The nearest road access is in Yurimaguas, situated 90 km (56 miles) to the south.

The settlement of Santiago de Lagunas was established in 1670 by a priest, Juan Lorenzo Lucero.

Lagunas District is home to members of the Kokama and Chayahuita indigenous groups.

Lagunas is located 12 km (7.5 miles) from Ranger Station 8 (PV8) of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

It is therefore a starting point to explore the north-western section of the Reserve.