Destination guide · Peruvian Amazon
Discover the Amazon
Unique cities accessible only by river, cuisine the world is just discovering, and the most biodiverse jungle on Earth.
ExploreCities you can only reach by river
View all destinationsThe Peruvian Amazon holds 13% of the planet's biodiversity. Iquitos, Yurimaguas, Nauta and Pucallpa are its main gateways.
8
Main destinations
21+
Active routes
1000+
Bird species
Main destinations
LoretoRiver Amazonas5 routes available
Iquitos
Iquitos is the world's largest city with no road access — and that isolation makes it unique. Capital of Loreto, it sits on the Amazon River hundreds of kilometers from any highway. The only way in is by air or river, giving it an island character few cities on Earth still possess. Its Tarapacá waterfront, Portuguese tiles from the rubber boom era, the fascinating floating neighborhood of Belén, and the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve just hours upriver make Iquitos a destination that stays with visitors long after they leave. It is also the main river hub of the entire Peruvian Amazon.
- Belén Floating Market
- Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
- Tarapacá Waterfront
Accommodation
Casa Morey
Coming soonHeliconia Amazon Lodge
Coming soon
UcayaliRiver Ucayali2 routes available
Pucallpa
Pucallpa is the capital of Ucayali and one of Peru's most active river ports. It is the starting point of the country's longest river route: Pucallpa–Iquitos, navigating the Ucayali River to the Amazon. The city has its own identity shaped by the Shipibo-Konibo culture, one of the most recognized artistic traditions in all of the Amazon. Yarinacocha lagoon, just a few kilometers from the center, offers a direct window into riverside life: indigenous communities, artisanal fishing, and biodiversity at every turn.
- Yarinacocha Lagoon
- Puerto Callao
- Shipibo-Konibo Art
Accommodation
Amazon Max Hotel
Coming soonGran Pakay Lodge
Coming soonBefore booking
How to choose a safe agency in the Amazon?
MINCETUR Registration
Ask for the RNT (National Tourism Registry) number. Every legitimate agency must be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
Verified reviews
Search on Google, TripAdvisor or Facebook. Beware of agencies with no recognizable digital presence or only recent reviews.
Contract and insurance
Demand a written contract with itinerary and prices. Adventure activities must include a valid passenger insurance policy.
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More destinations
LoretoRiver UcayaliContamana
Contamana is a quiet city on the banks of the Ucayali River, known for its natural landscapes and indigenous communities. It is a perfect destination for ecotourism and for experiencing Shipibo culture authentically, far from mass tourism.
LoretoRiver MarañónNauta
Nauta is the gateway to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve — Peru's largest national reserve and one of the most biodiverse protected areas on the planet. From this small port on the Marañón River, expeditions depart into a labyrinth of lagoons, channels, and flooded jungle where pink river dolphins, giant otters, and over 1,000 bird species coexist. This is the destination for those seeking the authentic Amazon, unfiltered. Just a few hours by boat from Iquitos, Nauta is also an essential stop on the route to Yurimaguas.
3 routes available
Explore Nauta
Madre de DiosRiver Madre de DiosPuerto Maldonado
Puerto Maldonado is the capital of Madre de Dios and the gateway to the Tambopata National Reserve. Home to the planet's highest biodiversity index, it is Peru's most important ecotourism destination and one of the most recognized in the world.
LoretoRiver UcayaliRequena
Requena is a quiet city nestled between the Ucayali River and the start of the Amazon. It is a destination for travelers seeking authentic Amazonian life, far from mass tourism. Here, nature and riverside communities are the main attraction.
San MartínRiver HuallagaTarapoto
Tarapoto, the City of Palms, is the main tourist hub of San Martín. It is the gateway to Yurimaguas and the Huallaga River. With spectacular waterfalls, the stunning Blue Lagoon, and a gastronomy celebrated across Peru, Tarapoto is the perfect starting point for any Amazonian adventure.
LoretoRiver HuallagaYurimaguas
Known as the Pearl of the Huallaga, Yurimaguas is the main river boarding point in northern Peru. From its docks, vessels set off down the Huallaga and Marañón rivers toward Iquitos — one of the Amazon's most exciting river journeys. The city has its own quiet pace and identity: markets overflowing with exotic fruits, river cuisine, and a community historically tied to river trade since colonial times. It is also the final stop for buses from Tarapoto, making Yurimaguas the gateway between the Andes and the deep jungle.
8 routes available
Explore Yurimaguas
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