Planning for Iquitos - places to go

There are quite a lot of things to see and do in Iquitos. You'd want to plan where to go by the general direction in which they lie.

Please refer to the maps of Iquitos.

1) The main square in Iquitos and the 28 de Julio square

Around these two squares is a number of things to see.
- the main church (Iglesia Matriz)
- the different types of architecture (Casa de Fierro, Casa Pinasco, Casa Morey, etc.)
- schools (Colegio Fernando Lores and Colegio Sagrado Corazón)
- the seminary (Seminario San Agustin y Capilla)
- a small museum (Museo Amazónico)
- the Belen market and floating houses (caution: possible robbery even during daylight hours)
- etc.

Given the proximity of most of these places, its possible to visit most of them in a single day... I think. I walked around some of these places by myself, and visited Belen with my guide Rosendo.





2) To the southwest of the city, there's the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, which you'd have to go by boat. A trip there will take a few days at least.

Remember that when travelling by water that travelling against the current takes more time than travelling with it. The Amazon River only ever flows in one direction, so please plan for extra time.

Travelling during the wet season is generally better than the dry season because the river comes alive; however, do prepare for rain to disrupt your plans.

I did not go to the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, but it seems to be a great place to visit.



3) To the west and northwest of the city, there are the Allpahuayo Mishana Reserve, the San Juan Handicrafts Market, the Quistococha lagoon and zoo, the Center of Amazon Rescue (Manatee Rescue Center), and the Santa Clara and Santo Tomás beaches.

Be aware that its impossible to visit all of these places in one day. A typical day trip may include just 3 of these places. Let your guide know what you'd like to do.





4) To the north and northeast of the city lies the villages of Manacarimi and Padre Cocha, the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm, and the intersection of the Momón and Nanay rivers.

As I did not have enough time, I was not able to visit this region at all... such a pity.



5) To the east and southeast of the city is the Bellavista-Nanay Market and Port, the Barrio Florido village (by boat), the Monkey Island (also by boat) and the Triple Frontier.

I went to the Market, took a boat from the port to Barrio Florido where there is a caiman, piranha and large water lily farm, then another boat to Monkey Island. There's a lot to see and do on the island iteself, so that can take up a whole day.

Travelling to Monkey Island will take less time than travelling back, as the river current flows towards the island.