: Low.

Route: Tarapoto/Pumarinri – Colombia Bridge – Puerto Sauce – Sauce Lagoon – Tarapoto

Recommendations: Comfortable clothing; cap/hat; sunglasses; sunscreen; insect repellent; swimwear and towel, if wishing to swim.

Journey: By road from Tarapoto / Pumarinri to Puerto Sauce; cross Huallaga River by raft, to continue by paved road to Sauce. Boat ride on lagoon.

We will start the boat tour for bird watching.

In the rainy season (October to April) we will go by Pumarinri car to Shapaja, where we will embark to follow the river route.

In the dry season (May to September) the route is by boat from Pumarinri itself.

After the activity, we will proceed to check out and transfer to the airport.