Amazon Rainforest Tour from Iquitos – 3 Days

Start of the Amazon Rainforest Tour

We begin with reception at the Iquitos airport, according to your scheduled flight. If you are already in Iquitos, pickup will be from your hotel.

We start with a visit to the Plaza de Armas, the Malecón of Tarapacá, some historic buildings, and the Belén Market, a lively place where you can see exotic animals and discover the variety of typical foods of the region.

Heading toward the Amazon River

Then, we’ll head to the Bellavista Nanay Tourist Pier. Along the way, the guide will give you an introduction to Iquitos, a city full of history. In the 19th century, it went from being a small village to becoming the main river port of the Amazon, thanks to the so-called “Rubber Boom,” which brought development and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Before boarding the boat, we’ll take a short 15 to 20-minute tour of the pier, where you’ll get a brief introduction to jungle gastronomy.

Navigation on the Amazon and first experiences

We begin our journey along the Amazon River, the largest by volume in the world and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, aboard traditional boats that are comfortable and safe. Along the way, you’ll enjoy unique landscapes, with lush vegetation and colorful riverside villages full of joy.

• First stop: We’ll observe the confluence of the Amazon and Nanay Rivers, where you’ll notice the contrast in water colors that don’t mix.
• Second stop: We’ll visit the indigenous community of Los Yahuas, whose ancestors were discovered by Francisco de Orellana in 1541. You’ll learn about their traditions, their clothing made from palm fibers, and have the chance to try their blowgun or pucuna, used for centuries for hunting.
• Third stop: We arrive at Fundo Pedrito, where you’ll see the Amazonian Paiche (Arapaima gigas), the largest freshwater fish in the world. You’ll also observe white caimans, piranhas, and the incredible Victoria Regia, the largest aquatic plant on the planet.

Welcome to the lodge and afternoon activities

At the end of the boat trip, we arrive at the Yanayacu River Lodge, where the staff will welcome you. You’ll receive a brief explanation about the lodge’s sustainability rules and its surroundings, allowing you to make the most of your stay by participating responsibly in the activities.

At 1:30 p.m., you’ll enjoy lunch. Then, your private cabin will be assigned based on the type of room you booked.

In the afternoon, we’ll cross to the other side of the river, where you’ll have the chance to swim in the Amazon River and exfoliate with its natural mud, which helps rejuvenate the skin and remove impurities. Afterward, we’ll watch the beautiful Amazonian sunset, return to the lodge, and enjoy dinner.

Night walk in the jungle

After dinner, your guide will indicate when the night walk begins. This activity will take you to discover the mysterious world of insects and night creatures, such as cicadas, spiders, tarantulas, praying mantises, snakes, among others.

At the end, return to the lodge to rest. Overnight stay in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, surrounded by unique sounds and living nature.

Sunrise tour and birdwatching

We start very early, at 4:30 a.m., with a special tour to observe the Amazonian sunrise in all its splendor. This is a unique experience to connect with nature and receive positive energy. During this outing, you’ll see a great variety of birds feeding along the riverbanks, either on small fish or wild fruits. Your guide will explain the different species you encounter along the way.

In addition, we’ll cross to the other side of the river to look for the famous pink dolphin, known locally as “Bufeo Colorado,” a unique and magical species that has inspired many Amazonian legends.

Breakfast and visit to the artisanal sugar mill

After this early outing, we return to the lodge to enjoy a good breakfast. Then, we’ll head to the artisanal sugar mill, where you’ll discover old tools used by the Amazonian people. Here you can participate in the extraction of sugarcane juice and taste the traditional drink called “leva”, as well as sample some aphrodisiac and medicinal liquors like RC, 21 raíces, SVSS, and Flamingo.

Artisanal fishing and lunch

We’ll continue with a very fun activity: artisanal piranha fishing, along with other species, using traditional techniques. Our guide will teach you how local people do it, and if you’re lucky, you can take your catch to the lodge chef, who will prepare it especially for you.

Afterward, we return to the lodge for lunch and a bit of rest.

Visit to Monkey Island and night excursion

In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the most beloved places by our travelers: Monkey Island. There you’ll be able to see and interact with over 15 varieties of rescued monkeys, living freely in this protected space.

At the end of the day, we’ll have dinner at the lodge. Later, at the time indicated by the guide, we’ll go on a night excursion in search of small caimans in the nearby lakes and streams. This is a fascinating experience to end the day with a deeper connection to the Amazon Rainforest.

Breakfast and preparation for the botanical walk

At 8:00 a.m. we start the day with a good breakfast at the lodge. Then, we get ready for one of the most enriching activities of the trip: a botanical walk through the jungle. During this exploration, your guide will teach you about the medicinal and ornamental plants that grow naturally in the forest. You will also have the opportunity to taste some wild fruits and tree barks that local people use as alternative medicine.

Connection with Amazonian nature

While walking along trails surrounded by giant trees and dense vegetation, you will also be able to experience something very special: swinging like Tarzan on the famous huambe vines, extremely resistant lianas that riverine inhabitants use in their daily activities.

This walk is not only educational and fun, but also a great opportunity to spot monkeys, sloths, and birds in their natural habitat, always guided by our expert guide.

Return to the lodge and back to Iquitos

After this experience in the heart of nature, we return to the lodge to enjoy lunch and take a short rest.

At the indicated time, we will board our boat to begin the return to the city of Iquitos. During the journey, you can relax and enjoy the last moments on the Amazon River. Arrival in Iquitos will be between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m., with transportation to your hotel or the airport, concluding your unforgettable Amazon adventure.