San Juan gives a trip to Soritor a specific timeframe: the tradition spans June 24 and 25 and brings together a procession, customs, and local dishes. The town also has historical landmarks and gathering places; farther afield in the district, waterfalls and river excursions offer scenic experiences.

San Juan: Two Days, Different Customs

On June 24, the festival includes a 1.5-kilometer procession early in the morning from the Plaza de Armas to the Tangumí ravine. On June 25, the traditional Umsha tree-cutting through the city streets is part of San Juan Chico. In Soritor District, San Juan Grande and San Juan Chico are celebrated on June 24 and 25, respectively. The extension of the festival to two days dates back to the 1930s.

There is also a separate custom in early June: residents fly kites in the morning mist and cool winds. During San Juan, residents go to the Tangomí River at dawn to receive the blessing of San Juan. Festivities also included group outings to the Tonchima and Ochque rivers.

Food and Festival Traditions

Preparations for San Juan in Soritor include Juane, Chicha, and Mistela. San Juan Chico on June 25 in Soritor District includes traditional competitions and demonstrations of how Juane and drinks are prepared. Tasting local drinks and buying typical sweets are also part of the festival tradition. If you are planning your trip around San Juan, check the latest festival dates and program in advance.

Plaza de Armas and Routes Around Town

In the afternoon, the Plaza de Armas is a place to relax and a meeting point for young people and adults. From there, Parque Recreacional Pozo Grande is accessible via a 400-meter paved route that takes three minutes. As travel conditions may change, check the route before your visit.

The Skaywar recreational center is also easy to reach from the plaza: the mototaxi ride takes five minutes, although travel time may vary. Skaywar has a swimming pool and areas for walking. Check whether the facility is currently open before visiting.

Historical Traces of the Old Church

The old church in Soritor had an ornately carved Baroque-style main altar by Esteban Yalta. San Felipe and the Virgen del Carmen stood on the altar. The church walls were made of rammed earth and were more than a meter thick. The old church also had a 1.20-meter-tall baptismal font made of plaster and egg yolk. These details offer different insights into the former building: its finely crafted altar, its massive construction, and an unusual material for the baptismal font.

Waterfall and Walks in the District

The eight-meter-high Cascada Aguas Calientes de Soritor is in Soritor District. It is formed by the mixing of water from the Quebrada of the same name with 40°C thermal mineral water that emerges there. Activities associated with the waterfall include swimming and ecological walks. The district therefore offers a scenic highlight alongside the festival traditions and historical landmarks in town. The occasions for visiting are distinct when planning your trip: San Juan follows the festival dates in June, while the Cascada and walks showcase the district’s natural side.

For the broader travel overview: Moyobamba Province.