Is Iquitos safe?
Manageable in the center and on organised lodge trips. Petty theft, mototaxi traffic, jungle-tour fraud and heat-related health risks need care.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-15.
- Homicide rate in Peru: 8.6 per 100,000 people (2021, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Peru: 13.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116.
Safety in Iquitos at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Bag snatching on the Malecón and in markets, thefts in Belén, and robberies in outer areas at night. |
| At night | The Malecón and Plaza de Armas are lively until late. Avoid outer districts and Belén after dark; use registered mototaxis. |
| Solo women | Solo women travel here, but catcalling is frequent and unlicensed tours carry extra risk. Book registered lodges and avoid ayahuasca with unvetted shamans. |
| Other risks | Dengue and malaria areas; use repellent and check vaccines; Heat and humidity around 30–35°C; Mototaxi crashes in dense traffic |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Street guides offering cheap jungle trips with no licence
- Ayahuasca 'shamans' running unsafe or fraudulent ceremonies
- Mototaxi drivers overcharging at the airport
Take care
- Belén market and port at night: theft and rough areas
- Unlicensed jungle tours and ayahuasca retreats
- Boat travel without life jackets
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Touching, climbing or removing anything at archaeological sites brings fines or arrest.
- Flying a drone at Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites needs a permit.
- Carry your passport or a copy; police ID checks happen.
How Iquitos compares in Peru
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Machu Picchu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sacred Valley | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Huacachina | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Huaraz | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Paracas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lima | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cusco | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Arequipa | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Máncora | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puno | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Iquitos | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Nazca | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Maldonado | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Iquitos safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel here, but catcalling is frequent and unlicensed tours carry extra risk. Book registered lodges and avoid ayahuasca with unvetted shamans.
Is Iquitos safe at night?
The Malecón and Plaza de Armas are lively until late. Avoid outer districts and Belén after dark; use registered mototaxis.
What is the crime rate in Iquitos?
Bag snatching on the Malecón and in markets, thefts in Belén, and robberies in outer areas at night. Nationally, Peru records 8.6 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2021).
What number do I call in an emergency in Iquitos?
Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116.
More about Iquitos
Going to Iquitos solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Iquitos meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- PROMPERÚ (Peru Travel)
- Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (SERNANP)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.