II. Geography and Environment

Location and Physical Characteristics

It is located north of the department of San Martín, between the meridians 76°43' and 77°38' west longitude and the parallels 5°09' and 06°01' south latitude. The province of Moyobamba covers an area of 3,772.31 km², with sandy-clay and sedimentary soils. It is located in the seismic belt of northeastern Peru, with risks of liquefaction and landslides, especially in areas such as Recodo, Lluyllucucha, Azungue, and Tahuishco.

It is divided into six districts: Moyobamba, Calzada, Habana, Jepelacio, Soritor, and Yantaló. The climate is temperate and humid subtropical (22°C average).

The Mayo River, a tributary of the Huallaga River, flows for 300 km and forms the Alto Mayo Valley. Other important bodies of water include Laguna Sauce and Laguna Onercocha.

Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna

It is known as the "City of Orchids" for its nearly 1,000 native species, such as the Phragmipedium peruvianum , celebrated at the Orchid Festival. It also has species such as Christmas cactus, guava, mahogany, begonias, gardenia, and others.

The fauna includes the cock-of-the-rock, jaguar, San Martin stump monkey (endangered), anteater, collared peccary, ronsoco and numerous birds such as endemic hummingbirds.