Lamas

Founded in 1656, Lamas, which is 22 kilometers (13.7 mi) from Tarapoto, is one of the oldest towns in the Peruvian jungle. Located at 1,000 meters (3,281 ft) above sea level, at the top of a hill, this town’s most interesting characteristic is the position of its terraces. They say that the first floor belonged to the Chancas who came from the south, the second story to the mestizos, and the third level was used as a lookout. Today, they maintain this division between the Indians, the Lamistas, and population of mixed races, who celebrate their patron saints separately. In spite of its jungle location, the town has the structure of a highland village, probably due to the origin of its inhabitants. The Wayku neighborhood is populated by descendents of the fierce Chanca Indians, who maintain their traditional ancestral customs.

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Other places nearby Lamas: Tarapoto, Yurimaguas, Santa Rosa, Moyobamba and Iquitos.