Getting There and Away

Explore the Amazon River near Iquitos, Peru, with local transportation amidst a cloudy sky.
Paula Nardini, Pexels

The primary transport hub for Iquitos is the Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport (IQT), located approximately 7 kilometers from the city center. The city also utilizes various river ports, with Masusa port being a notable point for river travel.

By Air:

  • Flights are the most recommended and quickest way to reach Iquitos, primarily from Lima, Peru's capital.
  • Direct flights from Lima (LIM) to Iquitos (IQT) take approximately 2 hours.
  • One-way flight costs from Lima can range from $38 to $119 USD. Round-trip flights from locations like Miami can range from $386 to $444 USD.
  • Airlines such as LATAM, Star Peru, and Sky Airline operate flights to Iquitos.
  • From Iquitos Airport (IQT) to the city center, taxis are readily available, costing around 15 to 20 Peruvian soles (approximately $4-$5 USD). Mototaxis and private transfers are also options.

By River (Boat):

  • River travel is an adventurous option, typically done on cargo boats with basic amenities where passengers often sleep in hammocks.
  • From Yurimaguas:: Travel to Yurimaguas by bus from Lima to Tarapoto, then a 2-hour colectivo ride to Yurimaguas.
  • Fast boats take about 18 hours.
  • Slow boats (cargo boats) can take 2 to 4 days, or sometimes 3 to 6 days, depending on river conditions.
  • Indicative costs for a slow boat, including meals, range from $25 to $40 USD (based on 2025 information). It is advisable to bring your own hammock, food container, spoon, and water.
  • From Pucallpa:: Take a direct bus from Lima to Pucallpa.
  • Boat journeys from Pucallpa can last 4 to 7 days, depending on the river current.