Loreto

Loreto Practical Guide for Travelers

Loreto

Location

Northeastern Amazon rainforest of Peru, border with Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil

Capital

Iquitos (341 ft / 104 m)

Altitude

Min.:

230 ft (70 m) (Amelia)

Max.: Temperature

722 ft (220 m) (Balsapuerto)

Weather

Max.:

100 °F (38 °C)

Min.: 70 °F (21 °C)

Dec-Mar Jul-Sept

Rainy season: (November-June)

Dry season: (July-October)

How to get here?

By land

Nauta-Iquitos: 71 miles (115 km) / 2 h

By air

Lima-Iquitos: 1 h 40 min

Tarapoto-Iquitos: 50 min

Pucallpa-Iquitos: 50 min

By river

Pucallpa-Iquitos (La Hoyada port) via the Ucayali River: 4 - 5 days

Apr-Jun

Oct- Nov

Yurimaguas-Iquitos via the Huallaga and Marañón rivers: 2.5 - 3 days

ECUADOR

DATEM DEL MARAÑÓN

Alianza Cristiana

Zona Reservada Santiago Comaina

AMAZONAS

Parque Nacional

GüeppíSekime

Reserva comunal

Puerto Alegría Pantoja

Reserva Nacional Pucacuro

Intuto Villa Trompeteros

LORETO

Concordia

Ullpayacu

Santa María de Cahuapanas

Jeberos

Balsapuerto

Santa Cruz

ALTO AMAZONAS

Yurimaguas

Shucushuyacu

San Lorenzo Contamana

Reserva Nacional Pacaya Samiria

Inahuaya

Orellana

Airo Pai Mirador del barrio de Jerusalén

Santa Isabel

del

Parinari Saramiriza

Bretaña Lagunas

Pampa Hermosa Aguas Calientes

Parque Nacional Cordillera Azul

UCAYALI

Tiruntán

Iberia

Santa Elena 2 de Mayo

REQUENA

Parque

Sierra del Reserva comunal Huimeki

IQUITOS

Parinari del Alto Nanay

Reserva Nacional Allpahuayo Mishana

Requena

Bretaña

Flor de Punga

Iberia

Tamanco

Reserva Nacional Matsés

Elena Curinga

MAYNAS REQUENA PUTUMAYO

Nacional del Divisor

Graphic scale (miles / km)

Iquitos is one of the most vibrant cities in the Amazon (its origins date back to 1785). Walking through its cheerful streets, you will quickly notice the architecture of its buildings.

Distances

By private transportation, from the city of Chachapoyas

DESTINATION / DISTANCE TIME

Nauta (Loreto Province) / 71 miles (115 km) 2 h bus / 12 h boat

Requena (Requena Province) / 98 miles (157 km) 19 h

Caballococha (Mariscal Ramón Castilla Province) / 193 miles (311 km) 2 days

Yurimaguas (Alto Amazonas Province) / 241 miles (388 km)

2.5 - 3 days

3 days (minimum recommended stay)

Surroundings of Iquitos: Amazon river, Amazonas viewpoint, Fundo Pedrito, Pilpintuwasi butterfly house, and Comunidad Bora de San Andrés City of Iquitos: parent church, museums, and mansions

Quistococha tourist complex and Amazon Forever Biopark 1 day

Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve 1 day

3 days

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, lodges, and cruises along the Amazon river and its tributaries

Agenda

January 5

Anniversary of Iquitos as a River Port on the Amazon river

February - March Carnaval Amazónico

June 24

August 13

September

Feast of San Juan Bautista

Anniversary of the Amazon River’s recognition as a Natural Wonder of the World

Amazon International Raft Race

What to eat?

In addition to the popular juane, tacacho, and cecina, the cuisine of Loreto presents creations that are nourished by its abundant nature, such as the chonta salad (based on the stem of the palm tree), ceviche de dorado freshwater fish) and patarashca (fish wrapped in bijao leaves). The exotic fruits of the area are used to prepare soft drinks, such as aguajina aguaje) and chapo (made from ripe bananas). There are also masato and fermented cassava) and shibe (made with farina, fermented and toasted cassava). Among its spirits, the best known are the Siete Raíces and

What to buy?

Throughout the region, artisans work with products they collect from nature. They produce blankets and bags woven with plant fibers, such as objects carved in wood, black clay ceramics decorated with the kukamiria iconography, and paintings in llanchama (tree bark). In Iquitos, you can buy these products at San Juan de Miraflores or at Anaconda artisanal markets. When visiting the communities of Yaguas, Huitotos, Boras, and Ocainas, you can also purchase their crafts, in which they represent their worldview. Remember that the Law prohibits the commercialization of species of wild flora or fauna.

Amazonian rivers are sources of life and means of transportation jungle feeding the largest

wonder transportation and trade. They are like snakes that cross the Peruvian largest river of all: the Amazon.

What to visit?

Maynas Province

Iglesia matriz de Iquitos

Plaza de Armas

The construction of the Parent Church of Iquitos took 13 years, finishing in 1924. With a clear neo-Gothic influence, it has a single nave, its pulpit carved in wood stands out. In 1925, its tower was adorned with a Swiss clock that continues to tell the time to this day.

Manor Houses

The Rubber Age is remarkable for the architecture of its manor houses, with modern designs and tiles in each of these buildings.

• Casa de Fierro

Plaza de Armas, at Putumayo and Prospero streets

• Exhotel Palace (Casa Malecón Palace)

At jirón Putumayo and Malecón Tarapacá

• Casa Fitzcarrald

At Raimondi and Napo streets

• Casa Luis E. Morey

At Raimondi and Loreto streets

• Casa Cohen

At Próspero and Morona streets

• Casa Ríos Padilla (Centro Cultural Irapay)

At Próspero and Ricardo Palma streets

Barco museo Ayapúa 1906

In front of Plaza Ramón Castilla, on the banks of the Itaya river. Entrance fee charged.

The Ayapúa was one of the first steamboats to sail the Amazon. This boat museum presents dioramas, such as one depicting the arrival of the first steamboats in Iquitos, explorations in the Amazon (which allowed the discovery of the Amazon river), evangelization by missionaries, Iquitos in its early days (photos of the city from 1906 onwards), etc.

Malecón Tarapacá

Few steps away from Plaza de Armas, on the banks of the Itaya river Built during the Rubber Boom, in memory of the battle of Tarapacá. This boardwalk has been restored. Its small squares, bars and restaurants are perfect to comfortably enjoy a wonderful view.

Museo de Culturas Indígenas Amazónicas

Malecón Tarapacá 332. Mon-Sun, 10:00-19:00. Entrance fee charged. Through the presentation of information and testimonies, the Museum of Amazonian Indigenous Cultures shows the importance of the most representative original ethnic groups for the development of the area. It also exhibits pre-Columbian pieces found in the region.

Lago Zungarococha

Right bank of the Nanay river, southwest of the city of Iquitos and 7 miles (12 km) from the airport (30 min by mototaxi)

The calm waters of Lake Zungarococha are perfect for cooling off or embarking on canoe rides in the midst of beautiful landscapes. Nearby is the Corrientillo lagoon, in its surroundings you will be able to taste local cuisine.

Pueblo de Santa Clara

On the banks of the Nanay river, 7 miles (12 km) southeast of the city of Iquitos (30 min by car)

Between July and November, the river flows down and forms beautiful white sand beaches in front of Santa Clara village. Camping is allowed in this area.

Pueblo de Santo Tomás

10 miles (16 km) southwest of the city of Iquitos (45 min by mototaxi)

Santo Tomás village is located on the banks of the canal that connects the Nanay river with Mapacocha lake, and it belongs to the Kukama Kukamiria ethnic group. Its members practice traditional activities such as fishing and the creation of handicrafts in black clay and balsa wood. The lake is a good place for skiing or going on boat rides.

Complejo Turístico de Quistococha

Kilometer 6.5 of the Iquitos-Nauta highway, southwest of the city of Iquitos (30 min by mototaxi). Mon-Sun, 9:00-17:45. Entrance fee charged.

On the shores of the Quistococha lagoon, the Quistococha tourist complex has a beach where people arrive to cool off from the characteristic heat of Iquitos and enjoy boat rides. In addition, it has 369 hectares of natural forest, where you can go on walks to appreciate the flora and fauna of the area.

Amazon Forever Biopark

Kilometer 13.8 of the Iquitos-Nauta highway, southwest of the city of Iquitos (approx. 40 min. by mototaxi). Mon-Sun, 9:00-15:00

Entrance fee charged.

It offers natural spaces designed to promote responsible tourism, so that visitors can consciously get involved in the conservation of the Amazon and its wildlife. It is made up of 3 areas:

• Centro de Rescate Amazónico-CREA (manatees, birds, and turtles).

• Bosque de Huayo (Ethnobotanical Circuit, Sculptures Forest, Casita de Huayo, and the Paiche Educational Aquarium).

• Avatar Balsas (Raft Ride through the Aguajal Ecosystem).

Reserva Nacional Allpahuayo Mishana

The entrance is 16.7 miles (26.8 km) and 17.4 miles (28 km) southwest of the city of Iquitos along the road to Nauta (45 min by car), from the town of Nina Rumi along the Nanay river is 2 or 3 h by boat. Entrance fee charged. The Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve protects the largest amount of white sand forests in the Amazon, as well as floodplain forests. Its rich biodiversity has 1,780 species of plants, 522 species of butterflies, 155 species of fish, 83 species of amphibians, 120 species of reptiles and 145 species of mammals, including the equatorial saki and the collared titi, endemic species of primates. It is also a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, as in addition to the 476 recorded bird species, new ones are continually being discovered, such as the cotinga and the manakin. The José Álvarez Alonso Biological Station offers hiking trails.

Embarcadero Bellavista Nanay

Right bank of the Nanay river, 3 km north of the city of Iquitos (12 min by mototaxi)

The Bellavista Nanay wharf is the boarding point to discover the beautiful landscapes of the Nanay river, appreciate the meeting of its waters with those of the Amazon, and visit its communities.

Pueblo de Padre Cocha

On the left bank of the Nanay river, northeast of the city of Iquitos (20 min from Bellavista Nanay by motorboat)

Padre Cocha village is where the Kukama Kukamiria ethnic group, known for their work in clay, is settled. From this point, you can access the Bora and Yagua communities, and the Pilpintuwasi butterfly house.

Mariposario y centro de rescate Pilpintuwasi

15 min walk from Pueblo de Padre Cocha, northeast of the city of Iquitos. Tue-Sun, 9:00-16:00. Entrance fee charged.

The name of the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly House & Rescue Center comes from Quechua, meaning “house of butterflies.” It is home to more than 20 varieties of exotic butterflies. The ideal time to do the tour is between 9 and 11 am, to appreciate the wide variety of butterflies in flight. Besides watching butterflies in their natural state, you can learn about their reproduction process and life cycle. As a wildlife rescue center, the visit will also give you a chance to see jaguars, manatees, and parrots, among other species.

understanding of the world is based on their myths. The greatest manifestations of their customs are their dances and crafts.

Mirador Turístico del Amazonas

Left bank of the Amazon river, northwest of the city of Iquitos (20 min by motorboat from the Bellavista Nanay wharf).

Mon-Sun, 8:00-16:00. Entrance fee charged.

In the community of Independencia, the highest point of a hill offers a privileged view of the Amazon River, the city of Iquitos and intense green of the Amazon. Community members offer guided hikes that lead to a magnifying lupuna, one of the largest trees in the jungle, and a small waterfall.

Fundo Pedrito

Left bank of the Amazon river, northwest of the city of Iquitos (40 min by motorboat from the Bellavista Nanay wharf). From the port of Barrio Florido, it is a 5-minute walk. Tel: +51 943-021-350.

Mon-Sun, 8:00-17:00. Entrance fee charged.

Here you can see three 3 lagoons surrounded by Amazonian landscape in which you can observe Victoria amazonica, the largest river lily in the world; white caimans (Caiman crocodilus); paiche (Arapaima gigas), the largest fish in the Amazon (measuring up to 10 ft/3 m and weighing up to 551 lb/250 kg); and piranhas (Serrasalmus sp.) and river turtles.

Loreto Province

Nauta

Left bank of the Marañón river, 62 miles (100 km) south of the city of Iquitos (1 h 30 min by car / 2 h by bus)

This town was founded in 1830 and is one of the oldest in the Amazon.

Reserva Nacional Pacaya Samiria

114 miles (183 km) southwest of the city of Iquitos (Iquitos-Nauta, 1 h 30 min by car, and Nauta-Comunidad 20 de Enero, 1 h by motorboat).

Entrance fee charged.

To visit the national reserve, you must hire the services of a tour operator. The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is one of the most extensive reserves in the country and in South America. Abundant rainfall nourishes the diversity of its flora, which has 1,025 species of wild and cultivated plants. It is home to 527 species of birds, 102 species of mammals, 69 species of reptiles, 58 species of amphibians and 269 species of fish, many of them endangered.

More than 42,000 people live on the banks of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, as well as another 50,000 in the buffer zone.

Amazon River

The river, discovered by Francisco de Orellana, runs 4,388 miles (7,062 km) from the Apacheta ravine, in Arequipa, to the Atlantic Ocean. It is known worldwide for being the largest river, for its amazing biodiversity and for being one of the seven natural wonders. There are cruises that reach the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, and its route exhibits the tourist corridor of the Amazon river and the variety of its flora and fauna.

Another unparalleled experience is staying at one of the ecotourism hostels located in the middle of the Amazon Forest. From there, excursions depart to admire the flora and fauna, and to visit communities.

Ramón Castilla Province

Pebas

Northeast of the city of Iquitos, on the banks of the Ampiyacu river, 1,640 ft (500 m) from the mouth of the Amazon river (5 h by motorboat or 1 day by motorboat)

One of the main attractions of the city is the Casa del Arte (“House of Art”), a gallery where works by the painter Francisco Grippa, portraying the customs of the Amazon, are exhibited. It is surrounded by dense Amazonian forests, where nature lovers can take walks to discover the flora and fauna of the place. To visit the native communities, just take a boat and follow the Ampiyacu River, where Yaguas, Boras, Huitotos and Ocainas communities have settled.

Lago Cushillococha

4 miles (6 km) south of Caballococha (20 min by mototaxi or 1 h 30 min on foot), 68 miles (110 km) from the borders with Colombia and Brazil (8 h by river boat or 2 h by motorboat)

In the dark waters of Lake Cushillococha lives a varied fauna, composed of gray and red river dolphins, sábalos, boquichicos and yulillas. Because of this reason, it is appealing to fishing enthusiasts. On its shore sits the native community of Cushillococha, of the Ticuna ethnic group. Their main activities are agriculture, hunting, gathering, and fishing, although they are also skilled with chambra fiber, which they use to create hammocks and traditional bags known as “jicras”.

Caballococha

Right bank of the Amazon river, 193 miles (311 km) northeast of the city of Iquitos (2 days by river boat or 8 hours by motorboat)

It is the provincial capital and is an important communication center with the neighboring countries of Brazil and Colombia.

Alto Amazonas Province

Yurimaguas

On the banks of the Huallaga river, 241 miles (388 km) southwest of the city of Iquitos (2.5 to 3 days by river boat)

A city surrounded by beautiful landscapes of the Amazon, which owes its name to the Yuri and Omagua tribes. Between the months of July and November, the flow of the Shanusi River drops and attractive beaches offering tourist services appear. From Yurimaguas, Tarapoto (San Martín region) can be accessed by road.

Ucayali Province

Contamana

Right bank of the Ucayali River, 268 miles (431 km) southwest of the city of Iquitos (3 days by river boat)

Its name comes from the Shipibo dialect and means “palm hill.” It is one of the most important river ports in the Peruvian Amazon, and thus it has a varied offer of tourist services.

Mirador del barrio de Jerusalén

0.6 miles (1 km) south of the city of Contamana (5 min by mototaxi or 15 min on foot)

This 98 ft (30 m) high hill is part of the Azul Mountain Range. Due to its location and altitude, the viewpoint of the Jerusalem neighborhood is a strategic place to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets, as well as the exuberance of its flora.

Zona Reservada de Aguas Calientes

14 miles (22 km) northeast of the city of Contamana (30 min by car). Entrance fee charged.

In the Aguas Calientes Reserved Zone there are around 20 sources of sulfurous and ferrous water that reach temperatures between 104 °F and 194 °F (40 °C and 90 °C). Near these sources with therapeutic properties there is a macaw clay lick, where these birds flock daily in search of sulfur from the water that seeps into the ground. In the surroundings there is a forest of abundant vegetation.

The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is one of the largest in the Peruvian Amazon, covering 2’080,000 hectares. More than 1,000 species of fauna and 965 species of wild plants can be found here.

Iquitos

City

Center

Urban

Casa de Fierro

Exhotel Palace (Casa Malecón Palace)

Casa Fitzcarrald

Casa Luis E. Morey

Museo de Culturas Indígenas Amazónicas

Prefectura, Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura y Biblioteca Amazónica

Casa Cohen

Casa Ríos Padilla (Centro Cultural Irapay)

Museo

LasDelicias

Cl.AlmiranteGuisse

Cl.RómuloEspinar

Parque Municipal Los Héroes del Cenepa

Jr . CaboPantoja

Estadio

Max Augustín Coliseo Juan Pinasco V

Cl.30deAgosto

Complejo

Deportivo

CNI

Pje. Ricardo Palma

Jr . Bermúdez

Jr . Teniente

Jr . Yavarí Jr . Loreto

Jardín Barcía

Jr . Echenique

Jr . Putumayo

Jr . Pevas

Plaza

Sargento Lores

Jr . Napo Cl.3

Jr . Fanning

Jr Jr.SargentoLores . CésarCalvodeAraujo

Jr . Morona Av.MariscalCáceres-PaseodelosHéroesAmazónicos

Jr.Ramón Castilla

Jr.Abtao Jr . Alzamora

Jr . 2deMayo

Jr.9deDiciembre

.Moore

Jr . Tacna

Plaza 28 de Julio

to the airport to Quistococha

Jr . GarcíaSanz

Mercado Central

Jr . Huallaga Jr . RicardoPalma Jr

Jr . SanMartín

Jr . Ucayali

Jr . Ramírez

Jardín Barcía Bonifatti

Plaza Teniente Manuel Clavero

Plazuela Serafín Filomeno

Plaza Ramón Castilla

Bulevar Joaquín Abensur

Río Amazonas

Altitude: 341 ft (104 m)

Río Amazonas

IQUITOS Loreto

City Center

(51-1) 616-7300, Ext. 1827 (+51) 990-059-434

Jr. Napo 161 (steps away from Plaza de Armas) iperuiquitos@promperu.gob.pe

iperu@promperu.gob.pe

The information contained in this brochure has been updated in September 2023. To prepare it, PROMPERÚ has used official information sources, as well as the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade, Tourism and Crafts of Loreto. The opening hours and telephone numbers are subject to vary at each tourist attraction. Please confirm the hours and telephone numbers with IPERÚ.

Published by PROMPERÚ - Peru for Exports and Tourism Promotion Agency

Calle Uno Oeste 50, 14th Floor, Urb. Córpac, San Isidro, Lima, Perú Tel. +511 616-7300 www.promperu.gob.pe © PROMPERÚ. All rights reserved

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