What are the best things to do in Iquitos?
Top picks in Iquitos include Iquitos Cathedral, La Plaza 28 de Julio, Ex Hotel Palace. See the full list and itinerary on this Iquitos travel guide.
Photo: LLs · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Iquitos
Travel guide for Iquitos, Peru — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Iquitos is a stop in Peru, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 1 days. If time is short, prioritise Iquitos Cathedral, La Plaza 28 de Julio, Ex Hotel Palace instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–100 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal
Weather
From highland cool to tropical warmth
Experiences
Things to do in Iquitos
1
Iquitos Cathedral
2
La Plaza 28 de Julio
3
Ex Hotel Palace
Budget travel
Free things to do in Iquitos
Iquitos Cathedral
La Plaza 28 de Julio
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Iquitos itinerary (1 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Iquitos Cathedral
- Visit La Plaza 28 de Julio
- Visit Ex Hotel Palace
- Eat at Amazon Bistro
Budget
Iquitos trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–100
per person / day
Luxury
USD 115–190+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Iquitos, Peru. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Iquitos
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Iquitos mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–100 · luxury 115–190+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Amazon Bistro
Dawn on the Amazon
Huasaí Restaurant
El Kikiriki
Shambo Heladería
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Amazonia Expeditions Tahuayo Lodge
Marañón Hotel
La Casona Hotel
Las Golondrinas
Green Track Hostal
Shopping
- Belén market
- Mercado Artesanal de San Juan
Museums & culture
- Iquitos Cathedral
- Ex Hotel Palace
In pictures
Iquitos gallery
Photos: LLs, Gabymuaa, Lira y Gil collection., Suedehead, Carlos Correa Loyola — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Iquitos travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Iquitos?
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal.
How many days do I need in Iquitos?
Plan at least 1 days in Iquitos for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Iquitos?
Popular stays in Iquitos include Amazonia Expeditions Tahuayo Lodge, Marañón Hotel, La Casona Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Iquitos cost?
On the ground in Iquitos (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–100, and luxury about 115–190+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Iquitos, Peru. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
