Alto Mayo Valley tour: River, orchids, thermal baths

River, orchids, and hot springs in one Alto Mayo day

This full-day tour from Tarapoto covers the Alto Mayo Valley's main draws: the Tio Yacu River, an orchid nursery in Moyobamba housing 1,500 varieties, the San Mateo Thermal Baths, and a stop at Chacra Vieja estate for regional lunch and local crafts. Hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, entrance fees, and a professional Spanish-speaking guide are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Alto Mayo Valley highlights

• Pickup from Tarapoto hotel
• Travel to Tio Yacu River source
• Visit Tio Yacu River area
• Go to Chacra Vieja center
• Taste typical drinks and buy crafts
• Enjoy typical regional lunch
• Visit Moyobamba orchidarium
• Admire orchids with guide
• Return to Tarapoto hotel

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup in Tarapoto and a two-hour drive north to Rioja, where the Tio Yacu River begins. The river is the first stop: a chance to swim in the clear water and take in the landscape of waterfalls and lush vegetation that define the Alto Mayo Protected Area. After the river, the route moves to Chacra Vieja, a historic estate where you taste artisanal jungle spirits and browse local handicrafts before sitting down to a set regional lunch with fresh ingredients.

The afternoon centers on Moyobamba's orchidarium, a nursery holding 1,500 orchid varieties in different shapes and colors. A professional guide walks you through the collection. If any catch your eye, you can buy one to take home. The thermal baths at San Mateo come next: warm, mineral-rich water where you can soak before the return drive to Tarapoto. The full itinerary takes twelve hours door-to-door, so plan the rest of your day around an early morning start and late afternoon return.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from central Tarapoto.
• air-conditioned transport for the full day.
• entrance fees to the Tio Yacu River, orchidarium, and thermal baths.
• a professional guide who speaks Spanish.
• a regional lunch with fresh local ingredients.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tangol

Is this one for you?At twelve hours round-trip, this tour fills most of a day and leaves little room for other activities in Tarapoto itself. If your schedule has only a morning or afternoon free, a shorter local excursion would fit better. This one is built for travelers with a full day to spend in the Alto Mayo Valley.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.

What is the Tio Yacu River like when we get there?

The Tio Yacu River is the source of its namesake river in the Alto Mayo Protected Area, known for crystal-clear water set against waterfalls and dense vegetation. You'll swim here as the first stop after the two-hour drive from Tarapoto.

How many orchid varieties are in the Moyobamba nursery?

Moyobamba's orchidarium holds 1,500 orchid varieties in different shapes and colors. The Alto Mayo Protected Area itself is home to around 300 registered orchid species, and a professional guide leads you through the collection.

Is the lunch menu fixed, or can I choose what I eat?

The lunch menu is set in advance. If you want to change dishes, that adjustment costs extra and you pay it on the day of the tour.

Do I need to bring anything for the river and thermal baths?

Bring swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and a towel. The thermal baths are warm year-round, and the river is cold and clear.

What time does the tour start and end?

Hotel pickup happens in the morning from centrally located Tarapoto hotels. The full tour runs twelve hours, so you'll return to your hotel in the late afternoon.