Iquitos Travel Guide
Iquitos is a city with many unique qualities. Firstly, it is surrounded by three rivers (the Nanay, the Itaya and the Amazon) making the city only accessible by aeroplane or boat! Regardless of its tricky location, Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest, with a population of over 370,000. Due to the citys location in the rainforest, the climate of Iquitos is usually very hot and very humid. The best time to visit is during June September, as any time outside of this is the wet season.
Iquitos has had economic relevance for centuries, starting with rubber exports in the 20th Century. However, this was short lived after rubber seeds were smuggled out of Iquitos and were cultivated elsewhere. In recent years, Iquitos is an important exporter of oil, rum and beer. However, lumber is the citys key export due to the sheer amount of trees in the rainforest. Obviously!
Due to its location surrounded by three major rivers, Iquitos is an important Peruvian port; ships weighing from 3,000 tons 9,000 tons can access Iquitos from the Atlantic Ocean. Even though the ocean is 3600km away!
Needless to say, tourism is also very significant in Iquitos economy. Thousands of tourists flock into the region annually, vying to experience the Amazon rainforest but to feel comfortable within a city culture.
Iquitos is a truly unique city, mainly due to its unusual location and its resulting economic significance. So if you ever wish to check out the Amazon Rainforest, but not to the extent of engulfing yourself in the wilderness: Iquitos is the place for you.