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Iquitos is in the Amazonas region
of Peru. This is not to be confused with the Department Amazonas where
Chachapoyas is located. Iquitos is the capital of the vast Department of
Loreto, which covers most of the northern Amazon region of Peru.
For travelers, Iquitos offers a vast selection of activities not found
elsewhere in Peru, such as Amazon boat rides and great wildlife viewing.
One way to see Peru is to visit the 3 areas - Costal, Andes, and Amazon --
and Iquitos is the best way to see the Amazon.
By plane
There are numerous flights to Iquitos from the capital Lima. LAN offers
daily flights from Lima for around 440 USD Return (updated July '09). Star
Peru may offer slightly lower prices. Flights to Iquitos do a brief
10-minute stopover at Tarapoto on the way to re-fuel and drop off/pick up
passengers.
When arriving at the airport, consider stopping at the official iPeru
information desk before exiting the terminal. You can get a free map
(without ads!), a list of tour providers, and perhaps even recommendations
about what to see and do.
By Boat
Iquitos can be reached by boat from any navigable port on the Amazon
River. Boat prices will depend on the distance, speed of the boat, number
of passengers, and your bargaining skills.
Hotels
Reasonable places can be found for around 30 USD per night, including air
conditioning (important and very welcome in the brutal heat of the
tropical environment) and a private bathroom. If you are staying in
Iquitos and are not enjoying yourself, consider splurging for a room with
AC, as it can make the difference between a good trip and a great one.
Given the louder-than-average noise of traffic, ask for a room away from
the street.
El Dorado, Plaza de Armas. Quite nice but expensive at over 100 USD per
night.
Marañón Hotel, on the block between the riverfront and Plaza de Armas. 35
USD per night for a double. Clean and air-conditioned.
Victoria Regia Hotel, on Ricardo Palma St. About 30 USD per night. Pool,
and a great breakfast spread.
La Casona Hotel (Add.: 147 Fitzcarrald St. Tel.: (51 65) 234-394)
lacasonaiquitos@yahoo.com), right off the Plaza de Armas, is good
compromise between roughing it and luxury. It's airy, secure, spacious,
and only costs about S/.40 Nuevos Soles (USD 15.00). Most rooms have a
fan, but the A/C room cost about S/.80 Nuevos Soles (USD 27.00). They have
hot water, a kitchen, a rest area, and books for you. They also have a
backpackers room for only S/.15 (USD 5.00). A great place to stay.
Aqua Expeditions Vessel Luxury cruise which takes travelers through an
excursion to the most aloof ravines of this sector of the Amazonas river,
where civilization has not yet spooked the megadiverse wildlife.
Otorongo Expeditions EIRL, Putumayo 163 dpto 203, ☎ 51 65 22 41 92, [5].
Otorongo Expeditions offers a variety of services from comfortable Jungle
Lodging, Amazon River Cruises, to Specialized services such as: serious
bird watching, extreme fishing, jungle survival and extended camping
trips.
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