21 Tourist Attractions to Visit in Iquitos: Travel Guide

Learn about the main tourist attractions in Iquitos, discover what activities you can enjoy, and plan your trip to make the most of your visit to this destination in the Peruvian Amazon. From the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and the Amazon River to Monkey Island and the city’s historic attractions, you’ll find a wide variety of places to explore, learn about the local culture, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Amazon.

What You Should Know About Iquitos

Iquitos is the capital of the Peruvian Amazon, a city of nearly half a million inhabitants located in the middle of the rainforest. It has no road connections (access is only by river or plane) and is surrounded by the Amazon, Nanay, and Itaya rivers.

Iquitos flourished during the rubber boom in the 19th century, from which it retains old mansions. Today, it offers nature tourism and opportunities to learn about Indigenous cultures, with attractions such as nature reserves, Amazonian rivers, and native communities.

The Best Tourist Attractions in Iquitos: What to See and Discover in Iquitos

Discover the best tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos, from nature reserves with exotic wildlife to iconic sites in the city. Each destination offers unforgettable experiences in the rainforest.

1. Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

• The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is one of Peru’s largest protected areas, covering more than 2 million hectares of tropical rainforest.
• It is home to great biodiversity, with 1,025 vertebrate species, including 527 bird species, 102 mammal species, 69 reptile species, 58 amphibian species, and 269 continental fish species. It also has 965 species of wild plants. Its wildlife includes pink river dolphins, manatees, caimans, monkeys, and numerous bird species.
• Tours include boat trips along rivers and lagoons, wildlife watching, piranha fishing, and visits to local communities. Pacaya Samiria is one of the tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos if you want to explore the Amazon and its biodiversity.
• Luxury river cruises: You can explore Pacaya Samiria aboard luxury vessels such as the Delfin, Zafiro, or Aria Amazon. These expeditions offer panoramic suites, fine regional cuisine, and guided excursions in private boats to the area’s most remote and protected areas. Contact us to book your Amazon River cruise and take advantage of our discount coupons.

2. Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve

• The Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve protects white-sand forests and seasonally flooded forests, ecosystems that are uncommon in the Amazon.
• It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including endemic species of birds, plants, and amphibians.
• It is one of the tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos for those interested in ecotourism and birdwatching.

3. Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo National Reserve

• It protects extensive areas of Amazonian rainforest, including seasonally flooded forests and terra firme areas, with a great diversity of flora and fauna.
• During excursions, you can enjoy boat rides along rivers and lagoons, hikes through the rainforest, and wildlife watching, including monkeys, birds, caimans and, occasionally, river dolphins.
• The reserve stands out among the tourist attractions to visit from Iquitos for those seeking nature experiences and wildlife watching.

4. Amazon Rescue Center (CREA)

• It is an organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of wildlife, especially the Amazonian manatee. It also cares for other species, such as sloths and turtles.
• During your visit, you can learn about the animals’ rescue and rehabilitation work.
• CREA is one of the tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos if you are interested in learning about efforts to conserve biodiversity.

5. Quistococha Tourist Complex

• It is located about 20 km from Iquitos and stands out for its lagoon, sandy beach, and recreational areas surrounded by Amazonian vegetation.
• It has a zoo where visitors can see monkeys, birds, caimans, and turtles, as well as resting areas and spaces for walking.
• It is ideal for families who want to enjoy the lagoon and learn about some regional wildlife species. It is one of the tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos for combining nature and recreation.

6. Amazon River

• The Amazon River is Iquitos’s main waterway and the world’s largest river by volume. Trips along the river allow visitors to discover the landscapes and biodiversity of the rainforest.
• During boat excursions, it is possible to see pink and gray river dolphins, visit riverside communities, and enjoy fishing activities.
• Sunset boat rides offer views of the sun setting over the river and the rainforest. It is one of the tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos to discover Amazonian landscapes and wildlife.
• Luxury cruises: Explore the Amazon River in comfort with guided excursions. Contact us and take advantage of our discounts when booking.

7. Monkey Island

• Monkey Island is a primate rescue center located near Iquitos, accessible by boat along the Amazon River.
• It is home to several species of Amazonian monkeys rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking, which live in a protected rainforest environment.
• One of the tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos, it is ideal for families: children can observe, photograph, and even gently touch the monkeys under supervision. Boat rides to the island along the Amazon River are also part of the visit.

8. Belén Market

• Belén Neighborhood is known as the Venice of the Amazon because of its stilt houses and floating homes, which are adapted to the rising waters of the Itaya River.
• Its market is one of the busiest in Iquitos, where Amazonian fruits, fish, medicinal plants, and traditional products are sold. Wildlife is also traded there.
• It is one of the tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos to discover everyday life in the Amazon.

9. Zungarococha Lake

• It is located near Iquitos, surrounded by tropical rainforest and abundant vegetation. Its calm waters make it a great place to enjoy the Amazonian landscape.
• In the surrounding area, visitors can watch birds, go for walks, and enjoy recreational activities by the water.
• It is one of the tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos if you want to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle and discover the natural landscapes near the city.

10. Yanayacu River

• The Yanayacu River, located in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, stands out for its dark, calm waters, surrounded by seasonally flooded forests and abundant Amazonian vegetation.
• During boat trips, you can see birds, monkeys, caimans, and, if you’re lucky, pink river dolphins. It is also possible to take guided hikes through the rainforest with local guides, depending on river conditions.

11. Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm

• Pilpintuwasi, whose name means “butterfly house” in Quechua, is a butterfly center and wildlife rescue facility. In its gardens, you can observe Amazonian species such as the blue morpho butterfly.
• It is also home to rescued animals, including monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife species, and promotes environmental education and conservation.

12. Iquitos Main Square

• It is the historic center of Iquitos and a meeting point for residents and visitors.
• Surrounding the square are the Iquitos Cathedral, old mansions from the rubber boom era, and other historic buildings. You can also visit Casa de Fierro nearby.

13. Casa de Fierro (Iron House)

• It is one of the best-known buildings in Iquitos. It was built in the late 19th century using prefabricated metal components imported from Europe during the rubber boom era.
• Although it is often associated with Gustave Eiffel, its design is attributed to Belgian engineer Joseph Danly.
• Located across from the Main Square, it is one of the tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos because of its history and unique architecture.

14. Nanay River

• It is a tributary of the Amazon River that flows alongside Iquitos. Its waters allow visitors to take boat trips to riverside communities and places such as the Santo Tomás beach resort.
• During the Nanay River tour , it is possible to watch birds and occasionally spot pink river dolphins. It is one of the tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos to enjoy the river landscapes of the Amazon.

15. Moronacocha Lagoon

• It is located in the urban area of Iquitos and offers a landscape surrounded by Amazonian vegetation. Here, you can enjoy views of the lagoon, especially at sunset.
• It is an alternative for discovering the natural landscapes near the city and exploring other tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos.

16. Tarapacá Boardwalk

• Located alongside the Itaya River, it is known for its river views and walking areas.
• Along the boardwalk, there are benches, trees, restaurants, and cafés where you can relax.
• It is a great place to take a walk at sunset and discover another side of Iquitos beyond rainforest excursions.

17. Iquitos Cathedral

• Known as the Main Church, it is located across from the Main Square and stands out for its Neo-Gothic architecture.
• Built in the early 20th century, it features a white facade, a tall tower, and architectural details that form part of the city’s historic heritage.

18. Anaconda Handicraft Market

• At this market, you can find handicrafts inspired by Amazonian culture. Notable products include wood carvings, ceramics, textiles, jewelry made from seeds, and other souvenirs crafted by local artisans.
• It is one of the tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos if you want to buy handicrafts and take home a souvenir from the Peruvian Amazon.

19. Santo Tomás

• A beach resort located near Iquitos, along the banks of the Nanay River. It stands out for its natural landscapes and the peaceful atmosphere of its surroundings.
• During the low-water season, Tipishca Beach reveals its sandbanks, which are ideal for relaxing and enjoying the river. During the high-water season, visitors can take boat trips along its waters.

20. 28 de Julio Square

• 28 de Julio Square is a small plaza located in the Belén district. Although small, it is a very picturesque local gathering place.
• It has benches beneath leafy trees, and Creole music or traditional dances are often featured during celebrations. The neighborhood chapel is located across from the square.
• Visiting 28 de Julio Square will allow you to see the everyday lives of Belén residents; it is one of those tourist attractions to visit in Iquitos that offers a very authentic atmosphere, quieter than the Main Square.

21. Indiana

• Indiana is a district in the Loreto region, located near Iquitos and surrounded by rivers, tropical forests, and Amazonian communities.
• Its surroundings offer opportunities to learn about the lives of riverside communities and appreciate the rainforest’s natural landscapes.

Best Time to Visit Iquitos

Iquitos has a hot and humid climate throughout the year, with two main seasons: the rainy or high-water season, from December to May, when rainfall increases and river levels rise, and the low-water season, from June to November, when water levels drop and sandy beaches emerge.

During the low-water season, especially between July and October, you can enjoy beaches such as Tipishca in Santo Tomás and go hiking in accessible areas. During the high-water season, flooded forests allow you to explore the rainforest by boat or canoe. Tours operate throughout the year, and activities are adapted to river levels and weather conditions.

Tours to the Best Tourist Destinations in Iquitos

Tours in Iquitos offer activities for every taste, from boat rides along the Amazon River and wildlife watching to rainforest hikes, visits to local communities, and tours of historic sites. You can choose day trips or multi-day packages to discover the main tourist destinations in the Peruvian Amazon. Some of our best tours in Iquitos include:

• Iquitos Jungle Tour (4 Days)
• Iquitos Peru Amazon Tours (5 Days)
• Nanay River + Amazon River + Momón + Zip Line (Full Day)
• Full-Day Yanayacu River Tour – Iquitos
• Pacaya Samiria (4 Days)
• Pacaya Samiria Camping Expedition (10 Days)

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Tourist Attractions to Visit in Iquitos