The Ultimate Guide To Iquitos, Peru
When you think about Peru, you’ll instantly think about the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu. And that makes sense; it is famous, after all. However, you’re missing one big place in Peru, which everyone needs to visit at least once in their lifetime.
This is Iquitos, Peru. The largest city in the world which is only accessible by boat or plane.
Introduction to Iquitos
Iquitos is one of the most amazing and relaxing places — especially for travellers and tourists. It can be one of the most fascinating and unique destinations. As the largest city in the world accessible by road, Iquitos is within the Amazon Rainforest (despite its lack of rain). This makes it a gateway for one of the world's most biodiverse and ecological cities.
One of the main attractions of Iquitos is the historic district of Belén. Known for its stilt houses, floating markets, and vibrant atmosphere, it can be an interesting experience — but you need to be careful when visiting. The majority of the time it's okay, but it can be dangerous — especially in the early mornings and late nights. Please don’t travel alone in the dark.
In addition, Iquitos is a hub for ecotourism and wildlife enthusiasts if you prefer to go on a tour. You can go into the Amazon rainforest to explore the indigenous communities and witness captivating wildlife, including pink dolphins and monkeys and bird species.
Going to Iquitos & Peru
Whether you’re from Peru or not, there are two main ways to get to Iquitos, Peru, either by plane or boat.
If you decide that you’re going to fly into Iquitos, there is a range of airports that enable you to fly directly into Iquitos. However, when flying to Peru, it is always beneficial to fly to Lima first, as you need to get the ‘virtual stamp’.
At the Lima (Jorge Chávez International Airport) airport, they no longer do stamps in your passport. However, they will register it digitally. From here, you can fly to anywhere in Peru.
If it is your first time in Peru, as you reach passport control at Lima airport, you will be asked the following:
- Where you are going to stay (Hotel/With friends or family etc.)
-How long you are staying for
- They’ll ask for a photograph of you
- Why you’re visiting Peru
Once you’ve passed the passport control, you’re now able to travel to Iquitos. At the start of this section, you might have remembered that there are two ways to get to Iquitos. The other way is via boat.
Once you’ve decided that you want to take your journey to Iquitos via boat, you have 4 to 5 locations where you can start, these include:
- Pucallpa (Peru):Pucallpa, in the middle of Peru, is popular mainly because of the boats to Iquitos. The trip can take roughly between 4–7 days. On your travels, make sure that you keep your eyes out for toucans and monkeys (who doesn’t love monkeys?!)
- Yurimaguas (Peru):Being much closer to Iquitos, Yurimaguas is in the country's most northern region. However, you need to take a flight to Tarapoto and get a car for 5–6 hours to get here. This trip usually takes between 3–4 days to arrive in Iquitos.
- Leticia (Colombia) or Tabatinga (Brazil):From either one of these locations, the first step is to take a 10-minute ride to Santa Rosa. Leaving from Santa Rosa, there are two boats. The fast boat will take around 11 hours every day except Monday, whereas the slow boat will take around 2.5 days almost daily at 8pm except Thursday. (Be careful and not advised to take this trip as it is known for robberies and can be dangerous)
- Manuas (Brazil):If you’re going from Manuas, you will need to take a boat to Tabatinga, which will take around 3–6 days.
Accommodation
When you’re travelling anywhere, not only Iquitos, accommodation is one of the most important elements. This is also important because there are so many elements to choose from. For example, how long are you staying? Are you staying in the jungle or the city?
As a usual holiday or vacation, if you’re staying in the city for two weeks or less, I would recommend you get a hotel. You can choose a hotel on booking.com, where you will see many options, including a swimming pool, AC, bedrooms, and many more options.
However, to make the options easier for you, here are two hotels which I’ve used previously and are situated near the La Plaza de Armas:
- Hotel La Casona
- Jungle House Hotel
- Hotel Acosta
Hotel Acosta, Iquitos: Latest Price & Reviews 2024trip.tp.stto Pack / Take to Iquitos
For this section, I almost want to give you a checklist to understand what you need to bring — regardless of where you are from in the world. Here are the essentials of what you need to pack and take to Iquitos, Peru:
- Clothes, Tshirts & Shorts — more than the days you are going for
- Mosquito repellent — however, this isn’t too necessary when you’re staying in the city (however, be careful of Dengue or Malaria)
- Bite Cream — this is essential and ensures you’re not itching too much
- Suncream & Sunglasses — it can be extremely warm
- Cash money — Bringing a card is good, but if you want to travel around the city and to some places, you need cash.
- Water — this was my big mistake; please use bottled water for brushing your teeth, especially if it's your first trip.
- Swimming Outfit
Foods to Try:
When in Iquitos, Peru, you’ll find a delightful array of dishes to tantalize your taste buds. Here’s a list of foods you shouldn’t miss:
- Juane: A traditional dish made of rice, chicken, and regional spices, all wrapped and cooked in bijao leaves.
- Cecina: This is a type of dried and salted meat, often served with yucca or fried plantains.
- Tacacho con Cecina: Mashed green plantains mixed with pork rinds and grilled until crispy, served with cecina.
- Inchicapi: A hearty soup made with chicken, peanuts, yucca, and cilantro, creating a creamy and flavourful broth.
- Patarashca: Fish (often paiche or dorado) marinated in regional spices, wrapped in bijao leaves, and grilled over an open flame.
- Chonta salad:A refreshing salad made from the hearts of palm, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice.
- Taperiba: A sour fruit similar to passion fruit, often used in juice.
- Aguaje:A popular fruit that is used for drinks, ice lollies and much more
- Arroz Chaufa
Attractions & Activities:
Embark on a journey to Iquitos, Peru, where the heart of the Amazon rainforest beats with vibrant life and cultural richness. Here are some of the attractions and activities you need to visit in Iquitos, Peru:
- Plaza de Armas:The central square of Iquitos is surrounded by historical buildings and bustles with activity.
- Iron House (Casa de Fierro): Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this iconic iron building symbolises Iquitos’ unique architecture.
- Museum of Indigenous Amazon Cultures:Explore exhibits showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of the Amazon.
- Belén Market: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling market, known for its fresh produce, exotic foods, and local crafts.
- Nauta Historical Museum: Located in the nearby town of Nauta, this museum offers insights into the history and culture of the region.
- Quistococha Zoo and Botanical Garden: Discover a variety of Amazonian wildlife and plant species in this lush botanical garden and zoo.
Local Transportation
When you’re visiting Iquitos, most of the local transportation is based on motorcars. It isn't too expensive depending on where you’re going in the city. However, be careful because the cost can vary depending on the frequency of the use of motorcars.
However, on the other hand, although less popular for tourists — so be careful, you can also use the public buses. All you need to know is the rough destination where you’re going, as they will be shown on the front of the buses. If you don’t know any Spanish, this isn’t recommended as the drivers won’t stop unless you tell them directly where and when.
Safety & Health Information
When visiting Iquitos, it’s always advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, especially when visiting remote areas like the Amazon rainforest.
However, for your safety and health information, here are the important bits which you need to know. Here’s some essential safety and health information for your visit to Iquitos:
Emergency Contact Numbers:
2. Dial 106 for medical emergencies requiring immediate assistance.
3. Fire Department:Dial 116 for fire emergencies.
Health Services and Medical Facilities:
Hospital Regional de Loreto:This is the main public hospital in Iquitos, offering emergency medical services and general healthcare.
- Address: Av. Grau 445, Iquitos, Peru
- Phone: +51 65 234799
Hospital Iquitos:Another option for medical care in the city.
- Address: Av. La Marina 1540, Iquitos, Peru
- Phone: +51 65 231380
Clinica Ana Stahl:A private clinic providing medical services to locals and tourists.
- Address: Jr. Putumayo 511, Iquitos, Peru
- Phone: +51 65 232877
Pharmacies: There are several pharmacies in Iquitos where you can purchase over-the-counter medications and basic medical supplies. Look for well-known chains like Mifarma or Inkafarma.
Language & Communication
When you’re visiting a lot of the places in Peru, however, especially Iquitos, there is an increasing population of people who speak English. There are also certain places which speak English, such as the hilton. However, despite this, if you don’t know some Spanish, you’re going to get stuck. You need to know something to survive (unless you have a guide).
Basic Local Phrases:
Hello: Hola
Goodbye: Adiós
Please: Por favor
Thank you: Gracias
Yes: Sí
No: No
Excuse me: Disculpe
Do you speak English?: ¿Habla inglés?
How much does this cost?: ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
Where is the bathroom?: ¿Dónde está el baño?
Language Tips and Common Expressions:
Learn basic Spanish: Familiarize yourself with common phrases and vocabulary before your trip to facilitate smoother communication.
Speak slowly and clearly: If you’re not fluent in Spanish, speaking slowly and enunciating clearly can help ensure better understanding
Use gestures and body language: Sometimes, gestures can bridge language barriers, so don’t hesitate to use them when trying to convey a message.
Be patient and polite: Remember that language barriers can be frustrating for both parties, so approach interactions with patience and respect.
Ask for help when needed: If you’re unsure or confused, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from the hotel staff, who may be able to provide guidance.
Money Matters:
Honestly, the money situation, in my opinion, is getting a lot better — especially over the previous 2 years of which I’ve visited. There are a lot more ATMs and easier access to cash.
Across the different banks in Peru, in addition to the airport, you can withdraw money — however, be careful because some banks and ATMs/cash machines charge you for withdrawing your money. If this happens, cancel it and find a different ATM/cash machine. There is always one that won't charge you.
In addition, when you’re in Lima, there is a range of ATMs/cash machines from which you can withdraw money for free.
Customs & Etiquette:
In Iquitos, Peru, a few cultural norms and etiquette vary from how I lived in the UK and may be different to where you are — especially if you’re from the West. However, here are some general tips for respectful behaviour that can apply in many situations:
1. Respect personal space:Be mindful of people’s personal space and avoid standing too close unless invited. In Iquitos, be careful of people’s space; however, when meeting someone new, they do like to hug, shake hands and kiss on the cheek (touch cheek to cheek — please don’t actually kiss).
2. Greetings: Always greet people politely, whether with a handshake, cheek-to-cheek, or hug. To be polite, especially to those you don’t know, use Sir or Ma’am. (Señor, Señora, Señorita). Señorita is used for younger women or those who aren’t married.
3. Table manners: When dining, if you’re eating with Peruvian people, try to follow the manner of the table. If people are talking, join in. If they’re not, maintain the silence — although it isn’t bad if you start a conversation. This is just across men to women or women to women. Additionally, once you’ve finished eating, you need to say thank you (gracias) for the food and enjoy the company.
4. Punctuality: Being on time is generally seen as respectful in many cultures. In Peru, including Iquitos, the people are generally late, so don’t rush back to your hotel, if they’re not there on time.
5. Respect for elders: Show deference and respect towards older people, addressing them with appropriate titles (Sir or Ma’am) and showing consideration for their opinions and experiences.
6. Politeness: Use please (por favor), thank you (gracias), and excuse me (perdón) liberally. Politeness goes a long way in making a positive impression and showing respect for others.
Travel Tips
For those who are going to visit Iquitos, from someone who has a lot of experience there, but is normal to the people living there, here are some extra tips to take with you on your trip:
1. Please put your toilet paper in the bin. The system isn’t the best there, so it will block the sewage — especially if you’re staying in a hotel.
2. Bargain with your motorcar. You can’t negotiate too much, but you may be able to save yourself 1–2 soles, depending on the price. Be careful and try to get advice from someone who knows the “going prices”.
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