Blue Lagoon Full Day Tour from Tarapoto: Rainforest & Swim

The lagoon's warm water comes from an inactive volcano beneath it.

A full-day tour from Tarapoto combines hotel pickup, a two-hour drive south through rainforest to the Sauce district, a ferry crossing of the Huallaga River, and a guided motorboat tour of Blue Lagoon: a warm freshwater lake ringed by jungle where you swim and eat lunch on the shore. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a Spanish-speaking guide, and regional food. Optional activities like kayaking and horseback riding are available for an extra cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

Blue Lagoon full day tour

• Hotel pickup in Tarapoto
• Drive to Sauce district
• Stop at Punta de Gallinazo viewpoint
• Cross Huallaga River ferry
• Boat tour on Blue Lagoon
• Swim and relax by the lake
• Optional activities: kayak, zipline, horse riding, jet ski
• Enjoy local regional lunch
• Return drive to Tarapoto
• Drop off at hotel

The experience

The day starts with pickup at your Tarapoto hotel and a two-hour drive south toward Sauce, climbing through green woods and crossing the Huallaga River. A stop at Punta de Gallinazo viewpoint frames the river and the Amazon jungle spreading across San Martín region before the road descends to the lagoon itself. The freshwater stays warm year-round because of geothermal activity from the inactive volcano underneath: warm enough to swim safely without concern.

Once you reach the lake, a motorboat carries you across the water surrounded by local fauna and dense forest. After an hour on the water, the boat pulls in at a beach where you have time to swim, relax on the banks, and decide whether to add optional activities like kayaking, zipline, or horseback riding. Lunch, regional dishes prepared locally, arrives at the water's edge, and you eat with the lagoon in view. The return journey retraces the route back to Tarapoto, with drop-off at your hotel by late afternoon.

A Spanish-speaking guide travels with the group and handles logistics throughout. The vehicle is air-conditioned for the long drive, and the itinerary builds in enough downtime at the lagoon that you're not rushed through the swimming or the meal. Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear and a towel. The menu at lunch is set, though menu changes can be arranged on-site for an additional charge.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tarapoto.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the full journey.
• professional Spanish-speaking guide.
• ferry crossing of the Huallaga River.
• motorboat tour of Blue Lagoon.
• regional lunch served by the water.
• swimming time at the lagoon beach.

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 24 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 effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tangol

Is this one for you?At ten hours door-to-door, this tour fills most of a day but leaves your morning free for other activities in Tarapoto or your evening open for dinner elsewhere. If you need a shorter outing or want to combine it with another experience, a full-day commitment may not fit your schedule.

Top questions

Can children come?

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

How far is Blue Lagoon from Tarapoto, and how long does the drive take?

Blue Lagoon lies in the Sauce district, 32 miles south of Tarapoto. The drive takes about two hours and crosses the Huallaga River, passing through rainforest and stopping at Punta de Gallinazo viewpoint along the way.

Can I swim in Blue Lagoon, and is the water safe?

Yes, the freshwater is warm and safe to swim in because it sits above an inactive volcano. The lagoon is also suitable for sport fishing if you bring your own gear.

What happens during the boat tour of the lagoon?

A motorboat takes you across Blue Lagoon for about an hour, surrounded by woods and local wildlife. The boat then stops at a beach where you can swim, relax on the shore, and enjoy lunch served right by the water.

Are activities like kayaking and horseback riding included?

Kayaking, zipline, horseback riding and jet ski are optional and available at the lagoon for an additional cost, paid on the day. They are not part of the standard tour package.

What is included in the lunch, and can I request changes?

Regional cuisine is served at the lagoon. The menu is pre-selected, but changes can be arranged on-site for an extra charge payable at that time.