Visit Iquitos, Peru

The starting point for wildlife trips into the northern part of the Peruvian jungle, Iquitos itself is worth a look as it is the epitome of a steamy Amazon city.

Hemmed in by lakes, rivers and green forest on all sides, the only way in or out is by boat or plane, so once you are here the Amazon is very accessible.

This part of the rainforest is home to some ancient Amazonian tribes as well as an immense variety of wildlife, including the mysterious river dolphin, which glide in and out of the small backwater creeks.

Amazon river cruises

A fine way to savour the rainforest is to take a cruise on one of the elegant river boats that depart from Iquitos.

Your days will be spent meandering along the mighty Ucayali, Marañon and Huallaga Rivers and their tributaries, and exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve with its rich array of flora and fauna with your guides.