Iquitos is an ideal destination for ecotourism lovers and those who want to feel the intimate contact with the virgin nature of the Amazonian forests; from Iquitos you can go into lodges in the jungle with programs for exploring the jungle, especially in natural protected areas with an immense biological wealth, with many living species still unknown by science, or sailing on a cruise on the Amazon River and enjoy one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. The city of Iquitos is the capital of the department of Loreto, it is located in the heart of the northeastern Peruvian forest, less than 4 ° south of Ecuador, on the left bank of the Amazon River. Because of the difficult Amazon geography, Iquitos does not have roads and its communication is by air or river. Iquitos was a village inhabited by the jungle tribe the Iquitos, who took the name at the time of its founding in 1864. During the Spanish colony and the gold rush caused by the legends of "El Dorado" and the Country of Canela. In 1883 the era and boom of rubber began in this city, the exploitation of its latex and trade made some reach immense fortunes, brought prosperity to the city and began the construction of lavish houses, some with tiles and majolica brought from Portugal. Part of the pageantry of this era was the acquisition of an iron house built by Gustave Eiffel in Paris and today located in the Main Square of Iquitos. The end of the rubber era arrived in 1912. In the city of Iquitos you can find handicrafts from the jungle tribes, as well as you can enjoy excellent regional cuisine, typical drinks, hectic city life and great nightlife, or sessions with shamans who use ayahuasca. There is a great diffusion of folk medicine and quackery based on the large number of medicinal plants that exist.
To get to the city of Iquitos, you should consider the following options:
The heritage of the native communities, their music and dances, their handicrafts, the regional festivals and the typical food and drinks of the area. Folk medicine, shamanism and healers, the ayahuasca ceremony, all this and more is part of the local identity of the inhabitants of Iquitos. For all those who want to escape for a moment from the jungles of concrete and infernal noises, from the pollution of the big cities and want to get in close contact and harmony with paradisiacal places in the virgin forest of the Amazon, with no more noises than the Birds, monkeys or insects, Iquitos is a great opportunity and an excellent choice.The minimum recommended is a visit to the area is 4 days. Cruises and navigation in the Amazon and tributaries offer programs for up to 10 days.
First you will be receptioned at the Iquitos Airport by our Guide. Arrival and welcome at the stand, located inside the International Airport of Iquitos. Then we will Transfer to the selected hotel in the city of Iquitos and orientation of the services, according to the program .You will have time on your own and have the opportunity to start your adventure by visiting the Iron House, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel or the Malecón de Tarapacá facing the Itaya River, surrounded by several 19th century mansions, relics from the heyday of rubber, lined with Portuguese tiles, or tiles.Finally we wil overnight at Iguana Lodge.
Birdwatching: During the early hours of the morning (05:00 to 06:00 a.m.) it is the right time to observe many of the bird species that feed on the banks of the river or the plantations found in the to the community's leaders.
Breakfast. Fruit juices and jams produced in the region (papaya, orange, melon, cocona) accompany hot dishes and drinks to start the morning. Immediately after breakfast you will board the boat that will take you to the opposite end of the Amazon or as it is said in the regional language to the "huashalado". During this trip of approximately 40 minutes the boat will stop at a place on the river where it is usually possible to observe pink dolphins, due to its somewhat shy nature, it is necessary to have patience and be attentive to sight them, with an unforgettable photo will reward the effort. Upon reaching the community of Yaguas you can see plantations of cassava (manioc), banana, papaya and other typical products of riverside agriculture. You will notice that unlike the Sinchicuy ecosystem the land here is mostly low and flooding during the growing season. And I will notice it when crossing the trail that leads to the Yanayacu River. This is an exciting walk that will bring out your spirit of adventure. By boat or canoe you will follow the course of the Yanayacu River to explore this area rich in avian fauna, whose species include martins fishermen, hawks, herons etc. and finally after a time of travel through the dark waters of the Yanayacu River you will arrive at our lodge. Jungle walk that will take you to know the "Kingdom of Giant Trees" during the walk will know some species of medicinal plants, such as "sachajergón", "ojé", "tree bread" and the well-known "cat's claw"; It is also possible to find bromeliads (epiphytic plants) that grow on the top of trees.
After the breakfast, we will explore the Yanayacu ravine for about 4 hours to observe the animals in their natural habitat and the jungle of the mirrors. We will enjoy a typical regional lunch, accompanied by regional fruit refreshment. We rest for a moment in the hammocks, then we will start a hike through the jungle until we reach the giant tree called "CEIBA".After we will visit a riverside Santa Victoria where we will learn from their experiences, customs and play with the children of the town. We had dinner and tasted some delicious regional cocktails Night of Amazonian tales narrated by the guide of Iguana Lodge.
One of the tourist attractions of the city of Iquitos is the Fundo Pedrito, where you can see a variety of animals such as alligators, piranhas, paiches, parrots, motelos, Peruvian dogs and plants like the "victoria regia".The Fundo Pedrito is located in the community of Barrio Florido, 15 kilometers from the Main Square approximately, 20 or 30 minutes by boat on the Amazon River. You can also go directly to this place because it has a berth for boats, so you must disembark in Barrio Florido.We continue the trip back to the city of Iquitos. Transfer to the Airport or Hotel.
