Best of Iquitos

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Iquitos
Perched along the mighty Amazon River, Iquitos is a vibrant jungle metropolis full of teeming markets, floating neighborhoods and some bizarre finds — like the only golf course in Peruvian Amazonia and a Belgian-made, iron-sided building once displayed at the International Exposition of Paris in 1889. Apart from being a fascinating city to explore, Iquitos is also the launchpad for trips into the world’s most biologically diverse rainforest. The reserves of Pacaya Samiria and Allpahuayo Mishana are awe-inspiring places to experience the wonders of the Amazon: from spotting pink dolphins and scarlet macaws to hearing the cry of a howler monkey echoing through the canopy.  

Get a more in-depth look at native species on kimkim experiences like a visit to the Amazon Rescue Center, which cares for injured manatees, river otters and other mammals before releasing them back into the wild. Luxury cruises on the river provide fabulous vantage points over virgin territory, with daily excursions offering prime wildlife viewing on narrow tributaries. One of the best parts of visiting this corner of Peru is meeting the locals — and learning about indigenous customs and beliefs on a visit to a rainforest community.
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An adventure on Peru's Amazonian waterways
Northern Amazon Jungle, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain - 11 days

Beginning your Peruvian odyssey in cosmopolitan capital Lima, this 11-day itinerary sees you first travel to jungle metropolis Iquitos. You then embark on a trip along the main source of the River Amazon, the River Marañón, using a lodge near Pacaya Samiria Reserve as a base for jungle adventures including rainforest hikes and meeting indigenous communities. You next travel up into the stunning Andes, to ancient Inca capital Cusco. You will then spend two days in the Sacred Valley, seeing archaeological marvels like Moray and Ollantaytambo: a journey culminating in a visit to the ultimate Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. You end this itinerary by exploring another of Peru's geological wonders: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.

Taking the slow boat through the Peruvian Amazon
Amazon Jungle & Machu Picchu - 8 days

Beginning your Peruvian odyssey in the cosmopolitan capital of Lima, this 8-day itinerary will see you first travel to jungle metropolis Iquitos before embarking on a trip down the Amazon river. You will use a jungle lodge as your base for jungle adventures including night-time rainforest hikes and meeting indigenous communities. You will next travel up into the stunning Andes, to ancient Inca capital Cusco, before venturing into the Sacred Valley: a journey that culminates in the ultimate Inca citadel, Machu Picchu.

View of the ancient ruins of Kuélap
Map of Northern Peru Adventure: Lima to Iquitos - 17 Days
Northern Peru Adventure: Lima to Iquitos - 17 Days

This adventure takes you through the less-visited corners of Peru. Along the way, you will connect with the history of pre-Columbian civilizations in remote archeological sites, pass through wild jungle in the Amazon Basin, and unite with the authentic spirit of the Andes in small villages.

Exploring the Amazon by boat
Amazon Jungle, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain - 10 days

Beginning your Peruvian odyssey in cosmopolitan capital Lima, this 10-day itinerary sees you first travel to jungle metropolis Iquitos. You then embark on a trip along the main source of the River Amazon, the River Marañón, using a lodge near Pacaya Samiria Reserve as a base for jungle adventures including night-time rainforest hikes and meeting indigenous communities. You next travel up into the stunning Andes, to ancient Inca capital Cusco and the Sacred Valley: a journey culminating in a visit to the ultimate Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. You end this itinerary by exploring another of Peru's geological wonders: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.

Start your Peruvian adventure with kayaking and hiking the Amazon
Map of Peru Amazon Cruise & Sacred Valley Family Adventure - 10 Days
Peru Amazon Cruise & Sacred Valley Family Adventure - 10 Days

Family adventures don't get more exciting than this fast-paced, 10-day tour of Peru, which is best suited for older kids. After arriving in Lima, head deep into the Peruvian Amazon for a three-day cruise in the rainforest. Next, change things up in the high-altitude Peruvian Andes, where you'll stay in exclusive mountainside accommodations that can only be reached by zipline or via ferrata. Finish the trip with a tour of Machu Picchu and free time to explore Cusco, the archaeological capital of the Americas.

Cruise amid the Amazon jungle post your Salkantay Trail hike
Map of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu & Amazon River Cruise  - 15 Days
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu & Amazon River Cruise - 15 Days

While Machu Picchu is a must-see in Peru, there's more than one way to reach the iconic Inca site. During this 15-day itinerary, take on the lesser-known, more challenging Salkantay Trail on your way to the 15th-century citadel, catching stunning mountain views and visiting villages, coffee farms, and archaeological sites along the way. Once you've completed the trek, kick up your feet for a four-day cruise within the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.

Other popular travel destinations in Peru
Sacred Valley · Lima · Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu · Machu Picchu · Cusco · The Amazon · Southern Peru · Puno · Northern Peru · Arequipa & Colca Canyon · Paracas · Inca Trail · Arequipa · Trujillo · Chachapoyas · Chiclayo · Nazca · Colca Canyon · Tambopata · Ausangate Trek · Ica · Mancora · Ayacucho