Introduction & History

Iquitos is the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon and the largest city in the world inaccessible by road. Situated at the confluence of the Amazon, Nanay and Itaya rivers, this jungle metropolis of nearly half a million people can only be reached by plane or riverboat. Its origins lie in a 18th‑century Jesuit mission to convert the Iquito indigenous tribe, but it exploded into wealth during the late‑19th‑century rubber boom when Europeans erected mansions and an ornate iron house designed by Gustave Eiffel. Today the city is a vibrant blend of Amazonian traditions, colonial architecture and modern conveniences serving explorers, researchers and eco‑tourists.

Iquitos’ history is tied to cycles of boom and bust. The rubber era’s opulence faded after seeds were smuggled to Asia, leading to economic decline. The city reinvented itself through timber, oil and now tourism. Evidence of its heyday remains in buildings like the Moorish‑inspired Casa Fitzcarrald and the Iron House brought piece by piece from Europe. On the outskirts, indigenous communities continue to practise ancestral lifestyles along rivers and within rainforest reserves.

Top Attractions & Activities

  • Belén District: Nicknamed the “Venice of the Amazon,” this floating neighbourhood rises and falls with the river. Tour Belén Market to see tropical fruits, Amazonian fish and medicinal herbs, and take a boat through canals lined with stilt houses.
  • Historic Centre: Visit the Plaza de Armas with its brightly coloured houses, the Immaculate Cathedral and the Casa de Fierro (Iron House) designed by Eiffel. The nearby boulevard along the Itaya River buzzes with restaurants and bars, especially at sunset.
  • Animal Rescues & Reserves: Support ethical wildlife centres like the Manatee Rescue Center and Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm. The Quistococha Lagoon offers a small zoo and recreational area. A day trip to the Allpahuayo‑Mishana National Reserve reveals rare white‑sand forests and endemic bird species.
  • Amazon Excursions: Iquitos is the departure point for river cruises and lodge‑based trips into the rainforest. Multi‑day excursions explore the Pacaya‑Samiria National Reserve where pink dolphins, macaws, monkeys and caimans thrive. You can also visit indigenous communities, learn about traditional medicine and fish for piranha.

After dark, the city’s malecón comes alive with street performers and food vendors selling juanes (rice and chicken wrapped in leaves) and grilled river fish. Nightlife includes bars playing cumbia and salsa, while floating restaurants offer romantic river views.

Spiritual & Cultural Encounters

The Amazon region is known for shamanic traditions, and Iquitos has become a centre for ayahuasca tourism. Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic brew made from vines and leaves that has been used ceremonially by indigenous tribes for centuries. Many travellers seek spiritual healing, but it’s crucial to choose reputable retreat centres with licensed facilitators, follow safety guidelines and understand the legal and ethical considerations.

Ayahuasca Safety Advisory

Ayahuasca is a powerful psychoactive substance. If you intend to participate in ceremonies, research legitimate centres, ask about the facilitator’s training and ensure medical screening is provided. Avoid drinking with unlicensed shamans, and disclose medications or health conditions to prevent dangerous interactions.

Practical Information & Travel Tips

Iquitos is accessible via daily flights from Lima and Tarapoto; boat services from Pucallpa and Yurimaguas take several days but allow immersion in river life. Within the city, moto‑taxis are the primary transport, and boats serve river communities. Humidity is high year‑round with daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F); the rainy season (December–May) sees swollen rivers and frequent showers, while the dry season (June–November) makes jungle hikes easier.

Pack lightweight clothing, insect repellent, rain gear and quick‑drying shoes. Protect yourself from mosquitoes with long sleeves and nets, and consider anti‑malaria prophylaxis. Drink purified water and be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach. When visiting remote communities, bring small gifts like school supplies and always ask permission before taking photos.

Eco‑Friendly Practices

Respect the fragility of the rainforest by choosing eco‑certified lodges, using biodegradable soaps and taking all trash back to the city. Do not buy wildlife products or participate in tours that promote animal exploitation.

Beyond Iquitos

Extend your trip with cruises down the Amazon to the Brazilian border or into Peru’s pristine Pacaya‑Samiria Reserve, known as the “Jungle of Mirrors.” Here you’ll see reflections of giant trees in still waters and witness wildlife at dawn and dusk. Adventure seekers can kayak through tributaries, sleep in treehouses, or climb canopy towers. Cultural enthusiasts may travel to the Bora or Yagua villages to learn about ancestral dances and crafts. Each excursion deepens appreciation for the world’s largest rainforest and the communities that depend on it.