The city of Tarapoto, located in the northern part of Peru, possesses a rich and multi-layered history. Although its official foundation dates back to the late 18th century, these lands were inhabited long before the arrival of Europeans. Initially, representatives of ancient cultures such as the Pocras and Chancas resided here, who were later subjugated by the Inca Empire. The official date of the city's founding is considered to be 20 August 1782, when the Spanish bishop Baltasar Martínez Jiménez de Compañón established a settlement named Santa Cruz de los Motilones de Tarapoto. According to one version, the city received its modern name thanks to the "taraputus" palms that grew in abundance near the local lagoons.
A key factor in the rise of Tarapoto was its strategic geographical location. The city is situated in the so-called "high jungle" — the foothills of the Andes, in a picturesque valley where the Mayo and Cumbaza rivers merge. This made it a natural trading and logistical hub for the San Martín region, contributing to its rapid growth. Thanks to its location and lush tropical nature, Tarapoto earned the unofficial title of the "City of Palms" and eventually became the most populous city in the region, surpassing even its administrative centre, Moyobamba.
The early economy of Tarapoto was closely linked to the region's natural resources. The main activities were agriculture, specifically the cultivation of tobacco and cotton, as well as timber harvesting. The city's cultural identity was shaped by several waves of influence. Initially, these were indigenous communities fleeing the Incas and settling in these valleys. Later, their culture blended with the traditions of Spanish settlers, creating a unique local character. Today, Tarapoto is an important economic and tourist centre of the Peruvian Amazon, attracting travellers with its nature, history, and distinctive culture.