Iquitos is a city in Peru’s northeastern Amazon. It’s been on the tourism scene since the 1960s and has well-established services for travelers. You can also visit Iquitos year-round, which isn’t always possible in other parts of the Amazon.
With a population around 420,000, Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest. It’s also the largest city on the planet that cannot be reached by road (boats and planes are its only links to the outside world). Iquitos is situated along the banks of the Amazon River and is bordered by both the Itaya and Nanay rivers, which have helped limit the physical growth of the city. The Amazon River is an important economic lifeline for Iquitos, bringing in both trade and transport to this remote location.
The Spanish reached Iquitos during Francisco de Orellana’s journey down the Amazon River in 1542. The area, however, was eventually left to the Jesuits, who founded a settlement here in the 1750s before being kicked out of Latin America soon thereafter. During the 20th century a rubber boom came to Iquitos—the population exploded and the city became one of Peru’s richest cities.
During the 1960s Iquitos became a trailblazer for Amazonian tourism, and to this day it remains one of the main home bases for exploring the Peruvian Amazon. Due to the city’s large size, however, travelers have to go some distance before really being in the jungle. There are a variety of places to stay and things to do in this area. In fact, some of the country’s best lodges are found upstream along the Marañón River. These lodges are located near the Reserva Nacional Pacaya Samiria, the largest protected rainforest in Peru, and the Reserva Comunal Tamshiyacu Tahuayo, which is managed by local communities.
Peru’s Amazon basin is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. While here you have chance of seeing monkeys, caimans, capybaras, anteaters, and even pink river dolphins. It’s not always easy to spot these animals, but being on a river with a knowledgeable guide (and having a pair of binoculars) will give you a better chance.
Iquitos has fairly constant weather throughout the year. Most mornings begin with blue skies but can see convection storms during the afternoon. The Amazon River can rise 20–50 feet (6–15 m) between November and May, which are the rainy months in the Andes. During this time of year, the forests flood and the soils are replenished with nutrient-rich silt. Animals can often be spotted along the shores of the rivers between June and September, once the water level drops.
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Surround yourself with the beauty of nature in Iquitos, Peru — it's easy. Heliconia Amazon River Lodge lives up to its name. Not only will you see plenty of the namesake tropical flower 'Heliconia,' you'll also enjoy easy access to the surrounding islands, lagoons, and rainforests. The local wildlife are as enchanting as the scenery — birders will have a field day; pink dolphins call the local waters home; and there's no telling what kinds of tree-dwelling and tiny creatures you'll find scampering amidst the jungle. At Heliconia Amazon River Lodge, your accommodations are part of your adventure.
View DetailsCeiba Tops is located along the banks of the Amazon River some 25 miles (40 km) from Iquitos. This hotel offers modern comforts in a beautiful rainforest setting.
View DetailsLocated deep in the Amazon Basin, Pacaya Samiria Amazon Lodge allows visitors to get a close look at the rare plants and animals of the Amazon. This is a popular site for travelers interested in ecotourism and people who want to engross themselves completely in attractions that sprout from the ground or walk on four legs. With nearly 8,000 square miles (20,720 sq km) of nature reserve, the Hatuchay Pacaya Samiria Reserve offers visitors access to a huge piece of the Amazon.
View DetailsThe ExplorNapo Lodge is located 100 miles (160 km) from Iquitos. This lodge has authentic, palm-thatched accommodations and fantastic access to the jungle.
View DetailsWe are located in the Peruvian Amazon at the confluence of the serene and protected Yarapa and Cumaceba rivers near the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. Come stay with us and you’ll see the rainforest from an entirely new perspective that most visitors never experience... the tree top canopy...You’ll never forget the experience of watching monkeys and birds at eye level as every morning you’ll wake up to a safari of animal life before you even get out of bed. Not to worry, you won’t sacrifice any of the usual comforts found on the ground.
View DetailsGarden House is two blocks away from the Iquitos’ Plaza de Armas, putting it near some of this small city’s most interesting attractions. Iquitos is also the gateway to the Amazon, and while you’re here you’ll spend your days exploring the jungle.
View DetailsAt the Victoria Regia Hotel & Suites, we are committed to delight all of our travelers. By focusing on the small details, we have created something great. We seek to create an experience that provides a sense of efficiency, elegance, and sophistication.
View DetailsHotel Acosta provides accommodations in Iquitos. Featuring a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel has a terrace and a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel, each room has a desk and a flat-screen TV. Rooms contain a safety deposit box, while certain rooms are equipped with a balcony and others also feature city views. At Hotel Acosta every room comes with bed linen and towels.
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