Top things to see in Iquitos

As the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon, the city of Iquitos will probably feature in most jungle itineraries. And as well as being a great starting or ending point, Iquitos is a great city with a lot to offer. So, if you’ve got a day or two to explore this jungle metropolis, here are the best Peru tours and activities to keep you entertained.

Belen Mercado

The Belen Mercado or market is considered to be the largest indigenous market in the Peruvian Amazon. Try some local delicacies, pick up some authentic art or simply wander around the bustling streets, soaking up the unique jungle atmosphere.

Amazon Animal Orphanage and Pilpintuwasi butterfly farm

If your main reason for visiting the jungle is to get closer to nature, then a visit to the Amazon Animal Orphanage and Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm is a great way to start your trip.

Here you can come face to face with some of the Amazon’s most elusive and endangered animals and learn about the efforts that are being made to safeguard their habitat.

River cruise

Some of the very best Peru tours can be found in the waters around Iquitos, and whether you want to go for a few days or a few hours, there’ll be a tour to suit you.

In the high water season, boats like the Anakonda take visitors deep into the jungle where they can spot monkeys high up in the canopy, pink river dolphins in the water and huge anaconda along the riverbanks.

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Play a round of golf in the jungle

Playing a round of golf deep in the Peruvian Amazon may seem like a strange idea, but at the Amazon Golf Course in Iquitos, keen sportsman can do just that. The nine-hole course makes a great afternoon out for any visitors to the city, just watch out for the local wildlife when your ball goes out of bounds.

Pacaya Samiria Reserve

Just a short journey from the hustle and bustle of Iquitos, you’ll find the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, a firm fixture on many of the best Peru tours. Covering around five million acres, the reserve is home to many of the jungle’s rarest creatures and makes a great introduction to the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants.

The best way to see everything that Iquitos and the surrounding area has to offer, is to look out for the best Peru tours in the region. By joining a well-organised tour you can see and experience the best of the Amazon region in just a few days, enhancing your trip to Peru and making for a holiday you’ll never forget.