Location
Chazuta (View Map), a district of San Martin Province (View Map), is located at 41 kilometers from Tarapoto. It is the entrance to the Lower Huallaga and in the center of two conservation areas: the Cordillera Azul National Park and the Cerro Escalera Regional Conservation Area.
Ecosystem
Chazuta has a warm and humid climate. The temperature varies from 24 to 26 degrees C. Rainfall ranges from 1400 – 2000 mm. Nearly 77% of its territory is composed of Areas of Protection and Conservation due to its biodiversity in fauna and forests.
History and Tradition
Chazuta, a quechua word, derives from the ethnic group that settled in the left bank of the Huallaga River during the XV to XVIII centuries.
From its origins till the present day, the Chazuta people speak quechua. They preserve their rich cultural expressions in their ceramic works and dances - the Shitareo one of its most representative.
MYTHICAL ORIGINS
This is one of the stories told from generation to generation:
Many, many years ago, men with wings on their shoulders and feet arrived in Chazuta. All of them were wizards. One day becoming aware that savage tribes were approaching, they sought refuge in Lake Lluichococha o Lluyllucucha. This Lake was considered unaccesible and it was said to be enchanted, only deer went there to drink water. They settled down and lived there in safety.
Time went by, and the Lake and its surroundings were forgotten. Until one day a group of Cuscauzo indians, in search of a place to live, arrived there. They found the Lake charming and beautiful. So they decided to establish their homes there, work the land and go hunting and fishing. The settlement was named Causcazo. They lived there till a bellicose tribe, the Maucallactas, made them leave. The new inhabitants renamed the place as Chazutayacu..
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Natural sites: Tununtunumba waterfall, the Sulphur Baths of Chazutayacu, Achinamiza Thermal Baths, the Chumia and Vaquero Rapids.
Cultural attractions: Native dances and the traditional potters, whose works are considered the best in the San Martin region.
Archaelogical findings: ancient funeral urns exhibited in the In situ Museum located at the Plaza de Armas; the Museum of the Municipality of Chazuta and the Museum of the Wasichay Cultural Center.. |
