Parks and the outdoors in Iquitos

Parks and the outdoors in Iquitos

1. Eat

   Amazon Bistro

   At one block from the main square, in front of the river, a French old-style brasserie. An excellent alternative to eat or to enjoy a drink thanks to the unique offers in town — real espresso, homemade bread, Argentinean steaks, Belgian beers, escargots, Belgian chocolate dessert. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

   Daily 06:00-00:00

2. Do

   Curassow Amazon Lodge

   This lodge is in primary rainforest which is exceedingly rich in species of both plants and animals, offering many opportunities for observing birds (the area has almost 500 species) and many kinds of animals and plants, including the giant water lily (the biggest aquatic plant in the world). Camping, hiking, canoeing, visiting local villages, eating exotic foods and navigating the Amazon River are all part of the experience, too. Tours from 2 days/1 night up to 6 days/5 nights. U.S. calls:.

   Booking in advance is strongly advisable·2-day tour: single US$240, double $190/person; 6-day tour single US$990, double $660/person

3. See

   Fossil Creek Wildlife Refuge

   Reserva Piedral

   Fossil Creek Wildlife Reserve was created in May 2016 in the Terra Firme forests of the communities of Roca Eterna and Nuevo Union de Boyador. The reserve consists of 1000 hectares of primary rain forest and the drainage system of the legendary Quebrada Piedral. There are two small jungle huts and a trail system you must be accompanied by a guide. This unique reserve is the only with quick access from Iquitos to Virgin rainforest that is teeming with wildlife. Help the sustainable development of the Amazon Region by travelling responsibly.

4. See

   La Isla de los Monos

   The Monkey Island

   Here they have a variety of monkey species (some endangered), as well as a sloth, some coatis, a pair of toucans and macaws, all of which are free to roam and go into the jungle, but are domesticated and hang around for the food. They happily play, climbing on visitors (and try to take things from you such as glasses, wallets). You can go as part of a day-tour (see below), or a visit is included in the itineraries of several lodge stays, e.g. Cumaceba. To go there by yourself, catch a moto-taxi to Bellavista-Nanay, walk 100 m through the market to the water and organise to hire a boat from the boat owner's association. A return trip by fast boat should cost S/50 per person, or by small boat S/25 per perso.

   Daily 08:00-16:00·Adult S/50, child S/20; Peruvian S/30 (child S/10)

5. Do

   Maniti Expeditions Eco-Lodge & Tours

   Fully licensed and registered tour operator and eco-lodge that organizes all-inclusive jungle expeditions, Amazon riverboat cruises, trips to Pacaya Samiria Reserve. Tours include visits to monkey island, zip line, canopy walk, fishing, hiking, pink river dolphin spotting, etc. Tours are tailored for all ages and experience levels. All excursions are led by local, professional, certified, multi-lingual guides with many years of experience in the Amazon Rainforest. Maniti Camp Expeditions works with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable ecotourism opportunities that help the local economy while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

   24 hours by phone

6. See

   Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm & Amazon Animal Orphanage

   At Pilpintuwasi you can see the complete life cycle and learn about the impressing development of butterflies. At the Amazon Animal Orphanage you can see the rescued endangered animals that were ill-treated, such as anteaters, monkeys, tapirs or Pedro Bello, the Jaguar. Pilpintuwasi is on the Nanay River Front near the village of Padre Cocha. It's about 20 min by boat from Bellavista-Nanay. There are boats all day long. During the dry season you have to walk about 15 min from the village. Volunteers are also regularly needed for help!

   Tue-Sun 09:00-16:00·Adult S/30, student S/15, child S/5

7. See Not mapped

   Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve

   Reserva Nacional Allpahuayo-Mishana

   Bungalows. Ecotourism. Trekking. Excursions in the Amazon Forest.

8. See Not mapped

   Complejo Turístico de Quistococha

   The complex occupies a space of 369 hectares of Amazon forest. It has an artificial white sand beach called Tunchi Playa, and is surrounded by vegetation composed mainly of aguaje palm trees. It houses a museum, a zoo and a natural nursery. The museum includes a taxidermy collection of Amazonian fauna. The zoo is home to mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

   Daily 08:30-17:30·Adult S/3, child S/1

9. See Not mapped

   Ex Hotel Palace

   former Hotel Palace

   A beautiful Art Nouveau building overlooking the Itaya River. Completed in 1912.

10. See Not mapped

    The River Amazonas and the Amazon rainforest

    Next to Iquitos city

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Iquitos (CC BY-SA 4.0).