If you are looking to visit the jungle landscapes and Amazonian wonders Iquitos in Peru as your next destination, Treehouse Lodge has the best travel tips to help you make the most of your travel to the Peruvian Amazon.
Iquitos: 10 Facts that Make It A Unique Destination
1. Native Culture
If you want to truly experience the Peruvian native culture, Iquitos is the perfect place. Visit an Amazon community and interact with the river people who still preserve their traditions, ancient knowledge, and even language.
They people here are skillful craft makers. You should definitely consider purchasing some locally made handicrafts, the perfect Amazonian souvenir to take home.
2. Flora and Fauna of the Amazon
Iquitos is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Over time, many animals that normally lived in the ocean like dolphins and manatees have adapted to the fresh waters of the Amazon. Pink dolphins and their gray counterparts are frequently spotted at the confluence of rivers. Also there are thousands of species of birds, monkeys, sloths and more.
3. The Iron House of Iquitos (La Casa de Fierro)
Located just off the main Plaza de Armas of Iquitos is the Iron House of Iquitos. Widely considered one of the finest samples of Civil Architecture in Peru, it’s one of the top-visited sites in town. It now features a restaurant on the second floor, overlooking the plaza.
One famous myth states that the origin of the Iron House began in France from a certain architect named Eiffel, although evidence suggest it’s more likely it was built by a Belgian workshop. A truly striking piece of architecture in the middle of this small jungle city, definitely worth checking out.
4. Outdoor Activities: Excursions and Tours
There are a lot of things to do in Iquitos. The main attractions are the Amazon River excursions, fishing for piranhas, swimming or kayaking in the river. Visiting the Amazonian communities or going to the Belen Market are also popular as well.
Here’s a list of the top 7 excursions you have to try at Treehouse Lodge.
5. Treehouse Lodge
Staying at the Treehouse Lodge is one of the most unique experiences on the planet. Our all-inclusive lodge has 12 unique treehouses in the middle of the jungle.
Stay with us and you’ll see the rainforest from an entirely new perspective that most visitors never experience… the treetop canopy.
6. The Amazon River
Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest and has direct access to the mighty Amazon River.
The Amazon River is one of the largest and longest rivers in the world, and it has countless tributaries that form the Amazon Basin in which this amazing rainforest grows, one of the most important natural currents in the entire planet.
7. The Weather
Iquitos experiences a tropical climate with an average daily temperature of 30 – 32°C (86 – 90°F) and then cooler nights of 20 – 22°C (68 – 72°F). December – May brings high-water followed by the low-water season that spans from June – November.
8. Monkey Island
Monkey Island is, as the name suggests, and island that is absolutely packed full of monkeys, with nine different species roaming freely throughout the 200-hectare area. You could see a variety of monkeys, such as Wooly Monkeys and also Coati.
9. Medicinal Plants of the Amazon
The Amazon rainforest is like a green pharmacy. You can find forest medicines for headaches, stomachaches, hernias– even for diabetes.
A lot of people look for Ayahuasca retreats and are curious about them, but it’s important to do good research first and making sure they got all the facts before trying such an experience.
10. Peruvian Food
It would be very unwise to travel to Iquitos without trying some Peruvian dishes while you’re there! One of the most interesting things you can try is Juane, a mixture of rice and herbs that cradles chicken pieces and is wrapped in banana leaves.
Plantains are also a popular addition to many dishes in de region, being added in more mainstream Peruvian meals like like Pollo a la Brasa and also being a central part of the famous Tacacho, which is plaintain mixed with fried eggs and ham.