City in Loreto, Peru
Getting around Iquitos
How to get around Iquitos
Mototaxis are the main transport. Reach Iquitos by flight from Lima, or by slow river boat from Yurimaguas or Pucallpa.
Ways to get around Iquitos
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Mototaxi | About 3–8 PEN | Everywhere; agree the fare first |
| River boat to lodges | About 50–200 PEN | Via tour operators; some lodges are 2–4 h away |
| Slow river boat | About 150–350 PEN | To Yurimaguas or Pucallpa, 3–5 days; hammocks or cabins |
| Taxi | About 5–12 PEN | Less common than mototaxis |
Taxis in Iquitos
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. Mototaxis dominate; fares are cheap but no apps are reliable. Lodges arrange airport and boat pickups.
Arriving in Iquitos
Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta (IQT)
Mototaxi or taxi to the center about 10–25 PEN, 15–20 min; flights from Lima take about 1 h 50 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rarely rented; mototaxis cover most trips, and hot, congested roads make riding unappealing.
- Driving: on the right. Tourists can drive with a home licence plus an IDP for a limited period; driving in Lima is chaotic.
- Onward travel in Peru: Premium overnight buses (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa) link the coast and Andes; flying Lima–Cusco saves a long day. Trains run only to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Iquitos?
No ride-hailing apps work here. Mototaxis dominate; fares are cheap but no apps are reliable. Lodges arrange airport and boat pickups.
What's the best way to get around Iquitos?
Mototaxis are the main transport. Reach Iquitos by flight from Lima, or by slow river boat from Yurimaguas or Pucallpa.
How do I get from the airport to Iquitos?
Mototaxi or taxi to the center about 10–25 PEN, 15–20 min; flights from Lima take about 1 h 50 min.
Is Iquitos walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Iquitos
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Sources
- Cruz del Sur
- PeruRail
- Inca Rail
- redBus Peru
- PROMPERÚ (Peru Travel)
- Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (SERNANP)
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.