City in Loreto, Peru
Iquitos
The world's largest city with no road access, reached only by plane or river. A raw, humid gateway to Amazon lodges and river cruises; heat, mototaxi chaos and tropical diseases are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$813–1,250Comfortable, one person · S/2,800–4,300Details
- Value for money73/100Better value than 72% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Sep, 29°CDetails
- Internet260 MbpsFixed broadband, Peru medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$23–58Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundMototaxiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work in some hotels and tour offices; cash is needed for mototaxis, markets, river boats and jungle lodges.Details
Where to stay in Iquitos
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro and Malecón Tarapacá | River views, restaurants, tour offices; most visitors |
| Belén | Floating market district; visit with a guide only |
| Punchana | Quieter streets near the port, cheaper stays |
Apps that work in Iquitos
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Mototaxis dominate; fares are cheap but no apps are reliable. Lodges arrange airport and boat pickups.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Peru.
- Mostly cash Cards work in some hotels and tour offices; cash is needed for mototaxis, markets, river boats and jungle lodges.
- Currency: Sol (PEN). US$1 ≈ S/3.44 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs charge foreign cards a flat fee per withdrawal, higher at airports; many also dispense US dollars.
- Tipping: Around 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge. Budget tips for trek guides, cooks and porters; taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and phone wallets work in cities; Yape and Plin QR payments need a Peruvian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Pre-registering on MigraCheck (free) can let you use the immigration e-gates at Lima airport.
- No arrival card; entry is recorded digitally. Overstays are fined per day when you leave.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazon trips but is not required for entry.
Emergency numbers
Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116
Plugs
Type A, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy prepaid chips in official carrier stores with your passport, not from street sellers. Claro and Movistar cover the Andes best. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Peru
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.