Tambopata
~200 mThe easiest way into the rainforest: a short flight, then the river
The Amazon
Iquitos
The largest city you can't drive to, and the gateway to river cruises
- Altitude
- ~105 m (344 ft)verify
- Altitude band
- Low
- Time needed
- 3–5 nights
- Zone
- The Amazon
No road reaches Iquitos. You arrive by plane or by boat, into a riverside city of motocarros and rubber-boom mansions. From here, river cruises and lodges head into the flooded forests of the upper Amazon and Pacaya-Samiria, where pink river dolphins surface beside the boat.
No altitude effects expected. Altitude, explained
Highlights
- Belén market
- Pink river dolphins
- Pacaya-Samiria reserve
- Amazon river cruises
What to eat here
Juane
Rice, chicken, olives and egg wrapped in a bijao leaf and boiled. Traditionally eaten for the San Juan festival in June.
Paiche
One of the world's largest freshwater fish, now farmed sustainably. Firm and mild, often grilled in leaves.
Camu camu
A small, very sour river fruit packed with vitamin C, usually drunk as juice.
Tacacho con cecina
Mashed green plantain with pork fat, served with smoked dried pork. The jungle breakfast.
The Amazon
Nearby too
Manu
~350 mFrom the Andes down to the jungle, for travellers with time
Add Iquitos to your trip
Tell us when you'd like to go and what you'd love to see. Your Peru Specialist will come back with ideas, honest advice on altitude and timing, and a clear price.