A JOURNEY ALONG THE AMAZON RIVER
Iquitos, located in the Amazon region of Peru, is a city with rich biodiversity and a variety of tourist attractions. Its privileged location, in the middle of the Amazon jungle and on the banks of the great Amazon River, make it the main access door to the jungle. Some of the main natural attractions of Iquitos include:
- Quistococha Tourist Park: Located 30 minutes by road from Iquitos, it has a lake, zoo, restaurants and recreational activities. It is one of the most visited places by Iquiteños.
- Monkey Island: Located in the Amazon River, near the city of Indiana, it is an island that is home to several monkeys of 8 different species under the care of experts and volunteers, as part of the conservation efforts of the Amazon region. It can be reached in 45 minutes by speedboat from Iquitos.
- Amazon Forever Biopark. It is the best-known conservation effort around Iquitos. It is located about 40 minutes by road. It is a complex with different activities such as rafting and rappelling. It has pools managed by specialists for the rescue and rehabilitation of the Amazonian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis), as well as for primates and turtles, which are finally released in a protected area such as the Pacaya - Samiria Reserve or the Tamshiyacu - Tahuayo Communal Reserve.
- Pilpintuwasi. The butterfly farm and rescue center for Amazonian fauna. Pilpintuwasi is located on the banks of the Nanay River, located by boat 30 minutes from the port of Bellavista Nanay in Iquitos. Rescue several species of primates and mammals such as the jaguar (Panthera onca) and other animals. Likewise, it is a pioneer in the reproduction and breeding of butterflies in the northern Amazon of Peru, so the visitor can appreciate the biological cycle of these insects.
- Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve: Close to the city of Iquitos and accessible by road in a trip of approximately 45 minutes, the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve preserves white sand forests called varillales. These forests have a unique fauna of birds and insects adapted to this type of forest.
- Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: It is the largest protected area of flooded forest in Peru. Known as The Jungle of Mirrors, it is accessible after a 2-hour land trip from Iquitos to the city of Nauta and a 3-hour boat ride from there across the Marañon River. The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is a nature reserve with a wide variety of plant and animal species from the Amazon.
- Tamshiyacu - Tahuayo Communal Reserve: This protected area concentrates a wide variety of biodiversity and is the gateway for observing wildlife in its natural habitat, thanks to its wide variety of flora and fauna species, like the National Reserve Pacaya - Samiria. However, has a lower flow of tourists. For this reason, we have chosen this natural paradise to be home to our ecolodge.
The Amazon is a vast region with a unique personality and history. As we have seen in the first and second part of these articles, the city of Iquitos has elements that make it attractive for all types of travelers.
TRAVEL FOR AN AMAZON ADVENTURE: EXPLORE THE PERUVIAN RAINFOREST
Let’s go on an unforgettable adventure deep in the Peruvian Amazon and enjoy your vacations. Curassow Amazon Lodge, nestled within the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve, offers comfortable private rooms with bathroom, built in harmony with the jungle.
Explore this wildlife paradise with our expert naturalist guides. Navigate rivers and lagoons, trek through the jungle, and discover the reserve's incredible biodiversity.
Spot fauna like pink river dolphins, monkeys, sloths, river otters, manatees and capybaras. Witness anacondas, alligators and frogs, and listen tropical birds, during a birdwatching tour, from vibrant macaws and toucans to the legendary Harpy Eagle.
Experience the Amazon's rich culture and pristine environment sustainably. Contact us today to personalize your adventure! Check our all-inclusive tours in the Amazon jungle.