The Amazon rainforest is one of the world’s last remaining frontiers, home to some of the most diverse ecosystems and wildlife on our planet. For those seeking an adventure in this lush wilderness, our 3-day Iquitos jungle tour in Peru offers an unforgettable experience.
From boat rides on the Amazon river to hikes through dense jungle landscapes, this tour takes you deep into the heart of the Amazon. Join us as we explore the sights, sounds, and thrills of this natural wonderland, and discover why our tour is a must-do for anyone looking to visit Peru’s Amazon.
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Day 1: Arrival, Monkey Island, Victoria Regia Plant, Sugar Cane Production & Jungle Walk at Night
Arrival to Iquitos
After a 2-hour flight from Lima to Iquitos, you’ll be picked up at the airport’s luggage claim by your local guide and have a 30-minute drive to the lodge’s city hotel. At this point, the 3-day jungle tour begins! It’s important that your flight arrives before 9:00 am so the excursions can be done as planned.
Once at the city hotel,you can store your luggage if you need to. For your time in the lodge, it’s only allowed to take a small suitcase of max. 10 kg.
If you have some spare time at the hotel (this might be the case if your flight arrives early in the morning), you might consider heading to Los Portales. This is a small supermarket 2 blocks from the hotel, where you can have a quick breakfast.
Once the group is complete, you’ll head to the boat terminal and begin the 40-minute trip to the monkey island (la isla de monos).
Monkey Island Visit
At the monkey island, you’ll get to observe and play with endangered monkey species and monkey orphans that have been rescued and received shelter on the island.
In a 30-minute tour, you’ll learn more about the monkeys and the project’s history and purpose. For many travelers, this has been their favorite excursion of the trip.
Afterwards, you’ll be on the Amazon river for another 30 minutes until reaching the Heliconia lodge, where you’ll receive a welcome drink and meet your local expert guide. Prepare yourself for a delicious typical lunch after a short introduction of the lodge’s facilities. And watch out for Pedro, the lodge’s parrot.
Visit of Giant Water Lilies (Victoria Regia)
Before visiting the local family who cultivates the fascinating Victoria regia plant, you can take some time to relax in the refreshing pool. This lodge is one of the few in the Amazon rainforest that offers this amenity, which is a big plus in the jungle’s tropical climate.
Following a 10-minute boat ride on the Amazon River, you’ll stroll through a nearby village and observe the locals’ way of life. You’ll discover that they have limited electricity, mainly at night, and you’ll marvel at the magnificent Victoria regia water lilies.
Fun fact: The Victoria regia plant is also known as the Amazon water lily, and it’s the largest water lily species in the world. It can grow up to 3 meters in diameter and can support the weight of a small child!
Visit of Traditional Sugar Cane Production
After a 10-15 minute boat ride along the Amazon River, you’ll reach a sugar cane production facility run by a local family. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to make sugar cane yourself using traditional machinery and learn about the entire production process.
Later on, you’ll sample various liquors that have been crafted from the sugar cane. If you like them, you can buy a bottle to help support the family.
Upon returning to the lodge, you’ll have the chance to savor typical regional dishes and juices.
Jungle Walk at Night
During this guided jungle walk, you’ll encounter tarantulas, sloths, and other nocturnal animals using only your flashlight. However, the most remarkable aspect of this experience is the soundscape that envelops you – a symphony of the jungle, intermingled with the rustling of the leaves, surpassing any relaxing playlist on Spotify.
Can you imagine drifting off to sleep in such an awe-inspiring atmosphere? Trust us, it’s truly surreal.
Day 2: Bird Watching, Pink Dolphin Observation, Jungle Walk & Sunset on Amazon River
Early Morning Bird Watching
In the early hours of the jungle, your knowledgeable local guide will point out and introduce you to a variety of typical birds and Amazon rainforest animals, such as sloths, toucans, and iguanas.
Following this experience, you’ll head back to the lodge for a hearty breakfast buffet that includes eggs, bread, cheese, ham, jam, and an assortment of fresh, locally-grown fruits.
Pink Dolphin Observation
At 9:00 am, we’ll resume our journey on the Amazon river to spot pink and gray dolphins. Without a doubt, you need some luck to be able to spot them but with a little bit of patience everything is possible. When you finally catch a glimpse of one of these marvelous creatures, you’ll realize that the wait was well worth it. Trust us.
On the return trip, we’ll navigate through a channel leading to an island where we can begin our next activity.
Piranha Fishing
This is not an easy task and again you’ll need some patience. With small pieces of meat on the hook, you’ll wait to feel some kind of movement before pulling out the wooden fishing rod. Maybe you’ll catch a piranha, maybe a small catfish.
After this experience, you’ll return to the lodge for another typical local lunch. Use the free time you have in between the afternoon’s activities to jump in the pool and to refresh yourself. How about sipping on a Gin Tonic in a pool in the middle of the Amazon jungle?
Jungle Walk
In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a botanical jungle walk where you will see colorful mushrooms and impressive Amazon rainforest plants and trees while learning about their medicinal purpose.
Prepare yourself to see monkeys, poisonous tiny red frogs, beautiful butterflies and more!
Amazon River Sunset
After completing the jungle walk, you’ll have an hour to relax before embarking on the last activity of the day: watching the sunset over the Amazon River with its mesmerizing jungle sounds.
You’ll head to the middle of the river, where the guide will turn off the engine so that you can fully immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the surroundings. Once the sun has set, you’ll make your way back to the lodge to enjoy a sumptuous dinner and rest for the night.
By the way, did you know that the Amazon River is the world’s largest river by volume, containing approximately 20% of the world’s total river water.
Day 3: Local Community Visit & Outbound Flight
Local Community Visit
On the third and final day of the tour, after a good night’s rest with the soothing sounds of the jungle, you’ll have a chance to experience the local Yaguas community. After your breakfast at 8:00 am, you’ll take a short boat ride to visit this indigenous community and gain insights into their unique traditions and daily lifestyle.
The Yaguas people are known for their expert craftsmanship in creating beautiful baskets, pottery, and other handmade items. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to observe their traditional techniques and maybe even purchase some of their crafts to support their local economy.
You’ll also get the chance to interact with the head of the tribe, who will welcome you in their native language and invite other members of the community to join in their ancient, typical clothes. Get ready to dance their traditional dances and learn more about their fascinating culture.
After this enriching experience, you’ll return to the lodge for a farewell lunch before heading back to Iquitos by speedboat.
Additional Tour Information
Tour Itinerary
- The itinerary presented above is exemplary and can vary depending on your day of arrival and on the weather in Iquitos.
- You’ll be given rubber boots for the excursions, make sure to bring an extra pair of socks for each day in case your feet get wet. For more information visit our blog about what to wear in the Amazon rainforest.
Food & Beverages
- There is unlimited free water, coffee and tea available in the lodge 24/7.
- The meals are buffet style once there is a minimum group of 10 people in the lodge. If not, the meals will be served.
- Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
- Each food comes with a different local fruit juice (cocona, carambola, guaybana, papaya, pineapple.)
Rooms
- All rooms are protected by mosquito nets, allowing you to (most likely) have a comfortable sleep without being disturbed at night.
- There is limited wifi available in the lodge and you’ll have electricity in the morning, at noon and at night (from 6-8 am, 12-2 pm and 6-11 pm).
- Passenger luggage is limited to 10 kg p. person. You can store the rest of your luggage in the administrative office in Iquitos in order to take only the most essential things with you.
Check out the following video for more info about the tour:
Recommendations
- Book your flight to Iquitos in the morning so that you arrive before 9:00 am and for your return flight to Lima in the afternoon later than 5:30 pm. We recommend booking your flight with LATAM as they are the most reliable airline in Peru.
- Take lots of insect repellent with you and apply it constantly.
- Use long-sleeved shirts and trekking pants for the excursions.
- A yellow fever vaccination is not obligatory when visiting Iquitos. We recommend you double check with your doctor before traveling.
Enjoy your Time in the Amazon Jungle
A tour of the Amazon rainforest in Iquitos is an adventure of a lifetime that provides you with a rare opportunity to explore one of the world’s most magnificent and diverse ecosystems.
From witnessing exotic wildlife to experiencing local culture, this journey takes you on an unforgettable trip through the Amazon rainforest.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a visit to Iquitos Jungle is an experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
Have a look at our Peru tours where you can combine the Amazon jungle with other must-visit sites.
Katie 15 January, 2024 at 10:15 am
This tour sounds great, planning on travelling in May with my family. We have 2 children ages 8 and 10, are they welcome on this tour? Thank you
Konsti from Exploor Peru 25 January, 2024 at 9:26 am
Hi Katie,
this sounds awesome and I am sure that you will have a wonderful time in Peru and the jungle. Yes absolutely! Your children of ages 8 and 10 can easily do this tour. 🙂
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Best,
Konsti
Amelie Lamb 15 September, 2023 at 3:33 am
i am in love with this tour and i need to go there. this place looks awesome! and the lodge is the right fit for this tour
Konsti from Exploor Peru 17 September, 2023 at 5:09 am
Hello Amelie,
thanks a lot for your comment. Absolutely, it’s a wonderful place and you shouldn’t miss that one during your time in Peru.
Feel free to send me an email to: info@exploor.pe if I can be of any support.
Best,
Konsti
Jane 15 June, 2023 at 9:09 pm
This tour looks amazing, thanks for writing this detailed article. Thinking about visiting Peru next May, would you say this is a good time to travel? Cheers
Oliver from Exploor 16 June, 2023 at 7:01 pm
Hey Jane, thank you for your comment. We’re happy to hear you like the article.
May is definitely a good time to travel to the jungle. You can review more info about the weather in Iquitos here. Feel free to send us a mail to info@exploor.pe if you have any additional questions.
Cheers,
Oliver