The Best Tourist Spots to Visit in Iquitos
If you're planning a trip that combines history, culture, and adventure, Iquitos is one of the jungle destinations in Peru you must visit.
This city has a lot to offer, and in this article, we’ll tell you which are the must-see tourist attractions in Iquitos.
What You Should Know About Iquitos
The city of Iquitos is located in the northeast of the country, on the left bank of the Amazon River. It is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon and one of the most populated in the country.
There are many places to visit in Iquitos, but the most interesting thing about this site is its proximity to the jungle. If you visit this city, you will have the chance to explore the jungle and discover its wonderful nature.
The climate in Iquitos is mostly mild. Annual temperatures average between 22°C and 32°C. Summers are warm and winters are short. We can say that the best time of year to visit Iquitos is between April and October, to avoid the cloudiest season.
The Best Tourist Attractions in Iquitos
Below, we’ll list the best places to visit in Iquitos so you can keep them in mind when planning your trip to this fantastic destination.
1- Belén Market:
Among the most popular tourist spots in Iquitos is the Belén Market. It is located in a unique neighborhood built on water, in a floating manner.
Here, in addition to typical or traditional products, you'll find extremely exotic items, such as jaguar skin, crocodile heads, or turtle meat, among others.
2- Monkey Island:
30 kilometers from Iquitos is this important rescue and rehabilitation center, which receives different species of monkeys to be recovered and then released back into their natural habitat.
If you want to visit this interesting place and be in direct contact with animals, at Guru Explorers we recommend the 4-day / 3-night Amazing Amazon Tour in Iquitos, where you’ll enjoy nature and see different species of monkeys, such as Howler, Titi, Woolly, or Pygmy Marmoset.
3- The Iron House:
Another place to visit in Iquitos is this peculiar building designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same architect who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Today, this building is considered a Cultural Historical Heritage of Peru, and it currently houses one of the city’s most important restaurants.
4- Pacaya Samiria National Reserve:
Another tourist site in Peru recommended to visit is the Huacachina oasis. Here you will find a green lagoon surrounded by palm trees and sand dunes.
This oasis in the middle of the desert is located 52 kilometers away from the city of Ica, and it is one of the most striking places you will find in the country.
5- Amazon River:
The longest river in the world is another must-see tourist spot in Iquitos. Sailing along it is one of the most exciting and adventurous experiences.
At Guru Explorers, we offer the 2-day / 1-night Amazing Amazon Tour in Iquitos, where you’ll have the magical experience of a night boat ride on the Amazon River. In the calm and darkness of the night, you’ll hear the jungle sounds and enjoy a magnificent star-filled sky.
6- Amazon Rescue Center:
This must-visit site in Iquitos is of great importance, as it is one of the tourist spots in the area that has rescued the most animals over time.
The center works to rescue, heal, and release various animal species native to the Amazon jungle.
7- Birdwatching:
One of the most exciting activities you can do in Iquitos is birdwatching. For this, Guru Explorers offers the perfect tour.
Through the 5-day / 4-night Birdwatching Tour in Iquitos, you’ll visit different nature reserves in the heart of the jungle and encounter countless exotic bird species up close, such as the Iquitos Gnatcatcher, Marvelous Spatuletail, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, and Scarlet Macaw, among many other beautiful birds native to the Peruvian Amazon.
8- Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm:
Another must-see place in Iquitos is undoubtedly the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm. Its name in Quechua means “house of butterflies.”
Here, you’ll find 42 different species of butterflies and witness the complete metamorphosis process. Among the most striking species found here are the Blue Morpho and the Owl Butterfly.
9- Quistococha Tourist Complex:
13 kilometers from the city is another tourist spot in Iquitos we recommend visiting. This complex is a very popular nature reserve. Here, you can enjoy a picnic, a rowboat ride, swim at the white-sand artificial beach, or admire the local wildlife and flora.
10- Visit a Local Community:
Among the many interesting activities to do in Iquitos, this is one you can't miss.
At Guru Explorers, we offer the 3-day / 2-night Amazing Amazon Tour in Iquitos, where you’ll meet the Yaguas, an indigenous community of the Peruvian Amazon. The members of this community are known as skilled hunters and will teach you fishing techniques.
11- Main Square (Plaza de Armas):
Another place to visit in Iquitos is its Main Square. This picturesque plaza is one of the most visited spots in the city, as it is surrounded by many important establishments and shops. At the center stands the Heroes Obelisk, a monument honoring the fighters of the War of the Pacific.
12- Iquitos Serpentarium:
The Iquitos Serpentarium is a natural sanctuary where various types of snakes live. The site’s main goal is to raise awareness and educate visitors about the importance of snakes in the jungle’s food chain.
13- Iquitos Cathedral:
Another place to visit in Iquitos is its Cathedral, also known as the Main Church. It is located in the main square and is considered a Cultural Historical Heritage of the Nation.
Its design and architecture distinguish it from the city’s other churches, as it has a neo-Gothic style, and inside you’ll find important works of art.
14- Fundo Pedrito:
One of the most visited tourist spots in Iquitos is Fundo Pedrito. This 30,000 square meter space features large pools filled with turtles, alligators, fish, and aquatic plants native to the jungle. It's also a great place to enjoy local dishes.
15- Lake Zungarococha:
Located 12 kilometers from the city, this is one of the most visited tourist sites in Iquitos.
This large lake is surrounded by lush native vegetation and features calm waters perfect for swimming, boating, or sport fishing.za de Armas and varied colonial houses that present a beautiful architecture.
16- Museum of Indigenous and Amazonian Cultures:
In this fascinating site, you’ll learn through a guided tour about the different cultures inhabiting the Amazon region.
You’ll discover their customs and way of life and see a large collection of preserved objects such as clothing, hunting and fishing tools, musical instruments, ceremonial and funerary items.
17- Amazon Library of Iquitos:
If you visit the Museum of Indigenous and Amazonian Cultures, you should also visit the Amazon Library of Iquitos.
This place is considered the second most important institution in Latin America that preserves information on Amazonian topics, with over 27,000 books and 3,000 photographs detailing the history of Iquitos and the entire Amazon region.
18- Tarapacá Promenade:
This site is one of the busiest in Iquitos, both for tourists and locals. Here you can enjoy a pleasant walk with a privileged view of the Amazon River, especially at sunset.
This area has several bars and nightclubs that bring it to life at night, where you can try the region’s typical drinks, such as “rompe calzón” and “levántate pájaro muerto.”
19- The Pinasco House:
This important building, located in the Main Square of Iquitos, was built by Italian and German immigrants and has been declared a National Historic Monument due to its architectural and historical value.
20- Ayapua Historic Ship Museum – Iquitos:
This historic ship was built in 1906 by R. Holtsen in Germany. It is docked on the riverbank and currently serves as a museum showcasing the history of the Peruvian Amazon through its 10 exhibition rooms.
Conclusions
Indeed, throughout this article, we've seen that there are many points of interest to visit in Iquitos.
We can confidently say this is the ideal place if you're looking to combine history and culture with the adventure of the Peruvian Amazon jungle.
Remember that Guru Explorers offers various tours in Iquitos so you can enjoy the best travel experiences.
Discover more about the tourist spots of the Peruvian jungle.