Zungarococha Lake, a great ecosystem of Iquitos

With its dark waters and surrounded by a varied ecosystem very characteristic of the lowland jungle, we find Lake Zungarococha, located on the right bank of the Nanay River, a tributary of the Amazon River, in the Loreto region. Its name originates from the time when there was an abundance of the "Zungaro" fish in the place, whose name the first settlers linked to the word "cocha" or lake, thus naming it Zungarococha Lake. The town of Zungarococha, founded in 1965, is located on its banks, which has 800 inhabitants. Further ahead is the Corrientillo Creek, where visitors can visit to enjoy its refreshing waters. And a short distance away you can taste traditional stews in the small Corrientillo lagoon. This lake is large and its water level varies according to the rising or emptying season of the rivers. Likewise, it is ideal for leisure and recreational activities, such as swimming, canoeing, boating, gliding, sport fishing, among others, in the middle of beautiful landscapes.

What to see and do in Lake Zungarococha?

Meditate in the sleeping waters of the lake. The natural environment of this corner of the world that is embraced by a great ecosystem typical of the Amazon to give peace and silence to enjoy one of the best tourist landscapes in Iquitos. Visit the Corrientillo Gorge. Very close to Lake Zungarococha is this beautiful ravine where locals offer traditional stews and in whose waters travelers take the opportunity to cool off from the heat. Take boat, canoe and slide rides. Traditional and known for its dark and serene waters, this lake is one of the best places to visit in Iquitos and undertake small excursions in the boats offered by the natives. Enjoy the afternoon doing sport fishing. For those who have already explored the tourist landscape, fishing is a good option in this Peruvian nature reserve.

How to get to Lake Zungarococha?

Lake Zungarococha is located just over 10 km from the Iquitos airport. By car it is possible to get there from the city in just 20 minutes. For the most daring, walking is also an option, but it is important to know that to reach this beautiful tourist site in Iquitos on foot it is necessary to walk for around two hours, under the usual and typical conditions of the low jungle: heat.

Recommendations

If you have the budget, it is best to get to Lake Zungarococha by vehicle. At the Iquitos airport they will offer you transportation to the lagoon so you can save your best energy to use once you are at the destination. This great tourist destination in Peru has considerably improved its water service in the last 20 years. However, even though tap water is drinkable, it is always advisable to drink bottled water. This avoids any discomfort that could dampen the possibility of enjoying the most beautiful and touristic natural reserves in the area. Since boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming may require this, we always recommend carrying additional clothing. This will help you not have to limit your desire and you can get wet again and again in the dark waters of the lagoon, to end the day with a comfortable and dry change of clothes. Always carrying sunscreen is key to visiting any tourist area surrounded by jungle. Accompanying with sunglasses and good footwear will never hurt. To complete the list of essential elements, it is worth noting that in this tourist site you will need extra-strong repellent that will keep away the mosquitoes that come out from 5:00 pm. Some experienced and cautious travelers also choose to consume vitamins before traveling to avoid bites.

Other localities to visit in Iquitos

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: It is located 308 kilometers from the city and is surrounded by the Marañón River and the flow of the Ucayali. It is home to almost a thousand varieties of animals and species recorded in its flora. In the reserve you can take a cruise to explore the Amazon from the comfort of a boat, visit a native community, take a night walk if you are looking for adventure, visit the El Dorado Lagoon where you can witness some of the most beautiful sunsets . To get there you must first take a bus to the city of Nauta and then a boat to the reserve. If you are looking to book a tour at a lower price, it is best to do so by arriving at the same Reservation.

Monkey Island: If you like animals, you won't want to miss this place. It was created in 1997 and its objective is to take care of the monkeys and make them return to the jungle when they are healthy. Here you will not only be able to walk among the wild flora and witness the sighting of monkeys, but also, if you are lucky, you will be able to carry a small primate throughout your tour, this will depend on how comfortable the animal feels. The entrance price is S/ 20 for nationals, S/ 30 for foreigners and S/ 10 for children.
Amazon Rescue Center (CREA): It is a site that is dedicated to research and protection of living beings and resources in the Amazon. At CREA you can be part of the preparation that is done to an animal prior to its release, you can also interact with other species, attend talks or workshops. And if you plan to stay longer, you can also sign up as a volunteer. The cost of entry varies depending on whether you are local, national or foreign, children under 12 years of age and students have special rates.
Quistococha Tourist Complex: It is located about 23 kilometers south of the city and is considered one of the most outstanding tourist landscapes in the region due to its 369 hectares of natural Amazonian forest. It has an artificial white sand beach wrapped in native vegetation. At the resort you can stroll through the botanical garden, visit the zoo where about 150 wild animals live, swim or boat on Tunchi beach, rent a canoe and more. It can only be reached by vehicle, so you can hire a taxi or take one of the buses that leave from Próspero and Alfonso Ugarte streets. Admission costs S/ 3 for adults and S/ 1 for children. You also have the option of hiring a guide to learn more about the place.
Malecón Tarapacá: Also known as a boulevard, this large avenue is one of the places that attracts the most tourists in the area, since it is located on the banks of the Itaya River and serves as the main meeting point. This makes it one of the busiest points to make different plans. The Malecón offers a panoramic view of the Belén neighborhood and allows you to do different activities such as: visiting the small port where you can hire tours or boat rides, visiting the popular Plaza de Armas of Iquitos which is just one block away, visiting the Museum of the Amazonian Indigenous Cultures found on the Malecón itself and more.

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