Tarapoto Pishurayacu Waterfall: Rainforest hike and hot springs

You cross a river on a traditional handmade raft built by locals.

A full-day rainforest tour from Tarapoto combines a 35-minute hike through jungle vegetation with a crossing on a traditional handmade raft, leading to San José's natural hot springs and nearby waterfalls where swimming is possible. Hotel pickup is included, and the tour returns by approximately 4:30 p.m. A Spanish-speaking guide leads the group. Moderate fitness is required for the hike and river crossing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rainforest hike and waterfall visit

• Hotel pickup in Tarapoto at 9:00 a.m.
• Travel to rainforest
• 35-minute hike through vegetation
• Descend wooden stairs
• Cross river on handmade raft
• Visit San José Hot Springs
• Relax and enjoy warm waters
• Visit nearby waterfalls
• Admire rock formations
• Swim in natural pools (if permitted)
• Return to Tarapoto by 4:30 p.m.

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup in Tarapoto around 9:00 a.m., then travels into the rainforest where a 35-minute hike takes you through dense vegetation and down wooden stairs. Along the way, your guide points out the local environment and wildlife. The hike culminates at a small river, which you cross on a traditional handmade raft: a moment that sets this tour apart from standard jungle walks. Safety measures are in place for the crossing.

After the raft crossing, you reach San José's natural hot springs, where you have free time to soak in the warm waters. The tour then continues to nearby waterfalls framed by unique rock formations. Weather and local conditions permitting, you can swim in the natural pools. Lunch is provided during the day, and air-conditioned transport carries you back to Tarapoto, arriving around 4:30 p.m.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup within Tarapoto.
• lunch.
• air-conditioned transportation for the full day.
• a Spanish-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (10 to 60 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Machupicchu Holiday

Is this one for you?Small groups work well for this tour since the handmade raft and jungle paths accommodate manageable numbers, and the mix of hiking, water crossing and hot springs suits travelers seeking a hands-on rainforest day rather than a passive sightseeing route.

Top questions

What is the handmade raft crossing like?

The raft is a traditional vessel built locally and crosses a small river as part of the hike route. Safety measures are followed during the crossing, and it is included as part of the full-day experience.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

Yes, swimming in the natural pools at the waterfalls is possible, though it depends on weather and local conditions on the day of your tour.

What time does the tour start and end?

Hotel pickup begins around 9:00 a.m., and the tour returns to Tarapoto by approximately 4:30 p.m., making it a full-day commitment.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included in the tour price, along with hotel pickup and air-conditioned transportation throughout the day.

What is San José's hot springs like?

San José is a natural hot springs area where you have free time to relax and enjoy the warm waters after the hike and raft crossing.