When most travelers think of Peru, the same names pop up: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Arequipa, maybe Lima or Lake Titicaca if they have more time. But ask about Iquitos, and you’ll usually get blank stare.

And that’s exactly why Iquitos remains one of Peru’s most overlooked gems.

I spent time in this wild, river-bound city – and I can confidently say it deserves a spot on your itinerary. Here’s why.

What (and Where) Is Iquitos?

Iquitos is the largest city in the world unreachable by road. You can only get here by boat or plane. It sits in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, along the Amazon River itself, surrounded by dense rainforest and remote communities.

That fact alone makes it feel like you’ve truly stepped off the beaten path. Getting here is an adventure in itself – and once you arrive, you’ll quickly realize this is not just a “stopover” for jungle lodges. It’s a living, breathing city with its own culture, quirks, and energy.

Why Travelers Skip It (and Why You Shouldn’t)

1. “It’s too hard to get to.”

Sure, you can’t hop on a bus like you would for Cusco. But there are daily flights from Lima (and often cheap ones). The journey is surprisingly simple – and feels like a reward in itself.

2. “It’s only for jungle tours.”

Yes, Iquitos is the gateway to the Amazon. But it’s also full of unique experiences *without* having to book an expensive multi-day tour. From the floating market of Belén, to the quirky Iron House (designed by Gustave Eiffel), to river “beaches” like Quistococha, you can spend days exploring before you even leave the city.

 3. “There’s nothing else to do there.”

Wrong. Iquitos is vibrant, chaotic, and unlike anywhere else in Peru. It’s loud tuk-tuks instead of taxis, exotic fruits in crowded markets, psychedelic street art, a nightlife scene that buzzes, and a palpable sense of being far, far away from the tourist trail.

Highlights of Iquitos That Make It Worth the Detour

Belén Market & Floating Neighborhoods

One of the most colorful (and eye-opening) experiences. Half floating, half chaos, it’s unlike anywhere else in Peru.

Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Sanctuary

A short boat ride away – not just butterflies, but rescued Amazon wildlife too.

Quistococha Lagoon

An artificial beach on the edge of the city where locals escape the heat.

Historic Rubber Boom Architecture

From crumbling mansions to the famous Iron House, a relic of the 19th-century rubber boom.

Amazon River Excursions

From quick day trips to multi-day lodge stays, you can scale the adventure to your time and budget.

How to Add Iquitos to Your Peru Trip

By Air: Flights from Lima are usually 2 hours and affordable (budget airlines often run deals).

By River: If you want a true adventure, you can take multi-day boats from cities like Yurimaguas. It’s slow, but unforgettable.

How Long to Stay: 3–4 days minimum. Enough to explore the city, visit nearby nature spots, and take a taste of the jungle.

My Honest Take

Iquitos is not polished. It’s hot, sweaty, loud, and sometimes overwhelming. But that’s its charm. If you want something real, raw, and different – the kind of travel experience that stays with you – this is it.

Skipping Iquitos means missing out on seeing a side of Peru that feels alive in the moment, not frozen in history.
If Machu Picchu shows Peru’s past, Iquitos shows its pulse.

So, when you’re building your Peru itinerary – don’t make the same mistake most travelers do. Add Iquitos. You’ll come back with stories that no one else has.