Iquitos travel guide
Iquitos, capital of the Loreto region, sits on the Amazon in the lowland rainforest and has no road to the rest of Peru: it is reached only by air or by river. It is the gateway to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the country's largest national reserve, and to the river cruises and lodges of the Peruvian Amazon. In a programme it works as a nature extension after Lima or Cusco, with the Belén market as an urban counterpoint.
Season by month
When to travel- High season
- Shoulder season
What to do in Iquitos
- A river cruise on the Amazon Several nights aboard following the river and its tributaries; the vessel is both lodging and transport.
- Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Peru's largest national reserve: flooded forest, river dolphins and hundreds of bird species.
- A guided rainforest walk approx. 3 h Lowland forest trails with a local guide; easier to walk when the waters fall.
- River dolphins and birds from the water Pink and grey river dolphins, and riverbank birds, watched from the vessel.
- A riverside community visit A respectful encounter with life on the riverbank, always with a guide and the community's prior agreement.
Neighbourhoods in Iquitos
- Belén market and district approx. 2 h A popular market on the banks of the Itaya River; the urban and gastronomic contrast of the trip.
Who to offer it to
When to go
It is hot and humid all year and rains in any month. High water, roughly December to May, lets boats reach more channels and flooded forest; low water, June to November, leaves more beaches and trails to walk. Both seasons work: the type of experience changes, not whether you can travel.
How many days
Plan three to four nights: some time for arrival and the city, and the rest on a river cruise or at a lodge. With fewer days only a nearby lodge fits, so the stay stays short on purpose. Reaching Pacaya Samiria adds a road transfer to Nauta of about two hours.
What not to miss
River cruises and lodges on the Amazon and its tributaries; the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, with its flooded forest, river dolphins and hundreds of bird species; the Belén market, an urban and gastronomic contrast; and guided walks in the rainforest. The river sets the pace of the trip.
What to offer and why
Three or four nights on a river cruise or at a lodge as an extension of a trip through Lima or Cusco. With navigation as the axis, the client sees the Amazon at the pace of the river; half a day in the city, with the Belén market, adds the urban contrast before or after.
When to book
River departures have limited capacity: always check availability in advance and, in high season, as far ahead as possible. Decide from the start whether the client prefers high or low water, since the type of navigation depends on it, and book flights with a margin.
Practical and operational
There is no road: everything goes through Iquitos airport or by river, and a delayed flight affects the embarkation. Heat and humidity are constant: repellent, light long-sleeved clothing and a rain jacket. The Ministry of Health recommends yellow fever vaccination at least ten days before travelling to the rainforest.
How we arrange it
We coordinate flights, transfers and river navigation with licensed local operators and vessels. River itineraries depend on the water level and on scheduled departures, so we align flights with each embarkation and leave a margin for weather changes.
Circuits
View all
Hotels
View all
Combines well with
Booking & policies
Are the prices shown net or retail?
Rates are net (wholesale) and reserved for travel agencies and tour operators, who sign in to see them and add their own margin. Public visitors see a reference “from” price, indicative and subject to availability; the net rate is never shown outside the B2B Portal.
What happens after I book?
When you book, we receive your booking and start working on it: it shows as “In process” and we let you know of every update. Vouchers are sent once payments have been received.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations are governed by the conditions stated in each quotation. The standard conditions are: more than 30 days before arrival, the deposit is non-refundable; 30 to 15 days before arrival, 50% of the total price is charged; less than 15 days before arrival or a no-show, 100%. They may vary on peak dates and depend on the policy of each hotel and service. Certain destinations — Patagonia, the Amazon region and high-demand dates in peak season — apply stricter terms, stated in the quotation. Conditions stated in the quotation and accepted by the agency at booking take precedence over the general schedule in Clause 7.1 of the Terms.
Can dates or passenger names be changed after booking?
Amendment requests must reach RUMBO LIBRE at least 72 business hours before the service begins. Changes are managed subject to availability, and any resulting rate difference applies. For private services, a name change may require re-issuing the booking at the current rate.
Are you a travel agency or tour operator?
Get net rates, build programmes and book online.