Iquitos & the Amazon River

Made famous by the 19th century rubber industry, Iquitos, located on the banks of the Amazon River, is the largest city in the Peruvian Rainforest. The grandeur of the 19th century rubber boom can still be felt in the streets of Iquitos, living on in the great mansions from the 1800s, including Casa de Fierro, the Iron House, designed by Gustave Eiffel. This jungle city is a great place to visit for its history, culture, bars, and restaurants – and it is the ideal starting point for exploring the Amazon River and Rainforest.

The National Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve is located 20kms from Iquitos, and houses the greatest number of species of trees per hectare (close to 300), the largest number of reptiles (140 species), as well as 28 endangered species.

South of Iquitos is the port of Nauta, close to the union of two great rivers, the Marañon and the Ucayali. This is the starting point of the Amazon, the world's largest river, running for more than 6,788 km (4,217 miles) before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Opposite Nauta lies the National Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, with five million acres of lakes, lagoons, swamps and wetlands. This is the territory of the manatee, or sea cow, pink dolphin, charapa turtle, and the anaconda. It is the largest flood forest in the Amazon, also known as the Mirror Jungle because of the perfect reflections of the jungle and skies that can be seen in its rivers and lagoons. Trips can be also made from Iquitos to a number of typical jungle inns, with visits to native communities such as the Bora and the Yagua.

If you are interested in visiting the Peruvian Amazon from a luxury river cruiser, take a look at our Luxury cruise and Machu Picchu private travel sample itinerary, which can be shaped and personalized to fit your requirements.

Attractions & Activities:

• Visiting native communities
• Lakes & lagoons
• Wildlife and bird watching
• Anthropology
• River exploration
• Luxury cruise
• Fishing
• Water-skiing