Iquitos Amazon Review: 2 Days in a Natural Wonder

Thinking about a quick trip to Iquitos to get a taste of the Amazon? Two days might seem quick, yet, believe me, it’s enough to soak in the major sights and sounds, more or less providing a really solid overview. As I was saying, I recently zipped down there for just 48 hours, and that is that I want to tell you everything I learned. It’s quite an odd spot, considering that it is the biggest city on Earth that you cannot get to by road!

First Impressions: Arrival and the Amazon Vibe

Arriving in Iquitos is rather something else. So, you fly into this city smack-dab in the middle of the rainforest, and that is that instantly, you feel the difference. The air is very thick with moisture, and there are these motor taxis everywhere; they’re actually called “moto-taxicos”, zipping around like nowhere else. Obviously, they’re the basic transportation since cars are kind of rare. A little thing you will certainly spot just after touching down is the intensity of everything; people are milling about, sellers are yelling, and life is kind of flowing at this intense, crazy, Amazon rhythm. Anyway, your very, very first stop needs to be the riverfront; it gives you an unbelievable look at the Amazon’s immensity. I mean, you seriously grasp how huge this thing truly is; it goes on forever, that it seems!

You know, it gets a little overwhelming; just be ready to accept that there’s not a ton you can actually do in two days, alright? And so, instead of aiming to see everything, concentrate on feeling the pulse of this unique location. Maybe grab a drink at a riverside place to just unwind and watch life play out around you – really soak up what is happening.

Day 1: Market Immersion and Belén Adventure

Day one is like your chance to get seriously into the spirit of Iquitos. Actually, your jumping-off point has to be the Belén Market. This market is really something else – they call it the “Venice of the Poor,” more or less because some parts of it are floating, and some are on very unsteady land. As I was saying, you’re able to find totally anything you could dream up for sale: local fruits you’ve certainly never spotted, weird cuts of meat, plants for healing, and amulets; oh my gosh! Obviously, this could seem chaotic, still it gives an unbelievably clear look into everyday life in Iquitos. To be honest, get yourself a good guide to assist you in picking out what’s okay to eat and also what is not, and definitely be super attentive of your personal possessions.

Afterwards, think about a boat tour of the Amazon. Apparently, lots of tours are starting directly from Iquitos, and you really could take like a shorter one which would allow you to spot wildlife, maybe visit a local tribe, and get just a quick glance into the jungle. Honestly, do haggle on costs and very carefully read what the trip entails before booking. The afternoon I recommend; give it to wandering aimlessly through the downtown region of Iquitos, spotting all those architectural remains from its rubber boom past. A couple of structures are a bit worn now, however it has been said you can sense a definite history, or something, alright? Conclude your first day by really enjoying a food spot providing local delicacies like juanes (rice with chicken wrapped up in banana leaves) or maybe paiche (one of the world’s biggest freshwater fish).

Day 2: Animal Encounters and Jungle Relaxation

Day two must focus on animal meetings; it’s what everyone’s looking forward to. Obviously, kick stuff off with an outing to the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm as well as the nearby animal rescue place. Allegedly, it is only about an hour outside Iquitos, and so, it presents a terrific means to see local wildlife without having to trudge far into the forest. To be honest, in the rescue center you might actually spot sloths, monkeys, and maybe also toucans. The butterfly farm, as you can surely assume, is positively filled with stunning butterflies – definitely get that camera geared up! Next, consider doing some chilling.

As a matter of fact, after your morning adventures, it may be wise to go to one of those jungle lodges available nearby, or something, alright? Some lodges give day passes and also offer stuff like swimming, canoe trips, and short jungle treks. That stated, it is the most wonderful chance to truly take it easy, take in that natural world, and hear sounds within the Amazon that you’ll never forget. Wrap stuff up through having dinner around the Plaza de Armas, the major public square in Iquitos. The air is totally different around evening hours, and you can literally feel this pulse and thrum of the town.

Where to Sleep and Eat in Iquitos

For those two days, you need like a practical base from where you could take off on daily jaunts. You see, hotels in Iquitos cover an amazing number, ranging from seriously affordable hostels around the central areas right up to more upscale locations providing jungle views. Apparently, the DoubleTree by Hilton Iquitos offers comfortable accommodations together with a location which happens to be easy to find and relatively convenient. Should you wish to seriously spend less, consider Hostal Casa Linda; a place known because of its pleasant air and central location. As a matter of fact, in terms of feeding your belly; Iquitos has many options.

Try Dawn on the Amazon Cafe that seems to get favorable ratings due to local specialties. Likewise, check out Restaurant Fitzcarraldo for regional dishes in a pleasing ambience, alright? Basically, don’t overlook testing street eats – specifically the fruit juices available. Also, there are numerous carts found all over the area and they present this cool sampling chance and experiencing locally developed food, right?. Be cautious and pick busy stalls when getting from these and definitely always consume responsibly.

Things to Know Before You Go

Prior to traveling to Iquitos, here are several extremely important pieces of data to allow for an uncomplicated time. Actually, vaccines are super, super important because, because you’ll probably need things similar to yellow fever shots. So, it is important to see a travel physician well before going. Then, I’d mention, get yourself protected from mosquitoes. They seriously love Iquitos. Then get some clothes which will be light, and be sure they also offer total protection; really light, loose shirts and trousers do wonders. Then you might get quite some rain, so, too it’s almost clever to include a light rain jacket or an umbrella, perhaps?

Oh, also – always keep some money readily available since while cards get adopted around, small locations often only take cash. Lastly, you should seriously figure out some standard Spanish terms. While lots of people that work in tourist areas could communicate in English to some degree, attempting conversational Spanish does certainly enrich relationships along with your experience significantly. With this in mind, planning your experiences could be accomplished through arranging small group travels when you appear, alright? And so, that method supplies convenience along with customized adventures as opposed to booking well forward, really.

Is Two Days Enough? Final Thoughts on a Quick Amazon Getaway

Two days in Iquitos presents a window towards the spectacular world of the Amazon; this is more than sufficient. Obviously, you won’t see the entirety of this, obviously, but you’re going to gain an immersion within the community along with natural environment which is surely lasting. Basically, the most important things to definitely have within these limited days would be a flexible mentality, excitement in encountering, and definitely your absolute, common awareness to stay wise during travel and exploration activities; don’t be scared – simply respect the location! Then your brief visit is assured in order to make memory after beautiful memory which, is what it’s all about.

#Iquitos #Amazon #Peru #Travel #Rainforest