The city of Iquitos is located in the tropical jungle of northeastern Peru. It is a popular starting point for excursions in the Amazon basin. The city with its approximately 400,000 inhabitants is surrounded by dense tropical jungle and is accessible exclusively by boat on the Amazon or more conveniently by plane. Iquitos was founded in 1750, when the Catholic Jesuits built a mission station for the “disobedient” indigenous inhabitants.
In 1860, a small rubber boom developed in the city, which generated a short growth spurt in Iquitos. In addition, the discovery of oil wells near the city in 1960, brought with it an additional surge for further growth in the city. Today, the most important source of income for the local population in Iquitos is tourism.
Attractions and most popular sites in the city of Iquitos:
Discover the best tourist places to visit and the things to do that the city of Iquitos offers you, plan your trip and enjoy.
Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Protected Reserve of Peru, and one of the tourist areas par excellence in South America.
Zungarococha Lake
Known for its dark waters, tributaries of the vast Nanay River, Lake Zungarococha is born 20 kilometers from the city of Iquitos.
Malecon Tarapacá – Iquitos
This great avenue that some call boulevard is located in the city of Iquitos, one of the places of greatest tourist interest in Peru.
Quistococha Tourist Complex
Also called the Quistococha Tourist Park, this beautiful white-sand complex is on the map as a great place for entertainment in Iquitos.
Anaconda Craft Market
One block from the traditional Plaza de Armas of Iquitos is located, on the coast of the Itaya River, this typical jungle market of great tourist interest.
Amazon Rescue Center
Renamed by its initials as CREA Iquitos, this is a site dedicated to the protection and investigation of the interrelationships between living beings and the Amazon’s own resources.
The Iquitos Serpentarium
Located in the waters of the Momón and Nanay rivers, the Iquitos Serpentarium shows its visitors the way of life of the most feared carnivorous reptiles in the jungle.
Monkey Island
Those who do tourism in Iquitos will not want to miss The Island of the Monkeys, a piece of land converted into a true primate paradise in the middle of the jungle.
Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm
Of great tourist interest in South America, the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm is the only butterfly farm in Iquitos and throughout Peru.
Pedro Fund
One of the most visited tourist attractions in Iquitos is the Fundo Pedrito de Barrio Florido, located on the banks of the Amazon River.
Bethlehem neighborhood
The picturesque, humble and authentic Barrio de Belén is one of the busiest tourist spots in the Peruvian jungle.
Iquitos Cathedral
Also called the Mother Church of Iquitos, Historical Cultural Heritage of the Nation and the most important project within the group of churches that houses the city.
Museum of Amazonian Indigenous Cultures
Site of tourist interest dedicated to acquiring and preserving material of great cultural value, the Museum of Amazonian Indigenous Cultures awaits you.
Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve
The reserve extends over 58 hectares where wide areas of white sand coexist with forests flooded by the dark water of the Nanay River.
Typical dishes:
Chonta or heart of palm salad
Stem of the palm tree also called pona. Ceviche de dorado: Based on fish
Inchicapi
Chicken soup with peanuts, coriander and yucca. Timbuche: Concentrated broth based on fish and coriander.
Cecina
Dried and salted beef or pork.
Patarashca
Fish wrapped in bijao leaves and roasted over a fire.
Juanes
Sticky rice dough with pieces of chicken, wrapped in bijao leaves and steamed.
Tacacho
Prepared based on roasted green plantain, mashed and kneaded with pork rinds.
Inchicucho: Prepared based on corn, peanuts and chili.
Tropical fruits
Papaya, aguaje, taperiba (“mango-plum”), bananas, cocona, camu-camu, passion fruit, guava, among others.
Tropical fruits
Papaya, aguaje, taperiba (“mango-plum”), bananas, cocona, camu-camu, passion fruit, guava, among others.
Traditional beverages:
Masato
Cooked and crushed cassava drink, fermented with chancaca or sugar.
Aguajina
Soft drink made with the fruit of the aguaje (palm tree).
Chapo
Specially prepared with ripe plantain. (Capirona).
Shibe
Prepared based on fariña (fermented and toasted cassava).