Why visit Iquitos?
Iquitos is the largest city in the world with no road connection. You can only arrive by plane or river, making it a unique gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. With over 400,000 inhabitants, it combines city energy with wilderness just minutes from downtown. For more reasons to convince you, our article on the 10 Reasons to Visit Iquitos goes into more depth.
How to get to Iquitos?
The fastest way is by plane from Lima (1 hour 45 minutes). LATAM and Sky operate daily flights, with 6 to 10 departures a day. Fares vary by season and how far ahead you book. The airport is close to downtown. If you book at Bora Hotel, airport transfer is completely free. For airlines, schedules and more detailed tips, check out our guide on how to get to Iquitos from Lima.
Best weather to visit Iquitos?
Iquitos has two seasons: dry season (June to October) and rainy season (November to May). Expect heat and humidity all year, from the low twenties to the mid thirties Celsius. Both seasons are great for visiting. During rainy season the river rises and you can navigate through flooded jungle. In dry season, river beaches appear and there are fewer mosquitoes.
Top 5 tours from Iquitos
These are the most popular tours we recommend to our guests:
1. Pacaya Samiria National Reserve - Peru's largest reserve. 2 to 5-day excursions to see pink dolphins, monkeys and caimans.
2. Native communities - Visit the Bora and Yagua communities. Learn about their traditions, dances and crafts.
3. Belén Market - The largest market in the Amazon. Exotic fruits, medicinal herbs and handicrafts.
4. Monkey Island - Rescue center with howler monkeys, capuchins and other primates roaming free.
5. Pilpintuwasi - Butterfly farm and Amazon wildlife rescue center, including a rescued jaguar.
For prices, duration and tips on each one, see our guide to the best tours from Iquitos.
Where to stay in Iquitos?
The historic center is the best area to stay. You're steps away from everything: restaurants, Plaza de Armas, the Malecón and tourist docks. Bora Hotel Iquitos is at Calle Raimondi 363, a 3-minute walk from Plaza de Armas, with Amazonian breakfast and free transfer included.
Practical tips
Always use sunscreen and repellent. Tap water is not drinkable, buy bottled water. Currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN) but many places accept dollars. Mototaxis are the most common transport and stay affordable around the center. If you're heading deep into the jungle, also check our packing list for the Amazon jungle before you pack your bag.
