25 miles from Tarapoto lies the city of Lamas, capital of the Province of the same name located on a mountain overlooking the valley of Tarapoto. Lamas is the center of the Quechua-Lamista culture which is dispersed in small villages throughout the Province. The Quechua-Lamista culture is the third largest indigenous group in Peru with a population over 50,000.

According to legends, the Quechua-Lamistas are descended from the Chancas Indians who at one time rivaled the Incas in controlling the Andes highlands. After a fierce battle near Cusco the Chancas were defeated by the Inca Pachacutec where on they fled north to the area now called San Martin. Today they maintain their Quechua language, traditions, and culture.

The Lamistas are known for their capacity as artists making items for daily use, especially ceramics and articles woven from cotton. They often use a pre-Colombian native cotton that grows in three colors in San Martin, a brown cotton, a beige, and a white cotton. Other colors are made from local plants.

Traveling 36 kms. from Tarapoto to the Huallaga River and the 16km further on you will reach the Sauce Lagoon, known as "Laguna Azul" (Blue Lagoon). Originally the lake's name was Laguna de Saucicocha due to the proliferate medicinal plant "sauce" (willow).

The lagoon was created as a result of a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago and its history is abundant in traditions and legends. Two-star and three-star hostels are located at the lake and its waters are well-known for fishing, sailing, and an abundance of nature attractions.

Activities from Tarapoto include river-rafting and canoe adventures on the Mayo River, visits to Aahuashiyacu Falls and the Lamas Village, and excursions to the Moyabamba Orchid Gardens.

Tarapoto is a perfect destination for jungle adventures that allows an overland passage onward to Chachapoyas and the Kuelap Fortess.