Things to do in Iquitos

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Iquitos

Things to Do in Iquitos


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Iquitos.


Top Attractions in Iquitos

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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What travellers are saying

  • felix
    Munich, Germany2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredible experience. The people really care about all the monkeys, know them all by heart & name and it is a great experience to get to see those monkeys from up close and get to know details about them and their specific behaviour and species. My guide was really great and took 1 hour to show me around … we even saw a tucan, Leguan and a sloth on the island. It is important to support such a great organisation, I can fully recommend it.
    Written January 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • peterc1920
    Bucharest, Romania9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Staff was amazing, they took care of every detail .Jorge the cruise manager does an exceptional job making sure your experience is perfect . Guides are extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic to share their expertise with you . They make the Amazon experience unforgettable . Bar staff are fun and experienced. Food was amazing - we have been on many cruises with different luxury lines and the food prepared on the Delfin III was the best by far . Tip - book the Owners Suite, the views from the cabin are memorable .
    This is a luxury curated experience but the best way to really feel the culture of the Amazon.
    Written September 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • w1ld0ne
    Penticton, Canada9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I chose Tapiche reserve because I was looking for a very specific type of experience with two goals: 1) to see and photograph the wildlife of the Peruvian Amazon ethically; and 2) spend time absorbing the jungle sounds/vibe and watching the animals doing their normal everyday things, unplugged and unhurried. I got EXACTLY what I was looking for. You will not find staff here harassing or baiting the wild animals for tourists, or inadvertently aiding the black marketers or poachers, or supporting undignified animal situations like sloth-cuddling. You will find these things at other wildlife tours in Iquitos. The staff here are knowledgable and care very much about their home, and are kind enough to share it with tourists.

    THE HIGHLIGHTS: I saw wayyyyyy more animals than I had anticipated, and a great variety. This place really is chock full of the most interesting critters - we saw at least 7 types of monkey, pink and gray river dolphins, many smaller mammals like possums and rodents, as well as snakes, spiders, lizards, frogs, anteater (and her baby!), turtles, caimen, and I must have added about 60 new species to my bird list. Also I would be remiss if I didn't add Janette's fabulous cooking here - I was expecting pretty basic rice'n'beans but instead I got fresh-caught grilled fish from the river, freshly squeezed juice at every meal, traditional fried dough, grilled veggies, eggs, and tons of fresh plantains, bananas, and other fruits. The food was so good! On a rainy day, we even went out and caught our own lunch (catfish and pirahna!). The base has its own source of filtered water that is quite safe to drink, so no need to haul bottled water.

    WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO BRING: Binoculars or a spotting scope and a decently bright headlamp or flashlight with a narrow beam (preferably rechargeable). If you don't have these you will be kicking yourself because they will be your best tools for seeing most of the animals present. Also, sweat-proof bug spray (mosquitos can be very bad).

    WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GOING: Tapiche reserve is not a fluffy five-star resort - it is a rough and sustainably built jungle camp. That means that you won't have electricity for more than a few hours a day, and there will be chickens occasionally wandering through the kitchen, and frogs/bats in the thatch. I was actually very surprised to find that I had my own little cambo with private bathroom and shower (I have definitely stayed in rougher places!) and found it quite comfortable. Most travellers will find the basic structure of the Tapiche base to be a bit of a shock if you expected a hotel resort but that's what makes it so genuine, authentic, and kind to the environment so YOU need to adjust your expectations before going. It's also a long trip there and backs, almost a full day from Iquitos...it's part of the experience, so treat it like a river tour because you will see birds and dolphins, maybe even monkeys if you are watching for them (also bring extra snacks).

    Summary: I loved it so much I stayed an extra few days, which were absolutely worth it. I've camped and stayed in other similar bases like Tapiche, and this one is ties at the top for wild and wonderful experience. It is unpolished and rough, but is all the better for being that way.
    Written February 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Meredyth M
    San Francisco, CA10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was the best part of Iquitos. These people are doing great work to educate people and save wildlife.
    Written February 16, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Colleen M
    Atlanta, GA25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spoke with multiple tour companies about their packages, and Jairo stood out as being the most accommodating. Even when we brought up several concerns based on some previous reviews, Jairo was incredibly patient and kind. They even let us bring our cat to join in on the adventure :)
    The tour itself was INCREDIBLE (we did 3 days, 2 nights in the rainy season). Our guide was Wilson, and we enjoyed our time with him so much we'd come back to Iquitos just to do another tour with him. He has such a good eye, if you do at least 3 days you'll likely see most animals on your wish list, given the animals present themselves. We saw a sloth, several types of monkey, a baby caiman, many pink dolphins, piranhas, tarantulas, a tree boa, tree frogs, toucans, parrots, and lots of other beautiful birds... and much more.
    Seems like a lot of the negative reviews are from people who did the full day tour, which I wouldn't recommend because you'll just be in transit the entire time. Or they're complaining about the mosquitoes, the heat, the rain... I mean, you're going to the Amazon. It's a jungle. Bring everything they tell you to bring, including a positive attitude (and I would add gratitude), and you'll have a great time. Also, the mosquitoes and heat aren't nearly as bad when you're on the boat, which is a lot of the time.
    Lastly, the accomodations were exactly what they tell you they are, and the food was great! Overall a magical experience - highly recommend.
    Written February 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • joeyf296
    Nine Mile Falls, Washington45 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our guide took us here by boat. He explained the conditions, the people, the politics of this district. We arrived in the dry season (low water), and the pollution in the area is staggering. We were taught that 30,000 people call this district home and that they have their own mayor, police, etc. There were a great number of vultures circling this area, near the river. I am so glad our guide took us to see this place. It was an eye-opening life experience I won't soon forget. I think about being...grateful.
    Written October 20, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tobias R
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Museum of Amazonian Cultures in Iquitos was an incredible experience! I loved learning about the diverse indigenous cultures and traditions of the Amazon region. The exhibits were very interesting and well-presented, and the museum staff was friendly and helpful.

    One of the things I enjoyed most was the collection of objects and artifacts from the daily life of different indigenous communities. I was also very impressed by the section dedicated to traditional medicine and the medicinal plants found in the Amazon jungle.

    I highly recommend visiting the Museum of Amazonian Cultures to anyone interested in learning about the rich history and culture of the Amazon. It was an enriching experience and I would definitely visit again on my next trip to Iquitos.
    Written April 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christine K
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    VIktor Wynd, my husband Beto and I spent a wonderful day at RAREC, with John's friend Anthony of the Amazon River Lodge. JOhn picked us up in Iquitos, took us to RARAC, showed us around and took us home. We had several intimate encounters with some of the animals; I got to hold a 6 month old anteater, who inserted his tongue into my nostril! So so endearing. We bottle fed a manatee, quite thrilling, and interacted with several types of monkeys, who were eager to hold our hands and play with us. We saw a beautiful ocelot and macaw as well. The wonderful thing about RAREC Is that you can get quite close to some of the caged animals, like the monkeys, and interact with them - not at all typical. We were also able to swim in a pond where 3 manatees live; we didnt' see them but it was fun to know that they were nearby. We met several volunteers, had a delicious lunch, and were ecstatic for the rest of the day. Back home in Sn Francisco, I'm still holding that sweet young anteater in my arms.... all in all, this was an incredible experience, way over the top. THANK YOU JOHN!!!
    Written February 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tobias R
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited the Plaza de Armas in Iquitos and I loved its beauty and lively atmosphere. However, I found the constant presence of tourism touts who insist on selling their services aggressively uncomfortable. They even became rude when I didn't buy anything.

    It's a shame that these touts are there because they can ruin the experience for tourists. It would be great if the authorities took measures to control their behavior and ensure that visitors can enjoy the plaza without feeling pressured.
    Written April 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Julio A
    Palmdale, CA117 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You need to pay a ticket to enter to this place! They have a zoo, restaurant and lake inside...the place is big! You can alsi swim in the lake! We tried the food and was fresh and tasty; the service is good! Low prices....interesting place!
    Written August 5, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alan B
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates48 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place, good service, it was closed on a Sunday. My only criticism is that it should offer Wifi to it's customers
    Written October 17, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AgnesBlanche2014
    Little Cayman125 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do not miss the visit. You will learn about the history of Iquitos and the Rubber boom and why it declined... The visit of the boat itself is as well recommended
    Written March 7, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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