Iquitos is a city in the Amazon region of Peru with half a million inhabitants. It is considered the largest city in the world that is not accessible by road. If you want to visit Iquitos, you'll need to travel by boat or plane. Few other tourists are found in Iquitos, but the city is becoming increasingly popular as a starting point for Amazon tours. This unique city and the Amazon are definitely worth visiting on your journey through Peru!

There are many beautiful and unique things to do in Iquitos. Here are some of the best ideas!

The Amerindians were the first inhabitants of Iquitos thousands of years ago. During European colonization, missions were established by Jesuits, who converted the indigenous population to Christianity. The city grew in the 20th century due to the rubber boom, attracting many immigrants hoping to profit from the rubber industry. After the collapse of the rubber industry, Iquitos remained an important trading hub in the Amazon region, and many natural resources are still exported today.

Iquitos is not a tourist city, and you won't encounter many other travelers. It's nice to walk around the city and visit Plaza de Armas, where you'll find several colonial buildings. Another beautiful square is Plaza 28 De Julio. It's also fun to visit the local market, Mercado Belén, where all sorts of things are sold. Additionally, strolling along the Boulevard of Iquitos is enjoyable, offering a beautiful view of the river and many charming 'tourist' restaurants.

Most travelers come to Iquitos to embark on a journey through the Amazon, a paradise on Earth! The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world, spanning nine countries. More than half of all remaining rainforest is located in the Amazon. Approximately 10% of all plant and animal species worldwide are found here. The Amazon River flows through the rainforest, and with a length of nearly 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles), it is the second-largest river in the world. The Amazon is home to 350 different ethnic groups, 60 of which still live in complete isolation. Exploring this region is an incredible experience, and we highly recommend it. Check out our article on the Amazon for more information!

Iquitos is an amazing place to do volunteer work. You can volunteer in the city by helping at a school, but there are also many projects focused on protecting the animals that live in the Amazon. Additionally, volunteering allows you to have a lot of contact with the local population and learn more about life there. The locals can also give you tips on what to do in the area and even take you along to explore. We volunteered at a school in Iquitos and stayed with a local family. We had an incredible time here! Read our article, ‘The 10 Most Important Tips for Volunteering in Peru’, for more info!

Al Frio y al Fuego is a restaurant located right on the water. You board at the Embarcado and take a boat to the restaurant, which is floating on the water. Upon arrival, the staff will welcome you and guide you to your table. Here, you can enjoy delicious Peruvian dishes. It’s a slightly more expensive restaurant by Peruvian standards, and you’ll often find wealthier locals from Iquitos here. The restaurant is covered but has no walls, allowing you to take in the stunning surroundings. There’s also a swimming pool at the restaurant, where you can take a refreshing dip after your meal. We recommend making a reservation in advance—you can send a WhatsApp message to the number listed on their website.

We were tipped off by our host family, where we were staying, about this stunning viewpoint. To reach the Mirador Turístico De La Comunidad de Independencia, you first need to take a boat ride along the river. At Puerto Bellavista, you can arrange a boat that will wait for you at the viewpoint. The trip takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the speed of your boat. Along the way, you'll pass the confluence of the Amazon River and another river, where you can clearly see the difference in water color between the two. The journey continues to the mirador.

At the mirador, you walk up to a large, wall-less structure where someone at a small table sells tickets. You can climb up and relax in a hammock while enjoying the view. You can also take a walk to Arbol Lupuna, one of the oldest trees in the Peruvian jungle. Along the way, you’ll pass through a local village where people live much more isolated than in Iquitos. We even played a game of volleyball with the local children, who are incredibly skilled at it!

At the market in Iquitos, you'll come across many local snacks. For example, many people eat large fried maggots and scorpions here. If you have a strong stomach, it can be fun to try some. If that’s a little too much for you, they also sell delicious fresh fruit juices at the market.

Looking for a party? In Iquitos, there is live music and plenty of dancing, especially on weekends. We recommend asking at your accommodation where the music is on that day. We’ve been to El Córner, Complejo CNI, and Pardos Explosión De Iquitos.

In this center, injured animals from the Amazon are cared for and rehabilitated. They have various enclosures where the animals recover. The goal is to release them back into the wild once they are strong enough. You pay a small entrance fee for entry and a guided tour.

Sativa is a nice bar by the water. You can chill in the lounge chairs or hammocks here. In the evening, many people come to enjoy a drink, but you can also relax during the day and enjoy the view.

Iquitos has a tropical rainforest climate, meaning it is warm year-round, with average temperatures above 22°C (72°F). Tropical rain showers can occur throughout the year. The official rainy season runs from December to March, but due to climate change, this is no longer as predictable. We visited during the rainy season and barely experienced any rain.