Things you can do in Iquitos
Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon and one of the most exciting destinations for adventure seekers. This bustling jungle metropolis offers many opportunities for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts. From exploring its vibrant culture to its diverse wildlife and natural beauty, there are countless things to do in unique Iquitos Tours. Whether you are an adventurer seeking an adrenaline rush or a relaxing escape from everyday life, Iquitos has something for everyone. So keep reading to learn more about this amazing location.
Jungle tour
One of the most popular activities in Iquitos is embarking on a jungle tour. With over 60% of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest located within the Loreto region, nature lovers have endless opportunities.
Exploring the Amazonian jungle will allow you to witness exotic wildlife, including monkeys swinging through trees, sloths lazing around branches, and brightly colored birds singing harmoniously. You can also stroll across canopy bridges or kayak down the streams.
Travel by boat to the island of monkeys.
Iquitos is home to a genuine monkey island and is as thrilling as it sounds. Unsurprisingly, nine kinds of monkeys call this 200-hectare tract home; they’re everywhere! Donations are welcome, but adventurous locals may ask for more in exchange for their generosity.
Iron-house lunch
Thanks to the rubber industry, this iron mansion was constructed in the late 19th century at the height of the region’s affluence. Some say Gustav Eiffel designed the first prefabricated home in the Americas, which was then delivered to Peru and assembled by hand in the jungle. The restaurant up top is good.
View some beautiful butterflies.
Fans of butterflies, rejoice: Iquitos is home to one of the continent’s finest butterfly farms. Numerous vibrant species make their home here, and the experience is complemented by a guide who enthusiastically details the ins and outs of their reproduction and life cycles. There are also monkeys, caimans, manatees, and jaguars for people to see.
The Quistococha Zoo
Located just a few kilometers from the city of Iquitos, the Quistococha Zoo is a must-visit destination for animal lovers. The zoo has an extensive collection of Amazonian wildlife and exotic animals that visitors can observe up close.
One of the highlights of this zoo is its impressive butterfly exhibit, where you can see dozens of species fluttering around amongst lush vegetation. There’s also a large lake where visitors can take boat rides to spot pink river dolphins and other aquatic creatures.
Belen Cruise
The region’s most famous town is a floating village just to the south of Iquitos, and it appears to have been unspoiled by time. Tourists on boat tours of the city see private residences and public institutions like schools and restaurants.
Many people go to the Belen market, specifically Pasaje Paquito, where they can buy traditional Amazonian cures for everything from baldness to heartbreak.
Get to know a manatee.
Visitors interested in aquatic nature should make a beeline for the Amazon Manatee Rescue Center to get up and personal with these beautiful, endangered creatures. Until they are two years old and ready to be released into the wild, the youngest manatees that remain in the reserve are bottle-fed by visitors.
Get to know some natives of the area.
Yaguas, an indigenous community not far from town, is a popular ecotourist destination. Tourists are given a crash education in the finer skills of dart hunting and treated to a lively song and dance routine by traditionally dressed villagers.
If you’re looking for a souvenir from your time in the Amazon that will also help the local economy, consider picking up some handcrafted goods.