Iquitos Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Iquitos tours and Amazon adventures from the world’s largest city with no road access: cruise the mighty Amazon River, trek pristine rainforest on jungle lodge stays, meet monkeys on Monkey Island, spot pink river dolphins, venture into the vast Pacaya-Samiria reserve, and visit indigenous communities. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Iquitos by interest
Whatever brings you to Iquitos — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Iquitos
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Amazon River
The great river.
Rainforest
Jungle lodges.
Monkey Island
Wildlife sanctuary.
Pink Dolphins
River wildlife.
Jungle Lodges
Deep rainforest.
Pacaya-Samiria
Flooded forest.
Belén Market
Floating market.
River Communities
Amazon culture.
Rainforest awayJungle Lodges
Deep Amazon.
Reserve awayPacaya-Samiria
Flooded forest.
River awayMonkey Island
Wildlife sanctuary.
River awayPink Dolphins
River wildlife.
City awayAmazon River
River cruises.
City awayBelén Market
Floating market.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Iquitos visitor asks before booking.
High water (Dec–May)
Flooded forest — best for boat exploration.
Low water (Jun–Nov)
Exposed trails — best for jungle hikes.
Warm year-round
Hot and humid throughout the year.
For wildlife
Both seasons are rich in Amazon wildlife.
For dolphins
High water is ideal for river dolphins.
Best overall
Any time — choose water level to your interests.
One day
The city, Monkey Island and a river tour.
Two to three days
A jungle lodge with treks and wildlife.
Four+ days
A Pacaya-Samiria reserve expedition.
For nature
A jungle lodge deep in the rainforest.
For the river
A multi-day Amazon river cruise.
For culture
Visits to indigenous communities.
By air
Flights from Lima are the main way in.
By boat
River boats connect Amazon towns and lodges.
Tours & lodges
Most trips include boat transfers to lodges.
By mototaxi
Motorbike taxis buzz around the city.
Where to stay
Stay in the city or a jungle lodge.
Peruvian sol
Peru uses the sol; US dollars often accepted.
Jungle lodges
Book a multi-day lodge for the best wildlife.
River tours
Go at dawn or dusk for active wildlife.
Bring a zoom
A telephoto lens captures shy Amazon animals.
Vaccines & repellent
Check vaccines and bring strong insect repellent.
Pack light layers
It is hot and humid — bring quick-dry clothes.
Local guides
Expert local guides make the jungle come alive.
Jungle lodges
The best lodges book out — reserve early.
River cruises
Multi-day cruises fill up — book ahead.
Reserve trips
Pacaya-Samiria expeditions fill up — book early.
Monkey Island
Popular wildlife trips fill up — book ahead.
Pink dolphins
Dolphin tours fill up — reserve early.
Dry season
June to November is busiest — book well ahead.
City tour
Around $40–70 for an Iquitos city tour.
Monkey Island
About $45–80 for a Monkey Island trip.
Jungle lodge
Roughly $120–250 per day for a jungle lodge.
River cruise
Around $60–200 for an Amazon river cruise.
Reserve expedition
About $200–400 per day for Pacaya-Samiria.
How to save
Join group lodge tours to save over private ones.
Iquitos through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Boat & dolphins.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Flooded.
- Best for
- Jungle hikes.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Trails.
- Best for
- Wildlife.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
- Best for
- Lush forest.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rainy.