Tours in Iquitos

Ayahuasca is a sacred drink made from jungle plants, used for centuries by shamans in spiritual ceremonies. Also known as yajé or the drink of the spirits, many people travel to Iquitos to take part in guided ceremonies with a shaman—for healing, reflection, or connecting with nature. It’s a profound experience that should be approached with respect, in safe settings, and under the guidance of experienced healers.

The pink river dolphin (also called bufeo colorado) is a unique freshwater dolphin that lives in the Amazon rivers. For Indigenous communities, it’s a magical creature. Legends say it can turn into a man, wear a hat to hide its dolphin head, and charm women. Seeing a dolphin in the river is considered a lucky and special moment.

Yacumama (also written yakumama or ayaymama) is an Amazonian legend about a giant serpent that lives underwater and protects rivers and lagoons. Its name means “Mother of the Water” in Quechua. Locals say it appears as a large stone head with glowing eyes and can drag people who don’t respect the river. Today, its story lives on in traditional dances like the Yacumama Dance, and it’s an important part of Iquitos folklore.

Shamanism is an ancient spiritual practice of Indigenous Amazonian communities. It involves connecting with the spirits of nature through plants, songs, and rituals. In Iquitos, shamanism is deeply rooted and attracts people from around the world. A shamanic experience may include an ayahuasca ceremony, herbal baths, spiritual cleansings, or sacred jungle walks.

Monkey Island in Iquitos is a sanctuary that rescues and cares for monkeys previously abused or kept as pets. Visitors can see species like the howler monkey, titi monkey, and squirrel monkey. Guides explain how they live, what they eat, and why protecting them matters. It’s a perfect visit for families and nature lovers.

Iquitos’ tourist spots are both in and around the city:

Amazonian jungle legends are stories passed down through generations by Indigenous communities. They feature magical beings like:

These stories teach respect for nature, warn against getting lost in the jungle, and promote harmony with the forest spirits.

The best time to visit Iquitos is during the dry season, from December to March:

During the rainy season (April to November), the river rises, allowing boat access to flooded forests—ideal for seeing dolphins, monkeys, and exotic birds.

Pacaya-Samiria is deep in the Amazon rainforest in northern Peru. It’s a vast area of rivers, lagoons, and flooded forests. Access is mainly from Iquitos, with boat rides of 3 to 5 hours depending on your entry point. It’s known as the “Jewel of the Amazon” for its natural beauty and biodiversity.

Iquitos has many incredible attractions:

Pacaya-Samiria lies in the lower Amazon basin in the Loreto region. It is mainly accessed from Iquitos, via control points like San Regis or Yanayacu. It’s the perfect place to spot wildlife, go on jungle hikes, take boat tours, and stay with native communities.

Pacaya-Samiria is home to hundreds of Amazon rainforest animals, such as:

It’s one of Peru’s top spots for wildlife viewing.

Iquitos has an equatorial climate with high humidity and constant temperatures:

What to pack: Light clothing, rain gear, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes—essential for enjoying Iquitos’ tourist spots without issues.

The Yacumama Dance is a traditional performance that tells the legend of Yacumama, the Mother of the Water. Dancers wear elaborate costumes representing a giant snake rising from the river. It’s performed at local festivals, especially in river communities or during cultural events in Iquitos. It’s a powerful way to keep jungle legends alive and promote respect for nature.