The living essence of the Peruvian Amazon
Loreto, located in northeastern Peru, is a colossal region where nature, history, ancestral culture, and biodiversity intertwine in the same territory. With an area of more than 368,000 km², it is the largest region in the country and forms part of the most important green lung on the planet: the Amazon.
Loreto is home to floating cities, imposing rivers such as the Amazon, protected nature reserves, mystical lagoons, and a wide variety of indigenous peoples who still preserve their identity and worldview. It is an ideal destination for those seeking ecotourism, cultural tourism, scientific tourism, or experiential tourism in pure natural settings.
Below, we explore the best tourist attractions in Loreto, each with its own unique richness.
📍 1. Iquitos: Urban heart of the jungle
Iquitos is the starting point for exploring Loreto. This fascinating city, the largest in the world without land access, is surrounded by rivers and jungle.
What to see and do in Iquitos:
- Walk along the Tarapacá Boardwalk, with panoramic views of the Itaya River.
- Visit the Casa de Fierro, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
- Explore the Belén neighborhood, famous for its floating market.
- Learn about the history of the rubber boom in its historic mansions.
- Enjoy the regional cuisine: juanes, tacacho con cecina, and chonta.
Cultural experiences:
- Visit the Amazon Museum and the Museum of Indigenous Cultures.
- Watch traditional dance performances at the Casa de la Cultura.
- Attend Amazonian art workshops in nearby communities.
🌿 2. Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: Unlimited biodiversity
Known as the “Water Mirror of the Amazon,” the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is one of the most spectacular places in Loreto and the world. It covers more than 2 million hectares of floodplain forest, home to more than 1,000 species of fauna and 965 species of flora.
Highlights:
- Canoeing through flooded forests.
- Sightings of pink dolphins, monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and caimans.
- Astronomical observation and night walks.
- Artisanal fishing, workshops with communities, and nature photography.
Communities within the reserve:
- San Martín de Tipishca
- Buenos Aires
- Veinte de Enero
🌊 3. Amazon River: Navigating the soul of Loreto
The Amazon River, the longest and most voluminous in the world, is central to the life and culture of Loreto. From Iquitos, you can embark on excursions that cross its waters and connect with native communities, eco-lodges, and nature reserves.
Recommended experiences:
- Luxury or adventure river cruises.
- Piranha fishing and water bird watching.
- Visits to riverside towns such as San Juan de Huashalado, Tamshiyacu, or Indiana.
- Sunsets over the river and sailing under the stars.
🏞️ 4. Nauta and the source of the Amazon River
Nauta, 100 km from Iquitos, is a historically and culturally important town. It is here that the Amazon River begins, at the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers.
Things to do:
- Visit the Nauta Viewpoint.
- Sail to Pacaya Samiria from the port.
- Visit local craft fairs and markets.
🌅 5. Lake Zungarococha: Beauty just minutes from Iquitos
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Iquitos, Lake Zungarococha is a haven of peace. Its waters reflect the sky and the jungle, surrounded by lodges, rural restaurants, and ecotourism centers.
Things to do:
- Kayaking and traditional fishing.
- Refreshing swims and bird watching.
- Relaxing in hammocks by the water.
🧬 6. Amazon Rescue Center (CREA)
Located in Iquitos, CREA is a conservation center that rescues and rehabilitates wild animals, especially Amazonian manatees, turtles, monkeys, and birds.
Ideal for:
- Educational and family tourism.
- Volunteer activities.
- Environmental awareness and observation of protected wildlife.
🎨 7. Kukama Community in Padre Cocha
On the banks of the Nanay River, the Kukama-Kukamiria community promotes mural art, symbolic painting, their ancestral language, and cultural tourism.
Experiential activities:
- Pottery and painting workshops.
- Interpretive walks through murals.
- Symbolic rituals with community elders.
🦋 8. Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm
This center located in Padre Cocha is home to butterflies in different stages of metamorphosis and rescued Amazonian wildlife: ocelots, monkeys, macaws, and toucans.
Ideal for:
- Environmental education.
- Macro and wildlife photography.
- Tourism with children and school groups.
🐾 9. Quistococha Tourist Complex
On the outskirts of Iquitos is Quistococha, which includes an Amazonian zoo, a natural lagoon, an artificial beach, and a recreation center. It’s the perfect place to spend the day.
Highlights:
- Swimming in the lagoon.
- Nature trails.
- Learning about regional wildlife.
🏕️ 10. Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Communal Reserve
A conservation area managed by communities. With primary forests, hidden lagoons, and great biodiversity, it is a destination for adventure, science, and conservation.
Experiences:
- Deep jungle trekking.
- Bird and reptile watching.
- Responsible tourism with local residents.
🎯 Other tourist attractions in Loreto that you should visit
▸ Bora Community of San Andrés
Cultural exchange, dances, rituals, blowguns, and indigenous mythology.
▸ Port of Bellavista-Nanay
Departure point for Padre Cocha and Zungarococha, with a floating market and local cuisine.
▸ Monkey Island
Primate rescue center on the banks of the Amazon River.
▸ Allpahuayo Mishana Reserve
White sand forest with unique species of flora and birds.
🧭 Conclusion: Loreto, a destination of nature and living culture
Exploring the tourist attractions of Loreto is like entering a dimension where everything is alive: the river, the jungle, the animals, the spirits of the forest, and the ancestral voices. It is the most remote part of Peru, but also the most authentic.
If you are looking to disconnect from the noise, connect with wildlife, learn about indigenous cultures, and have a transformative experience, Loreto is waiting for you.