Things to Do in Iquitos
Top 9 Things to Do in Iquitos/Loreto
Iquitos is a Peruvian capital city of the department of Loreto. It is the largest metropolis in the Peruvian Amazon, and is the seventh most populated city in the country according to the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics. It is established in the Great Plain and surrounded by the Amazon, Nanay and Itaya rivers and the Moronacocha Lake. Using the study of linguistics, you can approximate the origin of the name. “Iquitos” is a castilianized plural construction of “ikito”, because it was originally called “Iquitos farmhouse”. The word iquito contains the prefix ik-, which means river, lagoon, well, although it also means separation, distance. Etymologically, when combining the two meanings, it is obtained: “Multitude separated by the waters”. In this blog article, we present you 9 incredible things to do in the city of Iquitos.
How to get to Iquitos/Loreto ?
There is a fast and direct way to get to Iquitos:
- By plane, it takes 1 hour and 45 minutes
Where to sleep in Iquitos/Loreto ?
In Iquitos you will find from really cheap hostels to much more comfortable hotels from 1 to 5 star. Most of the accommodations are located around or close its main square.
One of the most important things, if not the most important of the trips, is the lodging. Normally this represents 50% or more of your expense and can make your stay unforgettable, in a good or bad way.
To book a hotel always keep the following in mind:
- Location.
- Access to public transport.
- Cleaning.
- Breakfast.
- Free WIFI.
- Room size.
- Treatment of staff.
- Quality of service.
- Read reviews from other travelers.
Things to do in Iquitos/Loreto ?
The beautiful island, which is how its inhabitants know the city of Iquitos; It has many destinations of nature, history and gastronomy to offer you.
If you would like to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu; click on the following link: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu by train.
The city of Iquitos
This city surprises with its beautiful architectural styles and immense and varied landscape beauty. In Iquitos you can visit the main square, the Iquitos cathedral, the Fierro house, the ex Palace hotel, the Luis E. Morey house and the Iquitos museum.
Cruise on the Amazon river
Traveling through the Amazon River on a cruise is a fascinating adventure, that will allow you to enjoy the longest and largest river in the world.
Amazon Rescue Center
This place does wonderful work taking care of manatees and other animals that are in need of help, a good place to visit and learn about these amazing animals.
Isla de los monos
This is a full day trip to and from Iquitos. You hop on a boat and off you go to Monkey Island. Well treated and very friendly animals. You can get some great pictures. You can interact with monkeys. If you love animals this place is a great option.
Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm
This is a good place to see wildlife up close, they care for the animals, that need help and the staff have a great source of knowledge to share.
Belen
Anything that crawls or grows in the Amazon that somebody wants for whatever reason is available at Belen. You should make some time to visit it, if you are in Iquitos.
Tapiche reserve
The Tapiche reserve is a private rainforest conservation project in the northern Amazon of Peru with an office in the city of Iquitos. We preserve primary forest, restore disturbed areas, and support local communities with eco-friendly employment opportunities, so that humans can exist harmoniously with nature in the jungle.
Quistococha Zoo
The Quistococha Zoo and Tourist Park covers some 369 hectares of natural forest, perfect for nature lovers and for those who want to know the Peruvian jungle. In addition, Quistococha has an artificial white sand beach called Tunchi Playa, where visitors can swim, sunbathe and enjoy its white sand and beautiful landscapes.
Rainforest Awareness Rescue Education Center
At Rainforest Awareness Rescue Education Center, you can become part of a conservation movement and take part in activities to help rescued manatees, primates, and felines. This wildlife center works to raise awareness about dangers facing local animals, provides education to the nearby communities, and information for travelers. The center also rehabilitates rescued animals, so that they can safely return to their native habitat.
What are the top attractions to visit in Iquitos/Loreto ?
- Belen
- Cruise on the Amazon river
- Rainforest Awareness Rescue Education Center
- Amazon Rescue Center
- Isla de los monos
- Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm
What are the most popular things to do in Iquitos/Loreto with kids ?
- Cruise on the Amazon river
- Rainforest Awareness Rescue Education Center
- Amazon Rescue Center
- Isla de los monos
- Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm
If you would like to get to Machu Picchu hiking; click on the following link: Machu Picchu Treks.
5 typical and exotic dishes from Iquitos/Loreto
