Iconic Travel Guide for Iquitos, Peru (South America)
- Chelsey Jacobs
- Jun 17, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 9, 2024
Iquitos is undoubtedly a vibrant destination with numerous jungle exploration options nearby. However, having experienced both Iquitos and Lagunas, I must admit that Lagunas surpasses Iquitos in every aspect. The jungle tours in Lagunas offer a much more intimate and tranquil experience, allowing you to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. In contrast, Iquitos is bustling with tourism and inflated prices. Tours often include visits to caged animals and are geared towards typical full-day tourist activities.
A friend I traveled with initially favored Iquitos, but after stopping in Lagunas and embarking on a multi-day tour of Pacaya Samiria, their perspective shifted. We were delighted with the quieter, more authentic experience offered by Lagunas compared to the touristy atmosphere of Iquitos.
Nonetheless, I will still provide you with my best travel guide and share information about Iquitos, Peru as it remains a popular choice for many travelers.
Recommended amount of time: Entirely depends on if you do multi-day tours. There is not much to see in the actual town of Iquitos.
Jairo Amazon Tours
Tucan Jungle Expedition
Place of stay
Casa Linda 2: A fantastic option in Iquitos! The air conditioning is strong and is such a blessing when in Iquitos. The place is run by an old couple who welcomes you in with open arms. Centrally located, quiet, comfortable beds, laundry service, and good shower pressure. Sr. Max will be waiting to greet you with a smile!
2. Tour Options
This company offers an excellent option for a multi-day tour of the Amazon. While I didn't personally use their services since I had a similar experience in Lagunas, multiple people highly recommended them. We spoke to the owner, who was friendly and spoke excellent English. Their package includes everything, and they have their own lodge deep in the jungle. I suggest opting for at least a four-day/three-night tour to fully immerse yourself in the experience, especially if you choose not to visit Lagunas.
I used this company for a 2-day, 1-night tour at Selva Vida, but extended for an extra two nights at their lodge.
TIPS:
All meals provided were delicious, but I recommend staying a maximum of two nights at this place. The generator noise at night was quite loud, the shower pressure in my room was poor, and the bed was uncomfortable and breaking. Bugs were also a significant issue.
You can stay at the lodge without booking tours, which is what we did for two days. If you choose this company, I recommend contacting Willie and mentioning that Chelsey recommended you. He will ensure you are well taken care of and attentive to your needs.
3. Restaurants x Cafes
Cafes
La Mona Cafetería: Offering a cozy blend of coffee house and brunch vibes! (Note, that the portions are on the smaller side.)
Coffee Home: This spot is perfect for enjoying coffee and getting work done. It's spacious, and clean, and features coffee house music playing in the background. The AC is good, and the wifi is strong—I frequented this place multiple times for their coffee and reliable internet connection.
Restaurants
Taquito Feroz: A Mexican spot but, nothing particularly special.
Al Carbón Grill & Steak: A quality steak house offering decently sized portions.
El Carioco: My favorite place in Iquitos for dinner or Menu del Día, which lasts until 5 pm. It's budget-friendly with generous portions, especially their chicken dishes!
L'Artigiano Restaurante: A charming Italian restaurant known for its wood-fired pizza ovens!
Next stop: Leticia, Colombia via a 3-day Cargo Ship. If you are interested in doing this, which I highly recommend, visit this article.
Xoxo,
Chelsey
Comentarios