Best of Iquitos

Perched along the mighty Amazon River, Iquitos is a vibrant jungle metropolis full of teeming markets, floating neighborhoods and some bizarre finds — like the only golf course in Peruvian Amazonia and a Belgian-made, iron-sided building once displayed at the International Exposition of Paris in 1889. Apart from being a fascinating city to explore, Iquitos is also the launchpad for trips into the world’s most biologically diverse rainforest. The reserves of Pacaya Samiria and Allpahuayo Mishana are awe-inspiring places to experience the wonders of the Amazon: from spotting pink dolphins and scarlet macaws to hearing the cry of a howler monkey echoing through the canopy.  

Get a more in-depth look at native species on kimkim experiences like a visit to the Amazon Rescue Center, which cares for injured manatees, river otters and other mammals before releasing them back into the wild. Luxury cruises on the river provide fabulous vantage points over virgin territory, with daily excursions offering prime wildlife viewing on narrow tributaries. One of the best parts of visiting this corner of Peru is meeting the locals — and learning about indigenous customs and beliefs on a visit to a rainforest community.