The starting point for wildlife trips into the northern part of the Peruvian jungle, Iquitos itself is worth a look as it is the epitome of a steamy Amazon city. Hemmed in by lakes, rivers and green forest on all sides, the only way in or out is by boat or plane, so once you are here the Amazon is very accessible. This part of the rainforest is home to some ancient Amazonian tribes as well as an immense variety of wildlife, including the mysterious river dolphin, which glide in and out of the small backwater creeks.
Amazon River Cruises
A fine way to savour the rainforest is to take a cruise on one of the elegant river boats that depart from Iquitos. Your days will be spent meandering along the mighty Ucayali, Marañon and Huallaga Rivers and their tributaries, and exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve with its rich array of flora and fauna with your guides.
Week-long cruises are offered on the 19th century style wooden vessels of La Amatista and her sister boats, which hold between 22 and 32 passengers in air-conditioned cabins. There are also five night cruises available on the M/V Arca, a steel-hulled riverboat which carries 31 passengers, or shorter cruises on the twelve passenger M/V Amazon Explorer. There is also the option to sail right down the Amazon River to Manaus in Brazil, a journey of eight days (or 11 on the return) on the M/V Marcelita, a four decked ship that carries 52 passengers in air-conditioned cabins with picture windows.