Explore Iquitos

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Iquitos

• High Water Season (Dec–May):

  • Rainy season, but rivers are high — perfect for boat access into flooded forest areas.

  • Best for river cruises and canoeing through jungle canopy.

• Low Water Season (June–November):

  • Dryer, more walking trails accessible; ideal for wildlife spotting and jungle trekking.

  • Slightly hotter and more humid.

🌿 Best overall months: May–July (transitional period with balance of accessibility and wildlife activity).

✈️ How to Get There

• By Air:

  • Direct flights from Lima (approx. 2 hrs) and Tarapoto.

  • Airport: Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport (IQT)

• By River:

  • Multi-day boat trip from Pucallpa or Yurimaguas via the Amazon River (for adventurers only).

🚫 No road access connects Iquitos to the rest of Peru — everything arrives by plane or boat.

🏛️ Top Attractions

1. Belen Market & Floating Village

   • Bustling jungle market with exotic fruits, herbal medicines, and Amazonian fish.

   • Nearby stilted homes float on the river during high-water months.

2. Plaza de Armas & Casa de Fierro

   • Central square surrounded by colonial buildings; Casa de Fierro was designed by Eiffel himself.

3. Quistococha Zoo & Lagoon

   • Local zoo with Amazonian species and a sandy lagoon for swimming.

4. Amazon Rescue Center (CREA)

   • A wildlife rehabilitation center helping manatees and other rescued animals.

5. Museum of Indigenous Cultures

   • Great overview of the Amazon’s native tribes, history, and spiritual beliefs.

🏞️ Activities To Do

• Amazon Jungle Lodge Stay

  • Stay in eco-lodges (like Muyuna, Pacaya Samiria, or Heliconia) for guided treks, piranha fishing, and night safaris.

• River Cruise on the Amazon

  • Luxury or budget cruises that explore remote areas and wildlife habitats.

• Wildlife spotting

  • Look for pink dolphins, monkeys, macaws, sloths, capybaras, and more.

• Kayaking or canoeing

  • Explore flooded forests, hidden lagoons, and tranquil jungle waterways.

• Shamanic ceremonies & plant medicine (ayahuasca)

  • Offered in retreats — spiritual, healing experiences led by trained shamans (research and caution highly recommended).

• Visit native communities

  • Learn about local traditions, crafts, and community life along the Amazon tributaries.

🛏️ Accommodation

Budget:

• Hospedaje La Pascana – Basic, clean, and central.

• Hotel Marfil del Amazonas – Simple and affordable.

Mid-Range:

• Nativa Apartments – Great service and comfort.

• Victoria Regia Hotel – Convenient location and pool.

Luxury:

• Amazon Eco-Lodges:

  • Muyuna Lodge – Deep jungle stay, wildlife-rich area.

  • Ceiba Tops – Closer to Iquitos, with AC and a pool.

  • Delfin Amazon Cruises – Luxury cruise with fine dining and excursions.

🍽️ Food and Restaurants

Local Dishes to Try:

• Juane: Chicken, rice, and spices wrapped in bijao leaves.

• Tacacho con cecina: Fried plantain balls with smoked pork.

• Paiche: Giant Amazonian fish, grilled or fried.

• Chonta salad: Made from palm heart.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Al Frío y al Fuego – Floating restaurant with fresh seafood and Amazonian flavors.

• Dawn on the Amazon Café – Healthy meals, juices, and riverside views.

• Ikiitu – Fusion cuisine, modern take on traditional ingredients.

• El Sitio – Casual, lively, good local eats.

🎭 Local Culture

• Language: Spanish is the main language; many people also speak indigenous dialects like Yagua or Bora in the surrounding communities.

• Festivals:

  • Fiesta de San Juan (June 24): Celebrates the patron saint of the Amazon. People picnic on the riverbanks and eat juane.

  • Carnaval Amazónico (February): Water fights, music, dancing, and jungle-inspired floats.

• Artisan Crafts:

  • Handwoven baskets, seed jewelry, blowguns, and wood carvings sold at local markets.

• Lifestyle:

  • Iquitos is a mix of urban jungle energy and laid-back Amazonian rhythm, with motorcycles buzzing by colonial mansions and riverboats carrying life down the water.

Booking information