Tarapoto Amazon Biking Trip
Tarapoto marks the last frontier where the Andes give way to the Amazon basin. Perfectly located near to the mighty Huallaga River, whose waters flow into the Marañón and eventually the Amazon, its strategic position makes Tarapoto the main hub of the northern Amazonian forests, while offering easy access to surrounding mountains and tropical landscapes. This destination is celebrated for its waterfalls and cascades, its rich biodiversity of amphibians, insects, plants, and its reputation as a world‑class birding hotspot. Riding here means immersing yourself in a land of natural wonders, where every turn reveals a new spectacle of jungle and mountain life.
Best Season: May to October.
3 stages
Level/skills: Intermediates.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
TARAPOTO
We suggest to arrive in the morning, after lunch and setting up bikes we may do a short ride by the surroundings of the city of Tarapoto. Hotel in Tarapoto.
Stage 1: SHANAO / ALTO PALMICHE / LAMAS
6:30 Shuttle to Shanao town, then start the ride to Alto Palmiche and Pamashto to finish in Lamas. Hotel in Lamas.
40K 1,240m positive / 800m negative by gravel roads
Funny Ride: Starting in Lamas and shorten to 22K
STAGE 2: LAMAS / URCUPATA / SAN ROQUE / SAN ANTONIO
8:00 Start of the ride from the hostel to cross Urcupata high pass to descend to San Antonio de Cumbaza. Shuttle to Tarapoto hotel.
27K 500m positive / 800m negative by gravel roads
Funny Ride: Not Climbing to Urcupata
Stage 3: PUERTO LOPEZ / PILLUANA / LAGUNA SAUCE
5:30 Shuttle to starting point and crossing Huallaga River by boat.
7:00 Ride with steep climbs and descends finishing at Lake Sauce.
After resting an optional descend of 18K / 600m to Puerto Lopez. Then shuttle to Tarapoto Hotel.
1,500m positive / 1,000m negative by gravel roads
Funny Ride: A loop around Lake Sauce and descend to Huallaga river.
TARAPOTO
Flight back to Lima.
Notes about the Trip:
The most part of this trip is considered to be ridden on gravel and paved roads.
Routes, distances and challenges may be tailored to the group level, endurance and jungle experience.
Heath, rain and wind are part of the adventure.
Transportation may partially support cyclists during the rides.
June to October Best Season
From January to April the rain is more often and may stop any intention of rides. During the dry season rain could fall suddenly.
WHAT´S INCLUDED:
Private transportation, lodging, guiding, basic mechanical aid, some snacks during the rides, hydration.
NOT INCLUDED:
Meals, medical and accident insurance, flights, shuttle transfers to the starting or ending points, hotels before and after the trip, meals not specified on the trip plan.
BIKES: We suggest bringing your own, in that case, we suggest a hardtail or a full suspension bike with XC tires. Bikes are not included.
CLOTHES: Helmet, gloves, sunglasses, backpack 2lt capacity, fresh clothes. In the jungle depending the season the day reaches 25°C to 35°C with the possibility of rain, so carrying a light windvest or raincoat is useful, the weather can change quickly. Don´t forget sunscreen.
Trip Facts:
TERRAIN: Gravel roads and paths, paved road sections.
ALTITUDES: Jungle valleys from 200m to 800m.
DIFFICULTY: No technical trails.
DISTANCES: An average of 30K to 60K per ride.
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TRAVEL CONDITIONS:
Any broken or damaged part of the bike or equipment, intentionally or not, caused by riders or terrain issues must get paid back at commercial prices (ex: frame, levers, gears, derailleur, tyres, wheels, helmet, gloves, etc).
Any injury caused by any reason during the ride is the full responsibility of the rider and any medical or transportation cost must be covered by the rider. This is an adventure sport activity subject by its nature to any kind of non-expected events.
