San Martín Province

San Martín Province is an administrative region in northern Peru comprising fourteen districts and covering approximately 5,600 square kilometers. Its capital, Tarapoto, sits within the upper Amazon rainforest region and serves as the province's main commercial and transport hub.

The province was named after José de San Martín, an Argentine general who led South American independence movements against Spanish colonial rule during the 19th century. The region gradually developed into a trade center within the eastern Amazon zone as settlements expanded.

Local cuisine features dishes like Juane, rice and chicken wrapped in bijao leaves, and Tacacho made with roasted plantains, both central to daily meals and celebrations. These foods reflect how communities here use local ingredients in their everyday cooking.

The main access point is Tarapoto Airport, which offers regular flights connecting to major Peruvian cities and serves as the primary entry for visitors. Most travelers arrive this way since it provides the most direct route into the region.

The Huallaga River flows through the province, shaping valleys that support cultivation of coffee, cacao, and tropical fruits. This waterway greatly influences local landscapes and the rhythm of agricultural communities that depend on these crops.

Location: San Martin Department

Capital city: Tarapoto

Shares border with: Lamas Province, Picota Province, Alto Amazonas Province, Requena Province, Ucayali Province

GPS coordinates: -6.48889,-76.36194

Latest update: December 20, 2025 02:31