The best tourist sites to visit in Iquitos
If you’re looking to plan a trip that combines history, culture, and adventure, Iquitos is one of the jungle destinations in Peru you can’t miss.
This city has a lot to offer, and in this article we’ll walk you through the tourist sites in Iquitos you absolutely have to see.
What should you 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 Peru’s Amazon region and one of the most populous in the country.
There are many places to visit in Iquitos, but what makes this destination most compelling is its proximity to the jungle. If you visit this city, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the rainforest and discover its remarkable nature.
The climate in Iquitos is mostly mild. Annual temperatures range on average between 22°C and 32°C. Summers are warm and winters are short. 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 list the best places to discover in Iquitos so you can plan your visit to this fantastic destination.
1. Belén Market
Among the most popular tourist attractions in Iquitos, the Belén Market stands out. It is located in a unique neighborhood built entirely on water, in a floating structure.
Here, in addition to finding typical and traditional products, you’ll come across highly exotic items such as jaguar skin, crocodile heads, and turtle meat, among others.
2. Monkey Island
Located 30 kilometers from Iquitos, this important rescue and rehabilitation center takes in different monkey species to nurse them back to health before returning them to their natural habitat.
If you want to visit this fascinating place and have direct contact with the animals, Guru Explorers recommends the 4-Day 3-Night Amazing Amazon Tour in Iquitos, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy nature and get up close with different monkey species such as the Howler, Titi, Woolly, and Pygmy marmoset.
3. The Iron House
Another place to visit in Iquitos is this remarkable structure designed by Gustave Eiffel — the same architect behind the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The building is today considered a Historical and Cultural Heritage site of Peru, and currently houses one of the most prominent restaurants in the city.
4. Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Located 308 kilometers from the city, this is one of the largest protected areas in Peru. It preserves and protects over a thousand animal species and nearly a thousand species of wild and exotic flora.
Here you can navigate along the Amazon River, enjoy a breathtaking sunset, and encounter animal species that are currently endangered.
5. Amazon River
The longest river in the world is another tourist attraction in Iquitos you can’t skip. Navigating it is one of the most thrilling and adventure-filled experiences available.
Guru Explorers offers the 2-Day 1-Night Amazing Amazon Tour in Iquitos, where you’ll have the chance to experience a magical nighttime boat ride along the open Amazon River. In the calm and darkness of the night, you can listen to the sounds of the jungle and take in a magnificent star-filled sky.
6. Amazon Rescue Center
This site is extremely important — it is one of the area’s tourist attractions that has successfully rehabilitated the greatest number of animals over time.
The center’s work focuses on rescuing, healing, and releasing different animal species native to the Amazon jungle.
7. Birdwatching
One of the most exciting activities you can do in Iquitos is birdwatching, and Guru Explorers has the ideal tour for it.
Through the 5-Day 4-Night Birdwatching Tour in Iquitos, you’ll visit different natural reserves deep in the jungle and get up close with countless exotic bird species — including the Iquitos Gnatcatcher, the Spatuletail Hummingbird, the Cock-of-the-rock, and the Scarlet Macaw, among many other beautiful birds native to the Peruvian Amazon.
8. Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm
Another must-see in Iquitos is the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm. Its name in Quechua means “house of butterflies.”
Here you’ll encounter 42 different butterfly species and have the opportunity to witness the complete metamorphosis process firsthand. Among the most striking species you’ll find here are the Blue Morpho and the Owl Butterfly.
9. Quistococha Tourist Complex
Located 13 kilometers from the city, this is another tourist site in Iquitos worth visiting. This complex is a highly visited nature reserve where you can enjoy a picnic, take a rowboat ride, swim at the artificial white sand beach, or observe the wild fauna and flora surrounding the area.
10. Visit a Local Community
Entre las variadas e interesantes actividades que puedes realizar en Iquitos, esta es una que no te puedes perder.
Por eso, debes saber que, en Guru Explorers contamos con el Tour Amazonas Increíble de 3 días y 2 noches en Iquitos, en donde tendrás la posibilidad de conocer a Los Yaguas, una comunidad indígena propia de la selva Amazónica peruana. Los integrantes de esta comunidad se caracterizan por ser habilidosos cazadores, y te enseñarán técnicas que utilizan para la pesca.
11. Plaza de Armas
Another place to visit in Iquitos is its main square, the Plaza de Armas. This picturesque square is one of the most visited spots in the city, surrounded by numerous important establishments and shops. At the center of the square stands the Heroes’ Obelisk, a monument honoring the combatants of the War of the Pacific.
12. Iquitos Serpentarium
The Iquitos Serpentarium is a natural sanctuary home to different types of snakes. Its primary goal is to raise awareness and educate visitors about the important role these animals play in the jungle’s food chain.
13. Iquitos Cathedral
Another place to visit in Iquitos is its Cathedral, also known as the Iglesia Matriz. It is located on the Plaza de Armas and has been declared a National Historical and Cultural Heritage site.
Its design and architecture set it apart from other churches in the city — it features a neo-Gothic style, and inside you can admire significant works of art.
14. Fundo Pedrito
One of the most visited tourist attractions in Iquitos is Fundo Pedrito. This 30,000 square meter space features large pools filled with turtles, lizards, fish, and aquatic plants native to the jungle. It’s also an ideal spot to enjoy traditional local cuisine.
15. Zungarococha Lake
Located 12 kilometers from the city, this is one of the most visited tourist sites in Iquitos.
The expansive lake is surrounded by lush native vegetation and has calm waters — ideal for swimming, rowing, or sport fishing.
16. Museum of Indigenous and Amazonian Cultures
At this fascinating site, a guided tour will walk you through the different cultures that inhabit the Amazon region.
You’ll learn about their customs and way of life, and you’ll be able to observe a large collection of preserved objects including clothing, hunting and fishing tools, musical instruments, and ceremonial and funerary artifacts.
17. Amazon Library of Iquitos
If you visit the Museum of Indigenous and Amazonian Cultures, make sure to also stop by the Amazon Library of Iquitos.
This institution is considered the second most important in Latin America for the preservation of Amazonian knowledge, housing over 27,000 books and 3,000 photographs documenting the history of Iquitos and the entire Amazon region.
18. Malecón Tarapacá
This is one of the most lively spots in Iquitos, frequented by both tourists and locals. Here you can take a pleasant stroll with a privileged view of the Amazon River, especially at sunset.
The area has several bars and clubs that generate a vibrant nightlife where you can try the region’s signature drinks: rompe calzón and levántate pájaro muerto.
19. Casa de Pinasco
This important building on the Plaza de Armas was constructed by Italian and German immigrants and, due to its significant architectural and historical value, has been declared a National Historical Monument.
20. Ayapua Historic Ship Museum
This historic vessel was built in 1906 by R. Holtsen in Germany. It is anchored on the riverbank and currently operates as a museum, telling the story of the Peruvian Amazon through its 10 exhibition rooms.
Conclusions
As we’ve seen throughout this article, there are countless points of interest to discover in Iquitos.
This is the ideal destination if you’re looking to combine history and culture with the adventure that the Peruvian Amazon jungle has to offer.
Remember that Guru Explorers offers different tours in Iquitos so you can live the best travel experiences.
