13/04/2026
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Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. It is the city capital of Peru’s Maynas Province and Loreto Region and is only accessible by river and air. The city is apart of the Amazon basin, one of the most biodiverse regions on earth. Iquitos has a hot and humid tropical, climate accompanied by heavy rainfall year round. It is situated in the Northeastern Peruvian Amazon, surrounded by the Amazon, Nanay, and Itaya rivers.
The area has been inhabited by indigenous peoples for centuries. Iquitos was established around the 1750’s as a Spanish Jesuit reduction. A Jesuit settlement established by Spanish rulers located on the banks of the Nanay River. In the 1800’s, came the invention of vulcanized rubber, manufactured from latex produced by several species of trees only located in the Amazon. The invention of automobiles and popularization of bicycles, quickly resulted in a high demand for rubber.
Wealth resulting from the rubber boom led to the construction of large buildings ,attracted immigrants, and created a culture of Indigenous Amazonian traditions, as well as, European and Spanish colonial influences. Today, Iquitos has a population of nearly half a million people. It has a very diverse economy that includes tourism, fishing and agriculture, oil and natural resources and trade along the Amazon River. Tourism being especially important, as the city is a popular destination for eco-tourism.
Iquitos is home to many popular destinations including the Belén Market, which is a vibrant, chaotic and essential Amazonian experience. It features exotic produce and food, traditional medicines , unique remedies highlighting indigenous beliefs, and intense atmosphere . Neighboring a distinctive section built on stilts, where houses and stalls rise and fall with the rivers water level.
All of these resources come together to create unique Amazonian cuisines based on river fish, plantains and jungle spices. The staple dish of Iquitos is Juane. Made of rice, turmeric, chicken, eggs and olives wrapped in Bijou leaves. It is often prepared in large portions. Other dishes include large amazonian fish, palm hearts and plantain drinks.
If you aren’t drawn in by the unique amazonian foods, you will be by the cultural festivals and the city’s love for soccer! Iquitos annually hosts vibrant celebrations of Amazonian, indigenous and Spanish heritage, characterized by street parties, traditional music and jungle cuisine. Iquitos is also very passionate about soccer, with the sport deeply woven into the local culture across the Amazon. The city has a strong amateur, community-level soccer scene despite the lack of top flight professional teams.
