IQUITOS CITY TOUR — FULL-DAY EXPERIENCE

1. Main Square & Historical Centre

Begin the day in the historic heart of Iquitos at the Main Square, a central meeting point surrounded by some of the city’s most important buildings. Here, your guide introduces the story of Iquitos — from a small river settlement to a booming city during the rubber era.

You’ll learn about:

• The rise and collapse of the rubber boom and its lasting impact

• The neo-Gothic cathedral and its significance to the city

• The famous Iron House, attributed by local tradition to Gustave Eiffel

• Colonial architecture and how European influence shaped the city

This section provides essential context for understanding modern Iquitos and the social and economic forces that shaped it.

2. Belén Market & the Floating District

(Approx. 3 hours)

Next, visit Belén Market, one of the most unique and colourful markets in the Amazon region. Walking through the stalls, you’ll encounter a wide variety of Amazonian produce and traditional goods, including:

• Exotic fruits and vegetables

• Medicinal plants used in traditional remedies

• Fresh Amazonian fish

• Natural treatments and local preparations

After the market visit, board a boat to explore the Floating District of Belén. As river levels rise and fall throughout the year, homes here adapt to the water — offering a striking example of how people live in close relationship with the river.

Your guide explains daily life in the district, the challenges residents face, and the resilience of families who call this area home.

Our Commitment:
We work with local guides and support vulnerable families in the district.
Please bring a reusable bottle — Zero Plastic Policy.

3. Museum of Amazonian Indigenous Cultures

Visit the Museum of Amazonian Indigenous Cultures, an important space dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditions of Indigenous peoples from across the region.

Inside the museum, you’ll see:

• Ceremonial artefacts and ritual objects

• Traditional clothing and textiles

• Masks, crafts, and tools

• Historical information about Bora, Shipibo, Huitoto, and other Indigenous communities

This visit provides deeper cultural context and helps highlight the diversity and richness of Amazonian cultures.

Our Commitment:
Your visit supports Indigenous artists and contributes to the preservation of Amazonian cultural heritage.

4. Traditional Amazonian Lunch

Enjoy a relaxed lunch featuring traditional Amazonian dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Typical options include:

• Juane — seasoned rice wrapped in leaves

• Patarashca — fish cooked in banana leaves

• Tacacho with cecina — mashed plantain with cured meat

Vegetarian and vegan options are available on request.

5. Wildlife Rescue Centre or Butterfly Farm

In the afternoon, choose one of two conservation-focused visits:

🦋 Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm
A peaceful sanctuary dedicated to butterfly conservation and environmental education, offering insight into the life cycles of native species and their role in the ecosystem.

🐒 Amazon Forever Animal Rescue Centre
A rehabilitation centre for animals rescued from illegal trafficking, including primates, birds, and other Amazonian species. Learn about conservation challenges and the process of rescue and rehabilitation.

Our Commitment:
Your visit directly supports conservation, rehabilitation, and environmental education programmes.