Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. At the same time, it is the world´s largest land-locked city. If you would like to experience an exotic jungle adventure Private Lima Tours with Sara tells you here how to arrive from Lima to Iquitos:
LIMA TO IQUITOS BY AIR
Because of geographical factors, the only way to arrive directly from Lima to Iquitos is by air. A direct flight takes 1 hour 50 minutes. Check in the links of the airlines below for timetables and reservation specifically for direct flights from Lima to Iquitos:
Connecting flights
Star Peru offers daily flights which take 2 hours and 40 min with stopover in Pucallpa and flights with stopover in Tarapoto (2:55 min).
LIMA TO IQUITOS BY AIR AND BOAT
Take a flght to Yurimaguas. Then, a double-decker boat to Iquitos. The journey takes four days. This way is mainly for adventurers and budget travelers. Most of your companions will be local so better manage some Spanish. Do not expect cabins. You will have to buy your own hammock.
Private Lima Tours with Sara points here the most outstanding spots to visit in your trip from Lima to Iquitos:
In fact there are not so many interesting things to see in the city itself. Iquitos is very noisy and crowded due to the big amount of auto-rickshaws, called mototaxis. However, not so far from the center there are some interesting places where you can enjoy the real essence of the Amazon. You can considerer visiting these:
- The Monkey Island (La isla de los monos) is a monkey sanctuary of 450 hectares, 30 kms from Iquitos. An ideal place for lovers of nature and animals. It is ran mostly by volunteers from all over the world. They take care of orphan monkeys and others which were rescued from being treated as pets. The trip in a speedboat from Iquitos can take one hour and half. For more information check their website. Entrance ticket: approx. US$ 7.00 Be aware that there is a fake Isla de los Monos closer to Iquitos offered by some guides who cheat tourists.
- Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm This is another great rescue center for animals only 20 minutes from Iquitos. Most of the animals have been saved from animal trafficking. It also contains a butterfly farm where you can learn about butterfly breeding. Entrance ticket: approx. US$ 7.00 Same as with the above be aware not to be taken to another butterfly farm which is not the real Pilpintuwasi.
We wish you enjoy your time in Iquitos. For your stay in Lima don´t forget to check our full day private tours.