Lagunas on the Huallaga: River and Wetlands

Lagunas lies on the right bank of the Río Huallaga and near the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. The town offers a clear geographical reference point on the river and a starting point for getting to know the natural and waterside landscapes of the surrounding area. If you are looking for a holiday rental, your planned activities may be the deciding factor: river trips, canoe excursions and guided hikes lead through different landscapes and require different routes.

Waterscapes in Lagunas District

Cocha Lagunas lies in Lagunas District on the left bank of the Río Huallaga. It is connected to the river by the approximately 8 km-long Caño Paranapura; during the winter season, it can be reached by canoe. Access depends on seasonal water levels. The cocha is semi-elongated, more than 8 km long and over 500 m wide at the channel. Its water is black and calm.

Cocha Achual Tipishca, also located in the district, has a different shape: it is horseshoe-shaped, more than 5 km long and about 500 m wide at the channel. Its water is also black and calm. Comparing the two cochas makes the differences tangible: one is an elongated lagoon, the other horseshoe-shaped; their stated dimensions give an impression of their respective sizes without making the bodies of water seem alike.

Wetlands and activities near Tibilio

In the nearby Tibilio sector of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the focus is on immersive ecotourism in flooded aguajal forests. Canoe trips allow visitors to observe flora and fauna and learn about Amazonian wetland ecosystems. For families who want to make observing nature a shared focus, these are practical considerations for planning a trip.

The Tibilio tourist route runs through the Quebrada de Tibilo along roads and trails, but mostly along waterways. It includes trips in lightweight canoes and guided hikes. At Tibilo Pastocha, visitors travel along the Quebrada de Tibilo in small canoes and stay overnight in camps. Confirm the camping arrangements before departure. To visit the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, you must use the services of SERNANP-authorized tour operators or local tourism groups. Check the current list of authorized providers before your trip.

Lagunas as a starting point

Access to the Tibilio sector is from the town of Lagunas, which is also the main location for tourist activities in this sector. Access regulations may change seasonally; check the conditions before departure.

For the river connection between the port of Yurimaguas and the port of Lagunas, 170 km and five hours by speedboat are given as a guideline. Actual travel time depends on river conditions. From the port of Lagunas to the Tibilio ranger station, a paved gravel road runs for 15 km; the journey by mototaxi is estimated to take one hour. This travel time depends on road and river conditions. These figures refer to different routes and modes of transport, so do not plan them as a single journey time.

Historical background

A 2021 historical account by the Loreto Regional Government describes Lagunas as an old town in Alto Amazonas Province, Loreto Region, and states that it was founded 351 years earlier. This connects today’s focus on the river and wetlands with the town’s long history.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: San Jerónimo, Francisco De Orellana, Nauta, San Regis, Sucusari, Shapajilla, Paraíso, Yarina.

For the main travel overview: Loreto.