5 Days Iquitos Amazon tour | Wildlife & Jungle Adventures

Your great expedition begins with pickup from the airport or your hotel, followed by a walking tour through the historic center of Iquitos. You will explore architectural gems from the rubber boom era, including the iconic Casa de Fierro (designed by Gustave Eiffel), the Hotel Palace, Casa Cohen, and Casa Fitzcarraldo.

From our private dock, we set sail along the Itaya and Amazon rivers, admiring the impressive bridge over the Nanay River.

First adventure: Fundo Pedrito, where you will encounter the paiche (Arapaima gigas), the giant freshwater fish that can grow up to 3 meters long. You will also observe caimans and the majestic Victoria Regia, whose enormous leaves are strong enough to support the weight of a small child.

We then continue to Cumaceba Amazon Lodge. Upon arrival, check-in and lunch are followed by a guided jungle walk to discover the area’s rich biodiversity, with the opportunity to feed squirrel monkeys in their natural habitat.

After dinner, enjoy a night canoe excursion on Shansho Lagoon in search of caimans, accompanied by Amazonian stories and legends. Overnight at Cumaceba Amazon Lodge.

Begin the day with an early morning walk to witness the rainforest awaken as Amazonian birds fill the air with sound. After breakfast, it’s time for a dose of adrenaline — recreational piranha fishing using traditional rods, along with the chance to catch other native fish species.

In the afternoon, set out in search of the mythical pink and gray Amazon river dolphins, revered as sacred beings by local communities. These rare freshwater cetaceans often appear near riverbanks and tributaries, offering a truly magical encounter. Depending on river and weather conditions, you may also enjoy a spectacular Amazon sunset, painting the sky in deep orange and gold tones.

As an added experience, take time to swim or relax in the river at a safe location, learning about river currents and Amazon navigation from your guide while cooling off in the tropical heat.

After dinner, embark on a guided night walk through the jungle to listen to the symphony of nocturnal sounds and observe tarantulas, amphibians, and insects using flashlights. This is when the rainforest reveals its most mysterious side.

Overnight at the lodge.

The day begins with a morning canoe excursion across Shansho Lagoon in search of the legendary Hoatzin, considered one of the most primitive and unusual birds of the Amazon. After this peaceful wildlife observation, enjoy breakfast at the lodge.

We then navigate to Monkey Island, a conservation sanctuary dedicated to protecting more than five threatened primate species, including the howler monkey (famous for its powerful roar), woolly monkey, tamarin, spider monkey (maquizapa), and squirrel monkey. Enjoy a guided walk through the conservation project to learn about rescue efforts and primate rehabilitation before returning to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Amazonian culture with a visit to the Yagua Indigenous Community. Discover their traditional clothing, ancestral dances, language, and handcrafted artwork. As an added hands-on experience, you will learn how to use the blowgun, the traditional Amazonian hunting weapon, and gain insight into ancestral survival techniques passed down through generations.

After dinner, enjoy an evening canoe excursion on the Amazon River, gliding under the night sky while listening to the sounds of the rainforest and watching the reflections of the stars on the water.

Overnight at Cumaceba Amazon Lodge.

After breakfast, get ready for the most spectacular excursion of the journey: a full-day adventure to the Río Negro (known as Yanayacu in Quechua). A boxed lunch will be provided for the excursion.

This immersive day trip takes you through dreamlike landscapes, navigating dark, mirror-like waters surrounded by pristine rainforest. Along the way, you will interact with authentic riverside communities, observe endemic bird species in their natural habitat, and enjoy traditional fishing using native rods, just as local jungle dwellers have done for generations.

A unique gastronomic moment: savor freshly prepared fried piranha or other locally caught fish, cooked Amazon-style right in the heart of the jungle. The experience continues with a guided rainforest walk, where you’ll explore the rich flora and fauna and learn how the ecosystem sustains life in this remote region. This excursion is especially ideal for nature and wildlife photography.

As an added experience, enjoy time to swim or relax near the riverbanks (conditions permitting), learning about the unique characteristics of blackwater rivers and their ecological importance.

Return to Cumaceba Amazon Lodge at approximately 4:00 p.m. Depending on weather conditions, you may witness a breathtaking Amazon sunset. In the evening, you’ll have the option to repeat your favorite night excursion or simply relax and reflect on the adventure under the jungle sky.

Overnight at Cumaceba Amazon Lodge.

Enjoy a final breakfast at Cumaceba Amazon Lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. Then, embark on a boat excursion to visit a butterfly breeding center, where a specialist will explain the fascinating life cycle of these colorful insects — from egg to caterpillar to winged beauty. Among them is the majestic blue morpho, one of the most beautiful and most photographed butterflies in the world.

As an added experience, take time to walk through the surrounding gardens and forest, capturing final photographs and reflecting on the biodiversity and fragile balance of the Amazon ecosystem.

Return to the lodge for your last Amazonian lunch, featuring local flavors and fresh ingredients. At the scheduled time, begin your journey back to Iquitos by boat. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport by private vehicle or, for a truly authentic farewell, to your hotel aboard a traditional motokar, offering one last glimpse of daily life in the Amazon capital.

This marks the end of an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Peruvian rainforest — memories that will stay with you long after you leave the jungle.