From: Examiner.com
The best way to visit Peru is to visit three areas, Costal, Andes and Amazon and the best way to visit the Amazon is through Iquitos. The largest city in the Peruvian rainforest is the most populous continental city that can not be reached by any roads. It is only accessible by airplane or boat with an exception to the road to Nauta which is a small village about 100 kilometers south of Iquitos. The Capitol of the Loreto region in the northeastern area of Peru is situated on the Amazon River and is a major port in the Amazon basin. The climate is hot and humid all year long with a wet season stretching from November to May.Getting Around: The most common way to move about the town is via motocarros which is a motorcycle with a rickshaw buggy attached to the back. Taxis are available but with the heat the motocarros offer a very welcoming breeze at a much cheaper price. The drivers are usually very accommodating and excellent tour guides of the city and the surrounding areas. They know the best eateries and sights off the well beaten tourist track so let your inhibitions go and enjoy the ride.
Things to do:
From Iquitos you can organize Amazon tours and take a cruise on the river. There is accommodation in the jungle by night and guided river tours by day with numerous treks. The vegetation and wildlife is unlike anything you have seen or ever will see. There is living species still waiting to be discovered by the scientific world. Learn how nature and people live harmoniously in the Amazon. The rainforest is a flawless machine and everything has its place and duties. Relax on the boat and watch dolphins play and swim. See alligators from arms length. Hold an anaconda larger than Life, and tarantulas the size of a grown mans hand. No Amazon River trip would be complete with out fishing for piranhas and spending an afternoon with the local Bora natives.
There are numerous villages situated around Iquitos. Belén is a popular tourist spot that is walking distance from the city during the dry season and can be easily accessible by boat during the wet season. Known as the floating city there you can view the local homes. They are built on floating balsa wood so they will rise with the water as the rain falls. There is also an interesting market where you can find local remedies made from the rainforest’s vegetation. The sunsets in the Amazon are as breath taking as the surroundings. The days end with elaborate color and a break from the heat. As the sun falls behind the jungle a vibrant new world awakens with the Amazonian moon.The adventure is endless, whether you need a little R&R or looking for full on adrenaline pumping excitement.
Iquitos is the place to hang your hat. Come and experience the untouched world of the Amazon. See it up close and personal and take away unforgetable memories that will last a life time.