Explore the wonders of Iquitos, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon! This guide covers a mix of city highlights like the historic Tarapacá Boardwalk and Nanay Bridge, with opportunities to visit unique wildlife sanctuaries like the Amazon Rescue Center and Monkey Island. For a deeper dive, venture into the jungle with stays at lodges like Heliconia or Iconia, and experience the rich culture of indigenous communities like the Yagua.
Flying Dog Hostel
A hostel in Iquitos with a good location, offering shared and private rooms, and equipped with necessary fans to combat the heat.
Heliconia Amazon River Lodge
A lodge located on the banks of the Amazon River, offering packages that include meals, excursions to Monkey Island, jungle hikes, and boat rides.
Main Square
The main square in Iquitos is a central point from which to begin exploring the city.
Tarapacá Boardwalk
The Tarapacá Boardwalk is an emblematic spot in Iquitos, featuring colonial architecture from the rubber boom era and murals.
Muyuna Beach
Muyuna Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Iquitos region, known for its fine white sand and appearing when the river level drops.
Amazon Rescue Center
The Amazon Rescue Center (CREA) rehabilitates animals rescued from illegal trafficking, including manatees, turtles, and birds, and educates visitors on conservation.
Quistococha Lagoon
Quistococha Lagoon is a popular recreational spot visited by families for swimming, boat rides, and relaxation, located near the Amazon Rescue Center.
Nanay Bridge
Nanay Bridge is noted as the longest bridge in Peru, offering opportunities for walks or mototaxi rides, with a nearby market selling local foods.
Monkey Island
Monkey Island is a sanctuary and rescue center focused on rehabilitating and releasing monkeys, where visitors can observe them in a semi-natural environment.
Yagua Community
The Yagua Community is an indigenous group in the Amazon where visitors can learn about their ancestral customs, traditions, and way of life, including dances and crafts.
Museo de Barcos
A museum located on a large boat along the Tarapacá Boardwalk, offering guided tours for a small fee.
Puerto Nanay
Puerto Nanay is a significant port in Iquitos, serving as a departure point for tours to indigenous communities like the Boras and for accessing the Bellavista Market.
Mercado Bellavista
Located at the start of Nanay Bridge, the Bellavista Market offers a variety of unusual local foods, including Suri (grubs), though some items are best avoided for conservation reasons.
Isla de los monos
Isla de los monos is a sanctuary dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of monkeys rescued from illegal trafficking, providing a spacious and respectful environment for them.
Iconia Lodge
Iconia Lodge offers multi-day packages for an immersive jungle experience, including guided excursions, meals, and accommodation deep in the Amazon rainforest.