Iquitos at a glance
Iquitos sits in the Loreto region of northern Peru. It is not linked to the rest of the national road network, so long-distance travel means a flight or a boat. From the city a road runs to Nauta, and from there the river leads on to the Pacaya-Samiria reserve.
Most visitors use Iquitos for three things: a lodge or cruise on the river, a visit to the reserve, and a day in the city. This guide covers how to arrive, what the reserve charges, when to go and what to check about health and safety. It is an independent guide and has no link to any authority, lodge or operator.
How to get to Iquitos and the river
Flights, then road and boat.
By air from Lima
LATAM flies Lima to Iquitos. Flight times are about 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on the source. Check the current timetable and prices for your dates.
By road to Nauta
The road from Iquitos to Nauta takes about 2 hours. From Nauta the reserve authority describes onward river routes. Yanayacu takes about 3 hours by motorboat or 1 hour by speedboat.
By river from the port
One cruise operator lists an airport transfer from Iquitos to the port of Nauta, where the ship starts. Long-distance passenger boats exist, but timetables and fares change, so ask locally.
River cruises →Our picks: tours from Iquitos
Three-day trips into the jungle, each with different inclusions and extras.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
3-day wildlife and lodge tour from Iquitos
Airport pickup, return transfer to the airport or hotel, a boat trip, a double room and seven meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3. The listing does not state the number of nights; tips are extra.
Check availability →
3-day jungle expedition from Iquitos
A local guide, jungle accommodation, river and land transport, meals on excursion days and rubber boots. The listing does not state the number of nights; the exact pickup address is given when you check availability.
Check availability →3-day jungle camp tour from Iquitos
Two nights at a jungle camp with meals, excursions and an English- and Spanish-speaking guide, plus hotel or airport pickup. Snacks, water and the transfer back to the airport are not included.
Check availability →Iquitos and Pacaya-Samiria tours
River trips, jungle lodges, village visits and wildlife outings around Iquitos, with live prices and availability.
Pacaya-Samiria: fees, rules and access
Daily rates published in Peruvian soles (PEN). The reserve pages carry no date, so confirm the current rate before you go.
| Visitor type | 1 day | 2 to 3 days | 4 to 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 30 PEN | 60 PEN | 150 PEN |
| National, adult | 15 PEN | 30 PEN | 75 PEN |
| National, minor | 8 PEN | 15 PEN | 35 PEN |
| Local resident (ID required) | 8 PEN | 15 PEN | 35 PEN |
Minors are ages 5 to 16, and children under 5 are free. Access is through authorized operators or local groups, with registration at a control post. Opening hours differ between the Spanish page (6 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and the English page (5 a.m. to 7 p.m.), so ask your operator.
Rules in the reserve
Wear a life jacket on the water and stay on marked paths. In July and August and the first week of September, do not disturb turtles on the beaches in the evening or at night. A lodge stay near Iquitos does not mean you are inside the reserve, so ask where the lodge sits.
When to go
Two sources, two ranges.
Reserve season
The reserve authority recommends May to September for a visit. The rainy season runs October to April.
High and low water
One cruise operator lists high water from November to June and low water from June to November. These ranges overlap, so there is no clean split. Water levels also change from year to year and affect which routes a ship can sail.
Best time to visit →Health, safety and cruise costs
Ask a travel medicine clinic before you go.
Yellow fever and malaria
The US health agency (CDC) recommends yellow fever vaccination from 9 months of age for the areas east of the Andes below 2,300 m, including Loreto (Peru page updated 12 February 2026). It does not list proof of vaccination as an entry requirement for Peru. For malaria it lists transmission below 2,500 m east of the Andes and names Iquitos (updated 23 April 2025). A doctor decides what suits you.
Health and entry →Border area and rituals
The US travel advice of 20 August 2026 marks the Colombia-Peru border area in Loreto as "Do not travel". That is not the same as the city of Iquitos. The German Foreign Office documents serious illness and deaths at ayahuasca and San Pedro rituals in the Peruvian jungle. Treat any such offer as a risk, not a tour.
Cruise example
The Delfín II suite is $3,800 for 3 nights and $4,900 for 4 nights outside the holiday period (2026, per person, double occupancy). It includes meals, excursions, equipment and Pacaya-Samiria entry. Flights to Iquitos, evacuation and tips are not included. Booking at least 91 days ahead needs a $750 deposit per person. The vessel page also promotes a 7-night program, so confirm what is on sale.
Plan the rest of your trip
Other bases in Peru and beyond.
Iquitos and Pacaya-Samiria: frequently asked questions
Can I reach Iquitos by road?
Iquitos is not linked by road to the rest of Peru, so people arrive by plane or boat. A road runs from Iquitos to Nauta, about 2 hours.
How much does it cost to enter Pacaya-Samiria?
The general rate published is 30 PEN for one day, 60 PEN for 2 to 3 days and 150 PEN for 4 to 30 days. Check the current rate and whether your package already includes it.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Peru?
The CDC does not list proof of yellow fever vaccination as an entry requirement for Peru, but it recommends the vaccine for Loreto. Other countries may ask for proof on your onward trip. Ask a travel medicine clinic.
Is a jungle tour from Iquitos safe?
Book with a registered operator, check current travel advice for the region, stay out of the border zone and treat ritual offers with caution. No guide can promise a risk-free trip.
When is the best time to visit?
The reserve authority recommends May to September. Cruise operators describe high and low water in overlapping ranges, so ask which routes run in your month.