Top Things to Do in Iquitos

About the City

Tucked away in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, Iquitos, Peru, is a vibrant city exploding with life and color, accessible only by plane or boat. This remote city thrives on the rhythms of the jungle, where the chirping of exotic birds and the buzz of busy markets create an unforgettable symphony. The good? Iquitos is a gateway to unparalleled biodiversity, offering adventures like piranha fishing, pink dolphin sightings, and thrilling encounters with sloths and monkeys. Motorcar rides zip through the streets, delivering a buzzing vibe that perfectly matches the city's dynamic pace. Wander into the Belen Market for a sensory overload, where the air is rich with the aroma of tropical fruits and the sights of traditional crafts. But the remote charm comes with its drawbacks. The humidity clings like a second skin, often leaving visitors in a perpetual sweat. The city's infrastructure sometimes struggles, with bumpy roads that challenge even the sturdiest of stomachs. And while the nightlife is lively, it's not for everyone, as the city never seems to sleep, turning silence into a rare commodity. Despite these quirks, Iquitos remains an extraordinary city, promising a blend of adventure and culture for the intrepid traveler who dares to delve into its wild embrace.

Things to Do in Iquitos

Piranha Feasting Frenzy

Food & Drink

Get ready to snap your teeth into something wildly delicious! Piranha, yes, you heard it right, the feisty fish of the Amazon, is a must-try local delicacy for any daring foodie. Fried, grilled, or in...

Catch the Yacu Puma Vibes

Outdoors

Ever wanted to feel like an Amazonian scout? The Center for Yacu Puma Rescued Animals is your jam! You'll see animals more chill than a Friday night sofa session – all whilst giving them a helping paw...

The Great Green Ani Quest

The Unexpected

Ever wanted to spot a bird that's as quirky as it is clever? Try finding the Green Ani, a curious creature with a taste for company and a knack for mischief. Bird-watchers, assemble! It's time to tick...

The Twilight River Serenade

The Unexpected

As dusk falls, the Amazon doesn't sleep; it sings. And there's no better way to enjoy the chorus of nature than a tranquil boat ride along the lazy rivers. Let the sounds of the jungle serenade you as...

The Ultimate Street Food Safari

The Unexpected

Unleash your inner foodie on a gastronomic safari through the streets of Iquitos. Get ready to tackle everything from crispy fried plantains to sizzling skewers of exotic meats. This culinary quest is...

Bartering Bonanza in Belén

The Unexpected

Ready to barter like a boss? Head over to the bustling Belén Market, where haggling is the name of the game. Sharpen your negotiation skills and score sweet deals on unique Amazonian handicrafts, exot...

Amazonian Sunset Canoe Trip

Outdoors

Ever wanted to feel like you're gliding on a giant mirror reflecting the most stunning sunset you've ever seen? Yeah, Iquitos offers that magical experience. Take a canoe trip just as the sun starts d...

Swing on the Wild Side

Outdoors

Get ready to feel like Indiana Jones or Tarzan (choose your jungle hero!) by swinging across tree-tops with a zipline trip. If heights give you jitters, just pretend it's a really tall slide. Wheee!

Amazonian Craft Cruise

Outdoors

Get a feel for native creativity on this craft-packed adventure. Float down the river as you weave and carve away, making souvenirs that'll beat any tacky airport gift shop!

Iquitos Street Art Stroll

Outdoors

Sashay your way through the vibrant streets of Iquitos, where walls become canvases showcasing the pulse of the Amazon. It's like an outdoor gallery with the most buzzin' bugs around – and free, unlik...

The Cozy Cocona Quest

Food & Drink

Embrace the tangy twist of cocona, the Amazon's own tomato-like fruit in everything from sauces to salads. It's a zingy must-add to your jungle culinary adventure!

Ayahuasca Spiritual Journey

Sights

Seek enlightenment or just a mind-bending experience with a traditional Ayahuasca ceremony led by a local shaman. It's all about the inner voyage, so brace yourself for a spiritual rollercoaster!

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Excursion

Sights

Don your explorer hat and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the 'forest of mirrors'! Picture yourself surrounded by lush greenery, seeing critters you've only spotted in books (or the odd z...

Plaza de Armas Discovery

Sights

Get ready to fill your travel boots with history and culture! Iquitos' Plaza de Armas is a hubbub of activity and the heartbeat of the city. Stroll around, soak up the vibes, and snap some shots of th...

Navigate the Itaya River

Sights

Ready to get your feet wet with adventure? Hop on a boat and meander down the Itaya River – it's like nature's own lazy river but without the rubber rings! You'll get to experience Iquitos from a wate...

Tarapaca Boardwalk Reverie

Sights

Feel the breeze in your hair as you wander down the scenic Tarapaca Boardwalk. You'll have the chance to feast on street foods, mingle with the locals, and maybe nab yourself some killer handmade craf...

Chomp on Churo

Food & Drink

Get ready to crunch some churo (Amazonian snail), a true jungle delicacy that's not for the faint of heart! Typically served grilled or in a zesty sauce, these big snails will challenge your taste bud...

Relish the Regional Refresco

Food & Drink

Cool down with a glass of refresco! Not your ordinary juice, this is a tangy tropical explosion of various fruits from the rainforest, mixed into one refreshing beverage. Pro tip: pair it with your me...

Chow Down on Chonta Salad

Food & Drink

Get ready to munch on the mighty jungle cactus! Chonta salad, also known as ensalada de palm hearts, is a refreshing dish that'll tingle your taste buds and leave you feeling like you've conquered the...

Harvest Your Own Jungle Spice

The Unexpected

Follow the scent and go on a jungle jaunt to pick wild, aromatic Amazonian spices. Not your average supermarket spree! Get ready to pluck, sniff, and stash your finds. It'll be like your own 'Survivor...