Iquitos

The largest city in the Peruvian Amazon and the gateway to the rainforest, built on the banks of the Río Amazonas. It's the primary hub for jungle lodges, river cruises, and expeditions into remote areas of the Amazon.

Things to do

• Amazon River Cruises — Multi-day river cruises depart from Iquitos' port to explore remote tributaries, spot pink river dolphins, and visit indigenous communities.
• Jungle Lodge Expeditions — Stay at riverside or rainforest lodges accessible only by boat, offering guided wildlife spotting, canopy walks, and night excursions.
• Río Nanay Canoe Tours — Take motorized canoes or kayaks on the Nanay River near Iquitos to observe macaws, caimans, and diverse birdlife in their natural habitat.
• Manatee Rescue Center Visit — Visit the Manatee Rescue Center (Centro de Rescate Amazónico) on the outskirts of the city to see rescued pink river dolphins and manatees up close.
• Plaza de Armas — Stroll through Iquitos' central plaza to see the iron gazebo and colonial architecture, and observe local life and street vendors.
• Casa Fitzcarraldo — Tour this restored rubber baron mansion from the early 1900s that showcases the city's opulent boom era and offers insights into local history.
• Floating Market (Belén) — Explore the ramshackle waterfront neighborhood of Belén with its floating wooden houses, market stalls, and riverside commerce.

Food to try

• Tacacho con Queso — Mashed plantains mixed with butter and served with melted cheese, often accompanied by cecina (dried meat), a hearty Amazonian staple.
• Paiche a la Amazónica — Grilled paiche (a giant river fish) seasoned with local spices and lime, reflecting the region's abundant freshwater catches.
• Juanes — Rice cooked in banana leaves with chicken or fish, typically served during festivals, representing traditional Amazonian preparation methods.
• Ceviche de Paiche — Fresh paiche ceviche made with lime juice, onions, and local peppers, a lighter take on Peru's famous dish using Amazonian fish.
• Açaí bowls — Açaí berries harvested locally and served as smoothie bowls with granola and fresh fruits, a healthy superfood popular in riverside cafés.
• Chonta Salad — Heart of palm (chonta) served fresh in a salad with local vegetables, a delicate and prized Amazonian delicacy.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect river customs — Always wear a life jacket on boats, heed local guides' warnings about wildlife, and avoid swimming in rivers due to caimans and piranhas.
• Learn basic Spanish phrases — While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning basic Spanish helps when interacting with locals and riverboat operators.
• Be sensitive to indigenous communities — Ask permission before photographing indigenous peoples, respect their territories, and support community-run tourism rather than exploitative tours.
• Embrace the rainy season — Rain is frequent in the Amazon; locals see it as routine and expect visitors to adapt without complaint—waterproof gear is essential, not optional.