Iquitos – Gateway to the Amazon

Iquitos - Gateway to the AmazonIquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest, with a population of around 400,000. It is the capital of Loreto Region and Maynas Province. It is generally considered the most populous city in the world that cannot be reached by road (except to Nauta 120 Km on the Rio Marañón).

The only way to get there is via aeroplane or by river boat. The city in the 19th century was the centre of the Rubber industry but by the early 20th century the rubber trade had moved to the Far East, and the city had fallen into neglect and disrepair. It is now a place without an apparent purpose resplendent in its post-colonial-rubber-boom splendour, literally in the middle of nowhere, a true frontier town.

When you stand on the Malecon at the edge of the city (and civilisation) …….you overlook thousands of miles of rainforest, a truly breathtakingly beautiful experience.This is a video clip of imagery of Iquitos. Including Belen market, Puerto Bellevista. Iquitos is the base where we leave for our Ayahuasca Retreats at Mishana.

Click for details about our Amazon Ayahuasca Retreats