Summary
Landing in Iquitos, the world’s largest city that’s inaccessible by road, is a feeling like no other. Located in the Amazon jungle, Iquitos is a two-hour flight from Lima, the capital city of Peru.
As I craned my neck to look out the plane window, all I could see was the lush green expanse of the Amazon jungle, the largest rainforest on the globe.
Then suddenly I could make it out – the winding snake of the Amazon, the world’s largest river, constantly branching off into tributaries and stretching far beyond the horizon.
Things to do in Iquitos
The jungle remained peacefully still on either side of the river.
As we descended, I started to see a cluster of buildings on the edge of one of these banks. Soon I realized that this was the city of Iquitos, a bustling metropolis nestled in the heart of the serene Amazon jungle.
Iquitos – A City in the Jungle
Iquitos is undoubtedly in a unique location, which is precisely what makes the city so remarkable.
Civilization has spontaneously emerged in the middle of nowhere and now accommodates over 400,000 residents.
Although ‘jungle life’ in Iquitos prevails, modern society flourishes here; including museums, bars, restaurants, and hotels housed in colonial-style buildings.
Ever since I first learned about Iquitos, the interplay of jungle and urban life captivated me and fueled my determination to visit one day.
History of Iquitos
The history of Iquitos is equally intriguing. It was established during the rubber boom due to its natural rubber resources.
Founders utilized the Amazon River to export goods and constructed impressive colonial-style houses, thus bringing the city to life.
For those interested in history, there are numerous historical Iquitos attractions such as the Museum of Historic Boats, located inside the Ayapua Steamship.
This museum highlights the significance of boats during the rubber boom and confronts the darker aspects by detailing the suffering of Indigenous peoples.
The Amazonian Cultural Museum also features a collection of artifacts from the rainforest’s Indigenous groups.
Lastly, the Iquitos Museum outlines 150 years of the city’s history, alongside colonial buildings that now house popular shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Iquitos and the Rubber Boom
The Indigenous suffering during the rubber boom was tragic, and it is crucial for visitors to the city to be aware of this history.
The native peoples of Peru and the Amazon endured significant hardship due to the rubber boom and European settlement, and it is essential to acknowledge their rightful ownership of the land.
Fortunately, many tribes today coexist harmoniously with modern settlers, with the Yaguas and Boras tribes welcoming tourists into their homes.
During my visit to Iquitos, learning about the history and culture of these native tribes in Peru offered me a new perspective on the country.
Natural Beauty of the Amazon
Of course, I cannot write about Iquitos without mentioning the overwhelming natural beauty that envelops the city.
Lake Quistococha is one of my favorite spots in South America; I love the relaxing atmosphere of its picturesque beaches and the slow pace of life in the area.
The botanical gardens are stunning as well, and the lake is just a short mototaxi ride away. The meeting of the waters is also nearby, where the blue waters of the Amazon merge with the dark Nanay River.
The waters run parallel for a time in a breathtaking display. Additionally, close to Iquitos is the floating village of Belen, with thatched-roof homes built on the river. The village’s functionality is truly impressive and yields fantastic photographs.
Although you’ll likely venture deeper into the Amazonian jungle from Iquitos, there are plenty of opportunities to witness incredible wildlife around the city.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
The Manatee Sanctuary is dedicated to orphaned or injured manatees, educating visitors about these marine species.
Monkey Island serves as a sanctuary for nine species of monkeys.
The Pulpintuwasi Butterfly House operates as an orphanage for abandoned or injured wildlife and functions as a conservation area for Amazonia’s diverse ecosystems.
Farther from the city, visitors have ample opportunities to spot pink river dolphins, found across Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru. You may also encounter Uakari Monkeys, known for their unique red bald heads.
The city atmosphere of Iquitos is distinctly unique, which is mirrored in its culinary offerings and the daily lives of its residents.
I had two favorite restaurants during my visit.
La Restaurante Fitzcarraldo serves local specialties such as Juane (chicken or egg wrapped in rice and cooked in a plant leaf) and freshly caught river fish.
The floating Al Frio y Al Fuego is a fantastic venue to catch a stunning Amazon sunset!
Charm of Iquitos
The city’s distinct charm is best experienced by wandering through the waterfront markets. These markets offer everything from food to handcrafted artifacts sourced deep in the jungle, or by strolling along the Boulevard, a lively area filled with bars, restaurants, and hotels that still attracts locals.
One of my favorite pastimes was to enjoy the fountains in the Plaza de Armas, where the lights of the Neo-Gothic Church illuminate the square while I indulged in leisurely people-watching, witnessing locals converse, children play, and tourists laugh, all set against the backdrop of the tropical Amazon jungle.
Practical information for visiting Iquitos
Best Places to Stay in Iquitos
Iquitos offers a range of affordable accommodations. Hostels start at around $14 per night, while the luxury colonial hotel, La Casa Morey, costs about $120 and features amenities like a swimming pool, courtyard, and concierge services.
- Budget: Green Track Hostel
A spacious hostel with free WiFi and breakfast. - Mid-Range: Hotel Acosta
A clean and well-equipped property in a great location with friendly staff. - Luxury: La Casa Morey
A colonial-style hotel with free breakfast, attentive staff, and comfortable suites, some offering stunning city views.
Bars and Restaurants in Iquitos
Al Frio y Al Fuego
Al Frio y Al Fuego is among the most unique dining locations in Iquitos and possibly all of Peru. A boat will transport you to the restaurant, where a variety of cuisines are served. It’s an amazing spot to witness the sunset over the Amazon – complete with a pool within the venue!
Amazon Bistro
Situated inside an old colonial house, Amazon Bistro boasts a great atmosphere with exquisite food. It serves European cuisine along with local specialties, making it an excellent place for breakfast.
La Restaurante Fitzcarraldo
This establishment offers some of the tastiest local cuisine in Iquitos and is favored by both locals and tourists. Be sure to try one of their delightful cocktails or freshly squeezed juices along with traditional Amazonian dishes.
El Pardo
This venue is a must-visit for party enthusiasts in Iquitos! This outdoor club makes the most of Iquitos’ warm climate, operating as both a restaurant and nightclub that stays open till the early hours.
Arandu Bar
- Rock-n-roll fans unite! Arandu Bar is a lively spot for enjoying music and socializing with locals.
Café- Teatro Amauta
This is arguably the best place to experience live Peruvian music, attracting a great crowd on most nights and serving delicious local beverages.
Jungle Tours in Iquitos
While Iquitos features many fantastic attractions, the primary allure and reason to visit the city is to immerse oneself in its breathtaking outdoors.
Jungle tours from Iquitos typically last between two to five days, showcasing the finest aspects of the Amazonian rainforest. You can read about my journey into the Amazon from Iquitos.
Many of these tours involve camping deep within the jungle itself, with opportunities for trekking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting during the day, while others provide accommodations on a cruise boat or at eco-lodges at the jungle’s edge.
A diverse array of Iquitos-based companies offers jungle tours, ensuring that you’ll find something suitable for your budget and interests.
How to get to Iquitos
Since there is no road leading to Iquitos, your only means of reaching the city is by boat or plane. Taking a plane is undoubtedly the best choice – landing within the Amazonian jungle is an unforgettable experience. Four to five flights depart daily from Lima and usually cost around $100.
Boats also offer another option, but these can take days and are not significantly cheaper than flying. Plus, they lack the exhilarating experience of descending into the jungle!
How to get around Iquitos
Due to the humidity and limited options, tuk tuks are the most popular mode of transportation in Iquitos. They are inexpensive and easily hailed on the street.
Health and Safety of Iquitos
Iquitos is generally a safe city. As with any urban area, some negative elements exist, and travelers are advised to remain vigilant. However, Iquitos is typically easy to navigate and enjoy safely.
Malaria poses little risk in the urban area, but it can be a concern in the jungle. If you plan to participate in a jungle tour, consider researching necessary antimalarials to have on hand.
Travel insurance is highly recommended because unexpected medical needs can arise, as experienced by fellow travelers who required an air ambulance flight out of Iquitos. Be sure to look into reliable coverage.
The best time to visit Iquitos
Iquitos can be enjoyed at any time of the year; however, the hottest months are typically September, October, and November.
The region experiences both wet and dry seasons, although the dry season isn’t entirely devoid of rain.
The wettest period lasts from October to May, whereas August and September represent the driest conditions.
We hope you enjoyed this overview of Iquitos, Peru. If you decide to venture to the Amazon, make sure to visit the Peruvian Amazon for an unforgettable adventure.
