A city of more than 150 thousand inhabitants, embed in the peruvian jungle, that can not be reached by any road, is something that makes anyone to start wondering.
At the current date Iquitos is only accessible thru air or water (river) and this simple fact is one of the many that pull people like a magnet towards it. This city is a place that creates lots of expectations.
Certainly, Iquitos’ golden age is long time lost in the past. Nowadays the city has been somehow forgotten by its authorities and many of the basic aspects that provided joy to its inhabitants and tourists alike are fading. Nevertheless it is still a unique destination that is worth visiting at least for few days.
A totally different story is to meander the Amazon river, in which waterways you can easily spend more than a week marveling at the natural wonders, without even noticing that life in the outside world is still going on.
But going back to our subject, the city that once housed evil rubber barons -richer than our imagination can runs, still keeps some its buildings that are evidence of a past where the white sap extracted from the trees was as valued as gold. The almost forgotten Eiffel house and the opulent Morey house, now converted into a luxury hotel, are highlights you shouldn’t miss.
However, the side of Iquitos most people are attracted to, is the wonderful chaos of its markets, docks and neighbourhoods; providing a cocktail of images of the odd, extravagant jungle life most people are not familiar with. Streets covered by swarming tricycles and one of a kind wood bodywork buses, surrounded by the warm and colorful atmosphere, it is an experience not many places can provide.
For instance, a visit to Belen and Nanay is almost mandatory, but once your urge for experiencing the city as a local is satisfied, we also recommend to explore beyond and try -for example, the fabulous floating restaurants, especially at night. And later, to visit wildlife rescue centers for an intimate contact with animals that will appreciate your contribution in their rehab.
It is almost obvious to say that Iquitos is the perfect starting point to incur in natural protected areas that are just mesmerizing, and that may be the perfect way to connect to other ports as other interesting destinations of the peruvian jungle await for your visit.
Don’t think it too much and put your fingers at work writing us at english @ responsibletravelperu.com so our travel specialist can get in contact with you, and together you can start designing the perfect trip to Iquitos, or any other region of Peru, in a way it fits all your necessities. Or even better, filling out our questionnaire and your 100% tailor made itinerary will be half done.
