Iquitos
Overview
On the westbank of the Amazonas river, Iquitos is the capital of Peru's jungle land and makes an excellent base for exploring the northern jungle of Peru.
On the Plaza de Armas you'll find Iquitos strange landmark, the iron house, designed by Eiffel for the Paris exhibition of 1889 and shipped here by a rubber baron. The nineteenth century saw Iquitos as a rubber boomtown. Nowadays, oil and tourism have surpassed rubber.
The beautiful Lake Quistococha makes a nice excursion from the city. For trips further afield, you'll probably end up using one of the numerous tour companies or book a lodge.
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Iquitos is hot and humid (85 percent) year round.
When to Go
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General Health and Safety
The main danger in Iquitos is the same as any tropical zone: malaria. You should get anti-malaria pills from a doctor before your visit. Malarone should be taken two days before arrival and 7 days after leaving. Bug repellant can be purchsaed in pharmacies anywhere in Peru and should be applied liberally whenever going out, and especially if taking an amazon tour.
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Accommodation
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Entertainment
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The main reason to visit Iquitos is that it serves as a launchpoint for trips into the Amazon. Single day or multi-day trips can be booked for around 150 soles per person per day. You are taken out on a boat and can view wildlife such as monkeys, alligators, giant lilypads, caimen (sort of like mini-alligators), anacondas, boas, tarantulas, and more. Your taxi driver or hotel concierge will be more than happy to contact a tourguide for you, as they get a kickback for the referral. However by using this kickback referral system, you will be guaranteed the highest possible price and lowest possible service.
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