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What to do in Iquitos? 17 Awesome Places

Posted On: 23 January 2023 #TierrasVivas 2104

Also known as the capital of the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos is the largest metropolis in the Peruvian jungle, as well as a very important river port. Surrounded by forests, colossal rivers like the Amazon and innumerable lagoons and lakes, Iquitos preserves in the city's architecture signs of the prosperity of the rubber boom era, without forgetting the heritage of Amazonian indigenous cultures exhibited in its main museum.

Without a doubt, Iquitos is the best prelude to the Amazon jungle and its wonders.

Tourism in Iquitos

Iquitos is fascinating in every way, where indigenous Amazonian cultures stand out, its climate makes it unique because it does not have winter or summer, everything will depend on the level of the river waters.

It has one of the largest neighborhoods in the world; In the Barrio de Belén, in Iquitos you can still find many indigenous communities that preserve their traditions, such as art, dance, clothing, language and the best thing is that they are very happy to show all these customs to tourists.

Now that you know the tourist attractions of Iquitos, do you dare to know any of them?

Main Square of Iquitos

It is a place that welcomes all tourists. This is a beautiful open space full of life, restaurants, stalls and monuments. In addition, it is the venue for large civic parades and various official acts.

In the center of the square is the Obelisk of Heroes, in honor of the combatants of the Pacific War.

The Mother Church of Iquitos

Iquitos Cathedral is the Central Church Located in the Plaza de Armas, it has a neo-Gothic style, considered a Historical Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

It was built in 1911 and 1924, it is a beautiful Catholic building; At first glance, it draws the attention of every tourist.

Zungarococha Lake

The name comes from the time when there was a quantity of "Zungaro" fish in the place, to which the word "Cocha" was added, which is Lake, located 12 km from Iquitos, on the right bank of the Nanay river, it is an excellent place to carry out boating, sport fishing, among others

The house of Pinasco in Iquitos

It is located in the Plaza de Armas; It was built by Italian and German immigrants who were in the place, over time it was managed by a company; The Italian-German, who used it as a warehouse. Years later, it closed its doors and was rented to the National Institute of Culture, after which the house returned to the power of the Pinascos.

It is recognized for its invaluable architectural and historical value during the rubber era and was declared a national historical monument.

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Continuing with the tourist attractions of Iquitos, we arrive at Pacaya Samiria, which is the second largest protected area in Peru, it houses a biodiversity with more than 1000 species of animals and 965 species of wild plants, you will also find lagoons within the reserve and native communities.

The iron house of Iquitos

It is a well preserved and striking building was built by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel who also built the Eiffel Tower. It is located in the Plaza de Armas where we can find small business stalls; considered as Historical Cultural Heritage, like the church.

Bethlehem neighborhood

It is an area where tourists arrive attracted by the floating houses that are constructions made on the water where you will find houses, shops, etc. You can travel by boat making stops at points of interest, one of the most important points is its market where you will find alligator meat, turtle meat, camu camu drinks and aguaje.

Monkey Island

It is a rescue center located 30 km from Iquitos, here you can see monkeys that live temporarily, its purpose is to assist and care for primates in a state of vulnerability so that once they recover they can be placed in their natural habitat, the island of the monos has the option of doing volunteer work.

Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Garden

Home to colorful butterflies, some of them huge and imposing, Pilpintuwasi is also an Amazon animal rescue center.

The Tarapaca boardwalk in Iquitos

Located in front of the Itaya River, it has an extension of 5 blocks built during the Rubber era, they gave it this name in honor of the fallen heroes in the War with Chile. On its way it offers an attractive general view of the Amazon River and the port of Belen.

It has a beautiful panoramic view at sunset, currently the place is very popular because it is the axis of the typical products of the region.

Former Hotel Palace of Iquitos

Located at the intersection of Putumayo street and Malecón Tarapacá, it was built in 1908 and finished in 1912.

It is a luxurious Art Nouveau design construction with influences from Catalan modernism, considered the highest expression of Iquitean architecture. Access to the interior is currently restricted, but it is possible to take some photos and film outside.

Museum of Amazonian indigenous cultures of Iquitos

The museum of Amazonian indigenous cultures of Iquitos you can appreciate the relationship between the Amazonian people and their culture.

It dates from a large collection of objects belonging to the different tribes where ethnographies, ceremonial objects, musical instruments, utensils that are usually used in hunting and fishing are shown.

Amazon Museum of Iquitos

It was built in 1863, it has a Neoclassical style and was inaugurated in 1996.

Inside it has a large collection of 80 sculptures; It was created to learn about the different peoples and ethnic groups that make up the Amazon.

It was declared Cultural Historical Patrimony of the Nation; This building has large windows and the wall decoration was made of carved wood by the artisan Demetrio Días Souzaen.

It is located on the Malecón Tarapacá, its admission is free.

It is a good place to learn about the culture and history of our Amazon.

The Amazon Library of Iquitos

Located in the center of the city, on the Tarapacá boardwalk, it has a variety of specialized books. It was built in 1873 and is a public institution covered with books and more than 3000 historical photographs, it is the second largest and most important library in Latin America regarding Amazonian themes.

It was founded by Father Joaquín García in 1992 and is one of the tourist places that you cannot miss in Iquitos, an encounter with the past, identity and culture of the Peruvian jungle.

Anaconda Tourist Craft Center of Iquitos

The Anaconda Tourist Craft Center in Iquitos is one of the best tourist attractions, where you can buy handicrafts and souvenirs, such as paintings, statues, jewelry, bracelets, etc. This artisan center has twenty stalls that sell products and offer them to tourists.

The house Morey Iquitos

It is a historic building built in 1910 in the city of Iquitos. This beautiful architectural complex is made up of two floors, protected by fine iron bars and is located in front of the Ramón Castilla square.

Historic Ship Museum Ayapua Iquitos

It is a Peruvian museum ship located in Iquitos on the banks of the Itaya river, it was built by R. Holtsen in Hamburg, Germany in 1906. It worked during the rubber boom, it has been restored and is currently located on the banks of Ramon Castilla y Marquesado square .

The Ayapua will be dedicated to the period of the rubber era, with exhibits on the history of navigation, geographers and explorers.

How to get to Iquitos from Lima and other Peruvian destinations?

Currently there are flights to/from Lima, Pucallpa, and Tarapoto, and seasonal destinations like Cusco to get to Machu Picchu. The airlines that arrive in Iquitos are Latam, Viva Air Peru, Avianca, Star Peru, among others.

Being a city surrounded by large rivers, it is one of the most isolated cities in the world with no access by road. For this reason, it is not possible to go from Lima to Iquitos by car. It is only possible to travel between Iquitos and Nauta on a highway of about 100 km.

When to go on a trip to the Peruvian Amazon?

The best time to go to Iquitos, and the Amazon jungle in general, is from April to October, during the rainy season. You can also visit during the growing season but there are more constant rains. The average annual temperature is about 24 – 25ºC.

Where to eat in Iquitos?

In Iquitos there are several chicken shops that prepare the famous grilled chicken, a typical Peruvian dish. To eat you can go to: Kikiriki, El Rancho, and Long Fung, establishments that are near the Plaza de Armas and Plaza 28 de Julio.

Best Tours in Peru

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticketin advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchuwithout any problem.