Iquitos, a unique city located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, offers its visitors a combination of natural landscapes, culture, and rich biodiversity that make it a fascinating tourist destination. Below, I present the best plans to enjoy this place to the fullest.
1. Sail the Amazon River
Iquitos is located on the banks of the Amazon River, the largest and longest river in the world. One of the most popular activities is to take a boat or motorboat ride along the Amazon and explore its many natural wonders. During the tour, you can observe pink dolphins (a species unique to the Amazon), as well as exotic birds, and enjoy jungle landscapes. In addition, there are cruises that offer multi-day experiences, in which you can immerse yourself in the jungle and discover exotic species and native communities.
2. Visit the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, known as the "jungle of mirrors" due to its lagoons and rivers that reflect the sky, is one of the most spectacular ecological destinations in Peru. In this reserve, visitors can see animals such as monkeys, jaguars, anacondas, caimans and a great diversity of birds. The reserve offers the opportunity to camp, take guided walks with experts in local fauna and flora, and interact with local communities that live in harmony with nature.
3. Explore the Belén neighborhood
The Belén neighborhood is known as the “Venice of the Amazon” due to its houses built on wooden stilts that float during the rainy season. During the dry season, the area turns into a bustling open-air market where visitors can buy local produce, handicrafts, and traditional food. In Belén, you can find a wide variety of medicinal plants, exotic fruits, and a mix of unique flavors that represent the Amazonian culture.
4. Visit the Belén Market and Amazonian Gastronomy
The Belén market is one of the most vibrant places in Iquitos, where you can experience the daily life of the city. At this market, you will find a wide variety of products from the region, from fresh fish such as paiche and dorado, to Amazonian fruits such as camu camu, aguaje and copoazú. In addition, the gastronomy of Iquitos is unique in Peru, as it mixes Amazonian flavors with exotic ingredients such as cecina (smoked meat) and juane (a dish made from rice and meat wrapped in bijao leaves). Be sure to try tacacho con cecina, inchicapi (a chicken soup with peanuts) and refreshing masato.
5. Discover the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm and Animal Rescue Center
Pilpintuwasi, which means “House of Butterflies” in Quechua, is a butterfly farm and animal rescue center located on the outskirts of Iquitos. This place is ideal for those who want to learn about the biodiversity of the Amazon and see a variety of butterflies at different stages of development up close. In addition, the center also houses animals rescued from illegal hunting and trafficking, such as monkeys, sloths, and ocelots, making Pilpintuwasi an educational and conservation space for all ages.
6. Take a trip to Lake Quistococha
Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Iquitos is Lake Quistococha, an ecological park that includes a zoo, a lake, and an artificial beach where visitors can relax and swim. This park is ideal for those looking for a more relaxed experience without straying too far from the city. You can walk along trails surrounded by vegetation, see typical Amazonian animals, and enjoy the tranquility of the lake. Additionally, Quistococha is a good place for a picnic and bird watching.
7. Explore the Amazon Museum
For those who want to learn about the culture and indigenous communities of the Amazon, the Amazon Museum is a must-see. This museum houses a collection of sculptures and artifacts depicting the customs and life of the different ethnic groups that inhabit the Amazon region, such as the Yaguas, Boras, and Huitotos. In addition, the museum is located in a historic building from the rubber boom era, making it an important site both culturally and historically.
8. Take a Jungle Adventure Tour
For the more adventurous, Iquitos offers a wide range of tours that include activities such as jungle walks, wildlife watching, piranha fishing, and even spending a night in cabins or hammocks in the middle of the jungle. These tours, guided by local experts, allow you to delve into the dense vegetation of the Amazon and have closer contact with nature. It is an excellent opportunity to disconnect and experience life in the jungle in a safe way.
9. Visit the Iron House
Located in the Plaza de Armas, the Casa de Fierro is one of the most iconic buildings in Iquitos and was designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel. Although Iquitos is located in the middle of the jungle, the rubber boom in the 19th century attracted a large number of foreign investors, and the Casa de Fierro is a testament to that era. Built of iron, it stands out for its unusual design and architecture for the region, and has become a symbol of history and European influence in the city.
10. Visit the Iquitos Manatee Rescue Center
Located just a few kilometers from the city, the Manatee Rescue Center is an organization dedicated to the conservation of manatees, an endangered species in the Amazon. Here, visitors can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation work of these animals, as well as see the manatees up close as they are cared for before being released into their natural habitat. The center also offers information about the importance of protecting manatees and other animals in the Amazon, making it an excellent plan for families and nature lovers.
11. Take a Night Excursion Through the Jungle
The Amazon rainforest changes completely when night falls, and a night tour allows you to experience this transformation. During the tour, you will be able to see nocturnal animals, such as tarantulas, bats, frogs and some reptiles that come out of their hiding places when night falls. This experience, which is usually done with specialized guides, is one of the most exciting ways to observe the Amazon's fauna and better understand how this ecosystem works.
12. Live the Experience of an Ayahuasca Center
For those seeking a spiritual experience, Iquitos offers retreats using ayahuasca, a sacred plant used by indigenous communities in the Amazon in healing rituals. These retreat centers are led by shamans who have a deep knowledge of ayahuasca and its effects. It is important to do your research before choosing a center and follow safety recommendations, as consuming ayahuasca involves an intense experience that must be carried out with respect and responsibility.
Iquitos is a magical and diverse destination that offers experiences for all tastes, from jungle adventure to exploring its culture and history. With these activities, you can immerse yourself in the richness of the Peruvian Amazon and take home unforgettable memories of this region. Whether you are looking to unwind, explore biodiversity, learn about indigenous communities or simply relax, Iquitos has something special waiting for you.