Tocache Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture of Tocache, Peru with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore museums and natural attractions, taste local dishes and beverages, and learn how to stay safe and healthy during your visit.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Tocache, Peru

Located in the San Martín region of Peru, Tocache is a small town with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. If you’re planning a trip to Peru, Tocache is a must-visit destination. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore all the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture of Tocache, Peru. Let’s dive in!

List of Places to Visit in Tocache

Tocache has something for everyone, and you won’t run out of places to explore during your visit. Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Tocache:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Museum of Tocache: This museum showcases the region’s history, culture, and traditions. The exhibits include ancient artifacts, artwork, and photographs.
  2. Santa Rosa de Lima Church: This beautiful church is an example of colonial architecture and is a must-visit for history buffs.
  3. Main Square: The center of town is a great place to see the local life and architecture.

Natural Attractions of Tocache: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Tocache River: This is a perfect place to go for a boat ride or kayaking.
  2. Tres Quebradas Waterfalls: A 30 meter set of falls in an awe-inspiring location engulfed by tropical forest
  3. Mirador del Bosque: A viewpoint located in the hills, allowing you to see the vast Amazonian jungle

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tocache

Tocache is a great destination for outdoor lovers. Here are some hiking/biking routes that you should try:

  1. Flor de Cafe Trail: This is a popular hiking trail that leads through the jungle and offers amazing views.
  2. La Culebra Trail: One of the most difficult hiking trails in Tocache with tropical forest, a river, and an incredible view at the end!

Best Things to Do in Tocache: Activities and Tours

  1. Visit Panguana Biological Station: This scientific station is home to over 400 bird species, and many other animals.
  2. Experience the night life in Tocache! Join a River Night Tour and catch some fish.
  3. Explore the Tocache Region: Tocache is located on the edge of the Amazon rainforest so join a jungle expedition for a day or more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tocache

To make the most out of your Tocache visit, consider the following one week itinerary:

Day Activities
1 Arrive in Tocache and spend the day exploring the town and visiting the main square
2 Take a guided tour of the Santa Rosa de Lima Church and then visit the Museum of Tocache
3 Visit Panguana Biological Station
4-5 Go on a jungle expedition or hike/bike the Flor de Cafe Trail
6 Take a boat ride or kayaking trip down the Tocache River
7 Shop for souvenirs in the local markets and relax in one of Tocache’s many restaurants and bars

Food and Drink Scene of Tocache

Tocache is known for its delicious food and drink! Here are some dishes and beverages that you must try:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Juane: This is a traditional dish made from rice, yucca, and meat, artfully wrapped in a bijao leaf.
  2. Tacacho con Cecina: Fried plantain mashed with pork or beef jerky in ball shape.
  3. Chontacuro: A kind of Amazonian caterpillar worm, which locals use in a variety of traditional dishes.

Local Beverages

  1. Cacique: A fermented corn beverage mixed with with pineapple or passionfruit is a must-try.
  2. Chicha: Another traditional fermented drink, made from corn.
  3. Peru’s famous beer, Cusqueña is also a popular choice for locals.

Where to Stay in Tocache: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tocache offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of our top picks:

  1. Casa de Piedra: Rustic guesthouse built in stone. Affordable and good location near the Main Square.
  2. Delta Lodge: One of the best hotels in Tocache, with a pool and restaurant.
  3. Grillos Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Tocache.

What to Buy in Tocache: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tocache is a great place to shop for handmade souvenirs and local products. Here are some of our favorites:

  1. Hand-woven fabrics: You can find a variety of handmade textiles from the region’s indigenous people.
  2. Jewelry: Little goldsmiths make beautiful pieces of jewelry with details of the jungle fauna in the streets of Tocache.
  3. Tropical Fruit Jams: Jams made directly from the fruit found in the jungle.

Local Culture and Customs of Tocache

One of the unique aspects of Tocache is its vibrant local culture! Here are some interesting facts and customs:

  1. Tocache celebrates its annual “Fiesta de San Juan” in June, an event that includes traditional music, dance, and food.
  2. The population is mostly made up of Quechua descendants, which is why the area has its own unique language.

Best Time to Visit Tocache

The best time to visit Tocache is during the dry season, from May to October. This will give you the best chance to enjoy outdoor activities without the inconvenience of rain.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tocache

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Tocache:

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and culture
  2. Dress appropriately when visiting churches or other religious sites
  3. Try the local food and drink!

Don’t:

  1. Engage in illegal activities, such as drug use or trafficking
  2. Go out alone in the night or in non-touristy areas
  3. Visit restricted or unmarked areas of the jungle without an experienced guide.

Safety and Health

As with any travel destination, it’s important to be aware of safety and health concerns when visiting Tocache. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Tocache

  1. Avoid walking alone, or isolated areas, especially at night
  2. Keep your valuables out of sight and avoid carrying them all with you at all times
  3. Stay vigilant and pay attention to your surroundings

Health in Tocache

  1. Drink bottled water or boil or disinfect it before drinking
  2. Apply insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they carry
  3. Be prepared for the tropical climate and stay hydrated

Getting to Tocache: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tocache is located about 670 kilometers north of Lima, the capital city of Peru. Here are some transportation options to consider when planning your trip:

Airports Near Tocache

The nearest airport to Tocache is the Tarapoto Airport, located 160 kilometers away. From there you can take a taxi or another vehicle that can take you directly to Tocache.

Bus Stations Near Tocache

Tocache Bus Station is centrally located in the city and can be reached via buses from major cities in Peru including Lima, Trujillo, and Tarapoto.

Other Options

There are also regional flights available directly into Tocache through several of Peru’s many airlines and Tocache has its own little airport.

How to Get Around in Tocache

Getting around in Tocache is easy and affordable. Most attractions are located in walking distance.

Where to Go Next from Tocache: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re planning a longer trip to Peru, here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  1. Rio Abiseo National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that features incredible biodiversity and is home to many endangered species.
  2. Tarapoto: A small city filled with charming colonial architecture, museums, restaurants, and other attractions

Conclusion

Tocache is a beautiful, culturally rich destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, local culture, or just a relaxing getaway, Tocache is the perfect destination. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Tocache, Peru!