Iquitos, Peru

Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest. It is the capital of Loreto Region and Maynas Province. Located on the Amazon River, it has long been a major port in the Amazon Basin. It is surrounded by three rivers: the Nanay, the Itaya and the Amazon.

The Main Square is the city's social and economic hub. It is very near the riverside called Tarapacá, its commercial center in the Próspero Street, and the traditional neighborhood of Belén with its floating houses on the river. Municipal Museum located in the Távara Street block 2, is a small and modest museum with handmade native artworks.

Iquitos is an ideal place for lovers of the eco-tourism. From the city you can go to jungle lodges, parks and natural reservations, full of exotic flora and fauna.

Things to see and do

* Iquitos Main Square
* La Casa de Fierro (The Iron House).
* Plaza de Armas
* Riverfront walk
* Belen – floating market town

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Nuevo Sol (PEN)
Language – Spanish
Land Area – 368.9 km²
Population – 493,000 approx
Electricity – 2 round pins European style
Time – GMT minus five hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 51

Port Location – The port of Iquitos is located on the Amazon River.

Travel Links – The city can be reached only by airplane or boat, with the exception of a road to Nauta, a small town roughly 100 km (62 mi) south.

There are numerous flights to Iquitos from the capital Lima. LAN offers daily flights from Lima for around 140 USD. Star Peru offers slightly lower prices. Flights to Iquitos do a brief 10-minute stopover at Tarapoto on the way to re-fuel and drop off/pick up passengers.

Most travel within the city itself is via bus, motorcycle, or auto rickshaw (mototaxi, motocarro or motokar). Transportation to nearby towns often requires a river trip via llevo-llevo, a small public motorized boat.