Iquitos

Written by Sandra Frank, Jose Quispe
05/08/2025
Explore the Amazon River near Iquitos, Peru, with local transportation amidst a cloudy sky.
Paula Nardini, Pexels

Iquitos, an isolated city accessible only by air or river, serves as a prominent gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. It is a destination offering unparalleled access to the Amazon rainforest's vast biodiversity, providing opportunities for rich wildlife encounters and immersive experiences within local indigenous cultures.

Key areas for socializing with other travelers include the vibrant Plaza de Armas, the central square with various establishments, and the Malecón Tarapaca, a waterfront boulevard popular in the evenings offering river views. The bustling Belén Market also provides a dynamic environment for cultural interaction. Centrally located hostels often cater to a traveler-friendly atmosphere.

Top 5 Things to do in Iquitos

Activities in Iquitos primarily revolve around deep immersion into the Amazon rainforest's abundant wildlife and vibrant local cultures.

1. Amazon Rainforest Expedition

Embarking on a multi-day journey into the Amazon rainforest is the quintessential Iquitos experience. You will explore vast waterways by boat, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna, including playful monkeys, sloths, a variety of colorful birds, and the unique pink river dolphins. Guided jungle treks, both by day and night, reveal hidden ecosystems and allow for spotting nocturnal wildlife like caimans. Many expeditions also include visits to local indigenous communities, providing insight into their traditions and way of life. Some tours offer activities such as piranha fishing or exhilarating canopy walks, allowing you to witness the jungle from a different perspective.

Cost: Multi-day jungle tours are the most common way to experience the Amazon from Iquitos. Prices vary significantly based on duration and lodge luxury, typically ranging from $220 to $700+ per person for 3-5 day tours. These often include airport/hotel transfers, boat transport, guide services, accommodation in a jungle lodge or camping, and all meals. For instance, a 4-day, 3-night tour in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve might cost between $425 and $700 per person for a lodge or camping experience.

Transport: Access to rainforest lodges and reserves is exclusively by boat, typically arranged and included as part of your booked tour package. Tours usually include pickup from Iquitos airport or your city accommodation.

2. Explore Belén Market

A visit to Belén Market offers a raw and authentic glimpse into daily life in the Amazon. Wandering through its bustling stalls, you will encounter a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Local vendors sell an array of exotic fruits, fresh produce, Amazonian fish, medicinal plants, and traditional remedies. Depending on the river's water levels, parts of the market may be 'floating,' with goods sold directly from canoes. It is a vibrant hub for cultural interaction, where you can observe locals going about their daily commerce. It is advisable to visit in the morning when the market is most active.

Cost: There is no entrance fee for the market itself. A mototaxi ride from the city center costs only a few soles. For a more guided and secure experience, particularly for non-Spanish speakers, hiring a local guide is highly recommended; tour prices vary, with some tours including Belén Market as part of a half or full-day city exploration.

Transport: Belén Market is a short mototaxi ride from Iquitos city center, typically costing a few soles. Mototaxis are the primary form of local transport.

3. Visit the Manatee Rescue Center (CREA)

At the Amazon Rescue Center (CREA), you can witness vital conservation efforts firsthand. This sanctuary cares for orphaned and injured Amazonian manatees, as well as other endangered aquatic species, with the goal of rehabilitating and eventually releasing them back into their natural habitats. The center provides an educational experience, explaining the rehabilitation process for various animals like manatees, monkeys, and birds. It is an opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting the Amazon's fragile ecosystem.

Cost: Admission tickets for the Manatee Rescue Center start around $8.08 per person. Many organized tours include this visit, with a full-day tour including the center, transport, and sometimes lunch, costing approximately $50 per person.

Transport: The Manatee Rescue Center is located outside the immediate city center. It is often included in organized tours which provide transportation, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

4. Encounter Monkeys at Isla de Los Monos (Monkey Island)

Isla de Los Monos serves as a rescue and rehabilitation center for various monkey species that have been victims of the illegal pet trade. Here, you can observe and sometimes interact with different types of monkeys in a semi-natural environment, as they are prepared for eventual release back into the wild. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with these primates and learn about their conservation.

Cost: Visiting Monkey Island is typically part of a larger Amazon River tour, which generally ranges from $150 to $175 for a full-day excursion including other activities and transfers.

Transport: Monkey Island is located on the Nanay River, approximately 20 minutes by boat from the Bella Vista Nanay Port. Most tours to Monkey Island include boat transportation. You can reach Bella Vista Nanay Port by mototaxi from the city center.

5. Admire the Iron House (Casa de Fierro)

Standing prominently in Iquitos’ Plaza de Armas, the Iron House is a remarkable architectural landmark with a fascinating history. It is believed to have been designed by Gustave Eiffel, the architect behind the Eiffel Tower, and was prefabricated in Belgium before being shipped in pieces and reassembled in Iquitos during the Amazon rubber boom. Its iron structure stands in stark contrast to the surrounding jungle architecture, offering a glimpse into the city's prosperous past.

Cost: There is no cost to view the exterior of the Iron House as it is located in the main square.

Transport: The Iron House is centrally located in Iquitos' Plaza de Armas, making it easily accessible on foot from many city accommodations. Local mototaxis are also readily available for transport around the city.

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