About
Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon and the capital of the Loreto region in northeastern Peru. It is a working river city, set on the banks of the Amazon, and it is a destination in its own right rather than a stopover on the way to somewhere else.
Getting there
Iquitos has no road connection to the rest of Peru, so visitors arrive either by air or by boat. Flights bring most travellers in, while the river offers a slower route for those who want to see the Amazon gradually open up around them. Either way, the journey itself makes clear how remote the city is.
What the city is like
As a major port on the Amazon River, Iquitos has the feel of a place built around water. Boats of many sizes move along the waterfront, and the rhythm of the city follows the river. Visitors often spend their time wandering the streets, watching the port at work, and getting a sense of daily life in the Peruvian Amazon.
Why visit
- It is the principal city of the Peruvian Amazon, giving a direct look at life in the rainforest region.
- The river is central to the place, so time on or beside the Amazon is a natural part of any visit.
- Its remoteness, reached only by boat or plane, gives the trip a sense of real travel.
Iquitos suits travellers who want a city shaped by the Amazon and are happy to plan around getting there. Check current transport options before you go, as they determine how long your journey will take.
