The Amazonian Culture of San Roque de Cumbaza and Lamas

Following breakfast (8 to 9 am), a gentle one-hour walk up a gentle slope will lead us to the boundaries of the Chunchiwi Native Community. This region, akin to several other rural communities in Peru, spans across a large area with low population density. Basic modern amenities such as electricity are noticeably absent, while the inhabitants utilize locally-sourced, natural materials as their primary means of housing.

During our journey, we’ll visit Indanal, a quaint sector inhabited by merely four families. One cannot miss their vibrant attire, especially the women’s. They speak a local dialect of Quechua and are known for their unique art, providing the perfect gateway for social interaction.

At Petrona’s place (around 10 am), you get to select your preferred crafting activity – learn textiles or pottery by making either a ‘chumbe’ or a ‘tiesto’. It doesn’t matter which you choose, as both options include an introductory workshop. Come and explore your creative side!

For lunch, we will go back to San Roque’s downtown (by 1 pm).

Then (around 3 pm), Segunda and her husband Santos are bringing us something finger-licking good this afternoon – chocolate! Get ready for a delicious treat. Experience the whole cacao-making process on-site, from harvesting the beans from the pod (depending on the season) to fermentation, drying, grinding, and chocolate candy production. You’ll savor your sweets infused with the local flavors of coconut, mocambo (a cacao relative), sacha inchi (inca nut), and honey.

NOTE: The availability of fresh cacao hinges on the season. But even if you arrive too late, you can still partake in later phases of the process to achieve the same results. Alternatively, coffee production activities are available, but the restrictions remain the same. It all comes down to what takes your fancy.

Free night with dinner included.

Located atop a mountain, Lamas boasts stunning landscapes as is set against the Cerro Escalera and the majestic Cordillera Azul mountain range and a climate that’s nothing less than delightful. It stands out as a unique destination, perfect in every way and the Kichwa people, from the nearby native communities, call it home. 

First we will enter “The House of the Working Woman”, an artisan center that serves as a vibrant hub for preserving ancestral knowledge. Initially established by women to showcase and sell their traditional crafts, it has now evolved into a space where both male and female artisans from the indigenous Kichwa Wuayku community come together to exchange their expertise and exhibit their meticulously handcrafted creations. The center boasts a diverse range of offerings, including an interpretation room, immersive workshops dedicated to ceramics, textiles, and jewelry, as well as a dedicated exhibition and sales area. These exquisite ceramics and textiles hold significant cultural value and are revered as national treasures, capturing the local inhabitants’ profound interpretation of life and the world that surrounds them. 

Please note that in the event the previous activity cannot take place, we will instead have the opportunity to visit the Chanka Museum. A remarkable exhibit that provides valuable insights into the origins of the Quechuan-Amazonian culture, a living heritage of Peruvian history.

Another great way to experience Lamas is by simply sitting back on one of the benches in the main square and watching the daily lives of the local ‘lamistas’ unfold before you. This is the perfect way to soak in the rich flavors and quaint charm of this lovely town.

Once lunchtime arrives, we’ll take you to a place that not only serves up delicious, traditional cuisine, but also provides unbeatable panoramic views. You’ll see!

Next, we’ll descend toward the Huayco Native Community, where we’ll explore its artisan workshops located around a charming and unique square. Consider this the perfect opportunity to obtain original, one-of-a-kind souvenirs if you’re drawn to handicrafts.

As a farewell tradition (from 6 to 7 pm), we’ll savor a cup of locally sourced coffee, and indulge in dinner. This will take place at a business that is socially responsible, and by buying from them, we support their noble goals. A great way to contribute to something positive whilst enjoying ourselves.

Then, we will drive you and drop you off at Tarapoto’s airport or your preferred location in town.

Not at all! The hike on day 2 lasts only an hour and, although uphill, it’s a gentle slope. It’s scheduled for the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.

No, they don’t. But a bilingual guide will be with you at all times.

This is a private excursion that will be enjoyed by just you, your family, or the friends in your group.

The only entrance fee during this tour is for the the House of the Working Woman or the Chanka Museum and it is already included in the cost of the package.

Find more info about climates in Peru in our blog “Best Time to Travel to Peru“. 

Unfortunately, that is not likely, unless re-planning the itinerary (when the workshops take place) or incur more logistics (at your expense). This is due to the pottery requiring ample time to dry and then further duration in the oven, while weavings are relatively time-intensive and can only be completed after your departure, with the artisan finishing them for you. In such cases, you are welcome to select any pre-existing piece that was crafted by previous travelers. While we understand it is not the same, we trust that you will appreciate the possibilities available.

You may coordinate with your host, Patricia, to rearrange the itinerary so that you can try to obtain your own pieces before departing. Or if you head out before the pieces are ready, but still have a trustworthy address within the country, they can be sent to you.

If you’re interested in starting the tour earlier, you can! – 7 AM, to be precise.

Shoot us an enquiry using the [pink] booking box, and let us know your thoughts. We’ll be more than happy to customize the tour for you, meaning that we will reorganize the order of activities based on your starting time.

Please refer to our article What to Pack for your Trip to Peru for all your questions about packing for your Peru trip. Whether you’re going to the jungle or the mountains, you’ll find the answers you need. You can also download a full Packing List for free. 

Visit a travel doctor who can give you professional advice on what vaccinations may be necessary. But if you go into the Tarapoto area, a yellow fever shot is recommended.

Not necessarily, unless you have a Peruvian SIM card on your smartphone and purchase a data package for navigation. The best service providers in the area are Claro and Entel. In certain situations, your tour host may allow you to use her mobile hotspot.

In case you would have to cancel the reservation, we unfortunately need to charge you costs which we can not get back. We ask you for your understanding. These are the conditions:

– By canceling your trip 31 days or more before arrival: Impactful Travel charges 0% of the total amount.
– By canceling your trip 30-15 days before arrival: Impactful Travel charges 50% of the total amount.
– By canceling 14-7 days before arrival: Impactful Travel charges 75% of the total amount.
– By canceling 6-0 days before arrival: Impactful Travel charges 100% of the total amount.

In case of force majeure or unexpected events before or during the trip (accidents, strikes, climatological circumstances, earthquakes or other natural phenomena, safety conditions, political factors, denial of entry permits or visas, legal affairs of the traveler, health matters, etc.), Impactful Travel may modify, replace or cancel itineraries, dates, flights, hotels, optional services, which is accepted by the passenger with purchasing the services.

Impactful Travel will try its best to have your trip continue as planned. We will refund you within our possibilities and policies of providers involved in the organization of your trip. In case those circumstances lead to additional costs, those have to be covered by you or your travel insurance. We will obviously do our best to keep additional costs to a minimum.

This is a tricycle-style vehicle designed to accommodate up to three passengers. It consists of a motorcycle combined with a cart that features a seating area for passengers and a rear space for conveniently transporting items such as luggage.