Tarapoto Amazon Jungle Mountains Bike 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, this vibrant city connects the highlands with the lush lowlands. Its strategic position makes Tarapoto the main hub of the northern Amazonian forests, linking the Alto Mayo valley and Yurimaguas, 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.
Season: May to October.
4 stages / 4 biking days.
Level/skills: Intermediates.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Stage 1: TARAPOTO
A first day riding in the afternoon by the surroundings of the city of Tarapoto. An almost flat ride by the countryside.
Recommended a hotel in Lamas town.
Stage 2: LAMAS / TARAPOTO
Riding from Lamas to San Antonio de Cumbaza finishing in Tarapoto. Hotel.
A day with a steep climb and downhill by gravel roads.
Recommended a hotel in Tarapoto
Stage 3: TARAPOTO / HUALLAGA
Ride from Tarapoto to La Union to cross the mountains and ending riding down to Shapaja and Chazuta, at the shores of Huallaga River.
Recommended a hotel at the Huallaga River.
Stage 4: SAUCE / TARAPOTO Shuttle to the local ferry boat to cross Huallaga River and start the climb to Laguna Sauce, a loop in the surroundings to return back down to the river. Shuttle back to Tarapoto.
Way in: 9K 600m positive + 10 K flat. / return same way.
Recommended a hotel in Tarapoto
May 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 is part of the calendar and could appear suddenly.
WHAT´S INCLUDED:
Private transportation, lodging, guiding, mechanical basic aid, some snack food during the rides, hydration, vegan or any special diet is not supplied but we can arrange some stuff if the destination can support it.
NOT INCLUDED:
Medical, accident insurances, flights, shuttle transfers to starting or from the ending point, hotels before and after the trip, meals not specified on the trip plan.
BIKES: We suggest to bring yours, in that case we suggest a hardtail or a full suspension with XC tires. Bikes are not included by default but if you need to rent some ask for the kind of bike we may supply and its cost.
CLOTHES: Helmet, gloves, sunglasses, backpack 2lt capacity, fresh clothes. The jungle depending the season reaches 16°C to 35°C with possibility of rain, carrying a light windvest or raincoat is useful, weather can change quick. Don´t forget sunscreen.
Trip Facts:
TERRAIN: Gravel roads and paths, paved road sections.
ALTITUDES: Jungle valleys from 200m to 800m.
DIFFICULTY: Not difficult for climbing.
DISTANCES: An average of 40K to 70K per ride.
About the Trip:
The most part of this trip is considered to be ridden on gravel and paved roads.
Consider the heath, rain and wind as part of the adventure.
Transportation may partially support cyclists during the rides.
Book your trip
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.
Map is just a reference, track could be changed for external reasons or adapted for the level of the riders
