IQUITOS: THE GATEWAY TO THE PERUVIAN AMAZON
Iquitos: The Gateway to the Peruvian Amazon
Deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest lies Iquitos — a city unlike any other in Peru. Cut off from the rest of the country by roads, Iquitos is the largest city in the world that you can’t reach by car. Here, the mighty Amazon River is the lifeline, carrying people, goods, and stories through the jungle’s green veins.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a curious wanderer, Iquitos offers an unforgettable jungle escape.
What to Do in Iquitos
1. Explore the Amazon River
A trip to Iquitos is incomplete without a river expedition. Join a boat tour or multi-day cruise to spot pink river dolphins, giant water lilies, and hundreds of bird species. Many lodges deep in the rainforest offer guided wildlife treks and night safaris.
2. Visit Belén Market
Dive into the chaotic, colorful Belén Market — an open-air bazaar brimming with exotic fruits, fish, medicinal plants, and jungle curiosities. For the brave, try a taste of suri (jungle grub larvae) — a local delicacy.
3. Wander the Floating Village of Belén
At high water, the houses in the Belén neighborhood float on the river. Hire a local canoe to see daily life unfold above the Amazon’s rising tide.
4. See Manatees at the Rescue Center
The Amazon Rescue Center (CREA) rehabilitates rescued manatees, monkeys, and other wildlife. It’s an inspiring way to learn about conservation in the region.
5. Discover Iquitos’ Quirky Architecture
Iquitos boomed during the rubber boom in the late 19th and early 20th century. The city still flaunts grand mansions, Moorish tiles, and the famous Iron House — designed by Gustave Eiffel and shipped here piece by piece.
What to Eat in Iquitos
Iquitos’ food is bold, fresh, and rooted in the rainforest. Some must-try dishes:
Juane: Rice, chicken, olives, and spices wrapped in bijao leaves — the perfect jungle picnic.
Tacacho con Cecina: Fried mashed plantain served with smoked pork.
Paiche: Amazon’s giant river fish, grilled or in stew.
Camu Camu Juice: A superfruit drink packed with Vitamin C.
Chonta Salad: Heart of palm salad with lime and chili.
You’ll find these dishes in rustic markets and local restaurants called cevicherías and picanterías. Don’t miss trying aguajina, a sweet juice made from the aguaje palm fruit.
Climate: Hot, Humid, Alive
Iquitos is tropical year-round. Temperatures hover between 26°C and 33°C (79°F – 91°F) with high humidity. There are two main seasons:
Wet Season (November – May): Rivers swell, forests flood, and boat access to remote areas improves.
Dry Season (June – October): Water levels drop, beaches appear along the riverbanks, and wildlife is easier to spot.
Pack light, breathable clothes, a good rain poncho, insect repellent, and always drink plenty of water!
A Bit of Amazon River History
The Amazon River — born from melting snow high in the Andes — flows more than 6,400 km (4,000 miles) across South America before emptying into the Atlantic. It’s the world’s largest river by discharge, carrying more water than the next seven largest rivers combined.
For centuries, the river has been the region’s highway, sustaining Indigenous communities long before European explorers arrived. In the late 1800s, the rubber boom transformed Iquitos into a prosperous frontier town, bringing wealth and wild stories — but also exploitation and hardship for local communities.
Today, the Amazon remains the heart of life here, connecting countless tributaries, cultures, and ecosystems in one of Earth’s last great wildernesses.
Why Visit Iquitos?
Because there’s no place like it. In Iquitos, you’ll drift along one of the planet’s most legendary rivers, step into dense jungle alive with hidden life, and experience a city that hums with untamed energy — all without a road in sight.
So pack your spirit of adventure — the river is waiting.
