Iquitos
Capital
of the Department of Loreto. Located on the West
Bank of the mighty Amazon River, considered to
be the longest in the world and with the greatest
volume of water. Iquitos is an isolated city by
road. It can be reached only by air or river.
Founded in 1757 as San Pablo de los Napeanos by
the Jesuits. However, Iquitos did not grow until
the rubber boom in the late 19th century and early
20th century. A great wealth came from the extraction
of latex. Today, Iquitos is the center for exploration
of oil in the Peruvian Amazon. Also its of big
importance the lumber industry, ecotourism and
commerce.
Warm, humid and with a heavy rainy season, Iquitos
has a typical tropical climate. The best time
for visiting is from April through October, when
the rains diminish due to the dry season.
Important Sights and Museums
Casa Eiffel (Casa de Fierro or Iron House)
Stands on the Plaza de Armas, corner of Putumayo
and Prospero. Designed by the renowned French
Architect Gusteve Eiffel for the Paris exhibition
of 1889.
Biblioteca Amazónica
Tarapacá 354. A very complete and interesting
library, mainly in regional subjects.
Museo Amazónico
Corner of Tarapacá and Calle Morona. It has an
interesting display of Amazon native art.
Lake Quistococha
13.5 Km south of Iquitos, Lake Quistococha is
in the middle of lush jungle. You can get rowboats,
restaurants and a small museum. The zoo and fish
farm shows some of the local wild life. There
is a nice trail to walk around the lake and even
a small beach.
Bellavista
A beautiful safe beach is found in Bellavista,
an ideal place to take a swim in the river. Boats
can be hired to visit villages on the banks of
the river.
Protected Areas
Pacaya Samiria
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