Gateway to the northern Amazon
Amazonian Peru, Peru
Deep in the heart of the Amazon, Iquitos is a remote settlement that until relatively recently was only reachable via the long river journey up the Amazon from the Atlantic Ocean, via Brazil and Colombia. With the advent of regular flight services in and out of the city, Iquitos is now an important start for travellers wishing to spend some time in Peru’s northern Amazon jungle, and perhaps even spot a pink river dolphin.
Background
On the banks of the River Amazon, Iquitos is Peru’s most important river port, and over time has seen a number of great moments of economic boom-times, with the rubber trade particularly leaving its mark on the city, with a number of interesting buildings remaining that were imported by the rich rubber barons of the day.
The greatest commodity that Iquitos has today is its location, surrounded by the Amazonian Rainforest which holds the greatest biodiversity on Earth. Several key protected areas can be found not far away by river, including Pacaya-Samiria and Allpahuayo-Mishana natural reserves, the reserved zones of Gueppi and Santiago-Comainas and the Rio Abiseo National Park, much coveted by nature lovers from around the globe.
Iquitos is the start point for travellers wishing to spend some time at a lodge somewhere deeper into the Amazon, as well as visiting the Bora or Yagua native communities.