Iquitos extends to the northeast of Peru, on the left bank of the Amazon River, it is one of the most important cities of the Amazon and the main fluvial port of Peru. It can only be entered by river or air transport, and by a single road to the south that connects it with the city of Nauta. The main square or Plaza de Armas in Spanish is a combination of modern buildings as well as eccentric and luxurious constructions of the exuberant era in the rubber boom. The main attraction of Iquitos and its Amazonian forests is the incomparable natural diversity of the region and its indigenous tribes. This is the main base for excursions in the Amazonian forests and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected area in Peru, and one of the best places to see animals in their natural habitat. Visitors embark on boats and sail days and nights to take walks and see the monkeys, alligators, giant lily pads, boas, tarantulas, and many more species.
A popular stop is the Monkey Island (technically the island Timicurillo in the Amazon river), which is home to different species of monkeys, as well as sloths, coatis, and many tropical birds. While in Iquitos you can visit the Manatí Orphanage, the caiman farm, or the butterfly house, the options are endless. The floating market of Belén, unites more than 150 native communities who meet there to sell their products, San Juan market focused on the sale of carvings and handicrafts, The Anaconda Center is another craft market, and finally the Passage Paquito, is the place where you can find exotic drinks or medicines made from medicinal plants and animals. (While making your purchases please keep in mind that many of the ornaments may be manufactured from parts of animals in danger of extinction, and their possession, export from Peru and import to the US and Europe is totally illegal). Iquitos is a city of more than 400,000 inhabitants which makes it one of the largest cities in Peru. But the most proud title is to be the largest city in the world that can not be reached by road. Only by plane or river. It is a safe city, although you always have to have common sense in our actions and spend a day can be very fun. Iquitos is the most shocking city in all of Peru, mainly because it does not seem Peruvian but extracted from somewhere in Southeast Asia. The motorbike is the king of the city, where the number grows in an exorbitant manner and, as is logical, the main public transport is this medium but in tuk-tuk format. Iquitos is on the banks of the Amazon River, there are numerous tours and ways to travel around the Amazon.The city has a couple of places to visit. The Main Square and the 28 July Square, in addition to several very picturesque markets such as the "Barrio de Belén", which is not recommended to go at nightfall. We can find all kinds of unusual food such as worm larvae, turtle eggs, fried crocodile, etc.Multiethnic city with strong Amazonian roots, known as the Capital of the Peruvian Amazon. The hot Iquitos is located in the northeastern jungle of Peru. It is the capital of the department of Loreto and its nightlife is very attractive and diverse. You can also enjoy its peculiar and varied cuisine, made with animals and local plants. In the surrounding areas we find the community of the Boras of San Andrés, the Padre Cocha Island and the Allpahuayo Mishana Reserve.
Day 1 Iquitos to Iguana Lodge, explore the Amazon river and the Monkeys Island
Day 2 Yanayacu Creek, visit an ethnic group and visit the "Fundo Pedrito"
Departure in the morning from the city of Iquitos by car to reach the port city of Nanay (Bellavista), where the Nanay River meets the Amazon River. After leaving by boat we will travel downstream 70 KM (approximately 2 hours). During the river trip we will have a great opportunity to see alligators, turtles, herons, pink river dolphins, snakes and many other flora / fauna species along the riverbank. The island of the monkeys , is a small island about 15 minutes from the Maniti Lodge, which houses a large number of monkeys in their natural habitat. During your visit to the island you will have the unique opportunity to observe and interact with a wide variety of monkeys that include: the sloth, the Goeldi monkey, the Tamarin monkey, the capuchin monkey, the Titi monkey - Handed Yellow, masked Titi monkey, Cebidae monkey, Wooly monkey, squirrel monkey, spider monkey, Coati South American monkey, and many more! Along with the different species of monkeys you will have the opportunity to observe large anacondas, boas and interact with the very unusual Amazonian mata mata turtle On the island of the monkeys we will also see alligators, turtles, toucans, macaws, parrots, etc. We will have a dolphin watching session in the camp where we will have the unique opportunity to see the freshwater pink dolphins. If we are lucky we will also have the opportunity to swim with them in the Amazon River. In the afternoon we will go for a walk to observe the nocturnal nature and see different types of species such as: (lizards, snakes, spiders, monkeys). In the evening there will be an excursion through the jungle to observe, touch, and take a picture of the alligators. Accommodation at the Iguana Lodge.
This second day, we will start our excursion very early (5:00 a.m approx) with a tour to Yanayacu creek, where you will appreciate black waters to watch the sunrise and observe the activity of the fauna of the area such as birds, dolphins, the ride will be in a typical boat of the area. To start the day, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast done with typical food of the region. Then we will make an ethnobotanical walk through the jungle in order to learn about Amazonian medicinal plants and the relationship they have with the people who live in the jungle.Also, we will observe different trees around the native town of Yaguas (ethnic group)where you will learn about their customs and experiences that they carry out every day. We can also participate in their dances and buy some crafts for your memory. Finally we will return to the city of Iquitos, not before making a stop to visit the "Fundo Pedrito" which is a breeding center of 3 species of animals very representative of the Amazon:
