3-Day Iquitos Tour Packages
4.5 stars on(8,174 reviews)- Choose from 6 Iquitos tours
- 15 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Iquitos itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaIquitos travel expert at TourRadar
3 Days in Peruvian Amazon, incl. Iquitos and Amazon Lodge
This three-day Amazon adventure unfolds near Iquitos: trek through jungle paths on Day 1, meet indigenous communities and fish on Day 2, then watch the sunrise and spot dolphins on Day 3. The stay includes two nights at a jungle lodge with 7 meals.
- Day 1
Iquitos to Amazon Lodge
Book a flight that lands before 8 AM to catch your included transfer. Start with a walking tour of Iquitos's historic center to see the Iron House and colonial mansions with European ironwork from the rubber boom era. Pack lightweight breathable clothes - the humidity in Iquitos can be intense even in early morning. The boat ride to your jungle lodge takes about an hour on the Amazon River. Watch for wildlife and traditional riverside communities along the way. Once you're settled in your lodge (which is simple but gives you the real jungle experience), join an afternoon jungle walk to learn about medicinal plants and spot wildlife. One visitor shared: "Our guide taught us different animal sounds and explained the flora and fauna of the Amazon River, making the experience really educational."
- Day 2
Amazon Lodge Immersion
Get up early for the best bird watching. You might spot the Hoatzin (called "Shansho" by locals) which is most active at dawn. After breakfast visit a Yagua indigenous community where you'll learn about traditional hunting with blowguns (pucunas). Try piranha fishing in the afternoon with help from your guide. Pack strong insect repellent and long sleeves for evening activities. While the lodge is basic it gives you an authentic experience of jungle living. A practical tip: bring a headlamp or flashlight for the night walk when you'll look for nocturnal animals like tarantulas and frogs.
- Day 3
Dolphin Watching and Return
Take an early morning canoe ride to see the sunrise over the Amazon. This is the quietest time on the river and when most animals are active. Visit Victoria Regia to see the world's largest aquatic plant and look for gray and pink river dolphins. The morning light is perfect for photos. End your trip with a visit to a local family that takes care of wildlife. Book your departure flight after 5 PM to have time for the return transfer to Iquitos. You'll need about an hour for the boat ride back plus time to clean up before your flight.
- Day 1
Iquitos Arrival & Jungle Introduction
Take an early morning flight (before 8 AM) to get the most out of your first day. The trip to your lodge takes about 2 hours. You'll go by road to the port first, then take a boat ride along the Nanay and Amazon rivers. "The staff is super attentive from pickup to drop-off, making the transition into jungle life smooth and worry-free," according to a recent visitor. The humidity is intense right from landing, so pack quick-dry clothes and reef-safe insect repellent. Your afternoon includes a guided canoe ride to spot wildlife. Later, you'll take a night walk to find nocturnal creatures. Bring a small flashlight to help spot tarantulas and owls in the dark.
- Day 2
Full Amazon Immersion
Get up at 4:30 AM for the best bird watching. The morning sounds of the Amazon make the early start worthwhile. After breakfast, you'll climb the 26-meter observation tower and try the zipline course. One visitor said: "The zipline experience was thrilling but felt completely safe - our guide knew exactly how to ease first-timer nerves." In the afternoon, you'll go piranha fishing and watch for pink dolphins on the Amazon River. Wear shoes that can get wet and keep your camera in a dry bag. You'll see more dolphins in the late afternoon when the water is at the right temperature.
- Day 3
Final Morning & Departure
Start your last day with a jungle trek to see a massive 500-year-old Ceiba tree. You'll check out at 12:30 PM and have lunch before heading back to Iquitos at 2:30 PM. Book your flight for after 6 PM to give yourself enough time for the return trip, which might take longer if the water is low.
- Day 1
Iquitos to Maniti Lodge
Your Amazon adventure begins with a morning transfer from Iquitos to Port Nanay. The drive takes about 30 minutes. Pack lightweight clothing that dries quickly and bring a rain jacket for typical afternoon showers. A 2-hour riverboat ride follows, taking you downstream. Keep your camera ready. You might spot pink river dolphins and lots of birds along the riverbanks. After settling in at Maniti Lodge, take a quick 15-minute boat ride to Monkey Island. The sanctuary offers unique opportunities to interact with several monkey species in their natural environment. One visitor shared: "The experience of seeing so many different monkey species up close was incredible, though I wish I'd known about the extra 60 sol fee for the sanctuary in advance." Your afternoon includes dolphin watching and swimming if conditions allow. The day wraps up with a night hike. Remember to wear closed-toe shoes with good grip and bring a headlamp so you can keep your hands free.
- Day 2
Full Amazon Immersion
Start your day at sunrise, around 5:30 AM. This is when the jungle comes alive with activity. Morning boat trips give you the best chance to spot various birds and monkeys. Bring binoculars if you can. In the afternoon, try your hand at piranha fishing. Your guides will provide everything you need and show you how it's done. You'll also visit the impressive Victoria Regia water lilies, which can grow up to 6 feet across. The night brings an exciting caiman spotting trip by canoe. Some people find the small boats in darkness challenging, but skilled guides help you spot these nocturnal creatures. You might even get to hold some smaller caimans safely.
- Day 3
Indigenous Culture and Return
Begin your final day with an early jungle walk. The lodge provides rubber boots which you'll need for the muddy trails. The hike moves at a comfortable pace with plenty of stops to spot wildlife and learn about local plants. Your last activity is a visit to a native community. Show respect for local traditions and bring cash if you want to buy traditional crafts. The 2-hour boat ride back gets you to Iquitos by mid-afternoon.
