The largest city in the world unreachable by road sits deep in the Peruvian Amazon, serving as the main gateway to jungle lodges and river expeditions.
Why Visit Iquitos
Iquitos can only be reached by air or river boat, giving it an isolated, frontier feel despite being home to nearly half a million people. The city serves as the launching point for Amazon rainforest expeditions, with lodges along the Amazon, Nanay, and Napo rivers offering wildlife spotting, indigenous community visits, and jungle treks. The floating neighborhood of Belen, built on stilts and rafts, floods seasonally and offers a unique, if gritty, look at riverside life along the Amazon.
Top Experiences
- Amazon Rainforest Lodges: Multi day stays in jungle lodges along the rivers, with guided wildlife and canopy walks.
- Belen Floating Market: A stilt built neighborhood and market offering an authentic, if intense, look at riverside Amazon life.
- Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm: A rescue center and butterfly farm just outside the city, also home to rescued jungle animals.
- Amazon River Cruises: Multi day boat cruises exploring deeper stretches of the Amazon and its tributaries.
Book these experiences and more through guided tours from Iquitos.
Monkey Island,Amazon River & Native Aquatic Species - All tickets
Private Tour in Belen Market, Floating City and Amazon River
Practical Tips
- Iquitos has no road connection to the rest of Peru, all visitors arrive by plane or river boat.
- Book jungle lodge stays in advance, as availability and quality vary significantly.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended before visiting the Amazon region.
FAQ
How do you get to Iquitos?
Iquitos is accessible only by air from Lima or other Peruvian cities, or by multi day river boat from other Amazon river towns, as no roads connect it to the rest of the country.
What is Iquitos known for?
It is the main gateway city to the Peruvian Amazon, known for jungle lodges, river cruises, and its unique floating neighborhood of Belen.
Do you need vaccinations to visit Iquitos?
Yellow fever vaccination is commonly recommended for Amazon travel, and travelers should consult a travel health provider before their trip.
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