2-Day Amazon Jungle Tour from Iquitos: Wildlife & River Adventure

Summary

Iquitos Jungle Experience: River Cruise, Wildlife & Local Culture

You’ll dive into real Amazon life—exploring busy markets, cruising rivers where dolphins play, walking jungle trails with local guides who know every plant and sound. If you want wildlife close-ups and honest local food (plus a shot at catching piranhas), this two-day trip from Iquitos is unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Iquitos clings to your skin—humid, a little sweet. Our guide met us right at the hotel, and we squeezed into a moto-taxi buzzing through early traffic toward Belén Market. The place is wild—rows of stalls with everything from giant catfish to stacks of strange roots and bottles of homemade remedies. You’ll hear vendors calling out prices over the hum of old fans. If you’re curious, ask about aguaje fruit; locals swear by it.

After sampling grilled fish at Bellavista Nanay Port (the smell alone pulls you in), we boarded a small boat. The river’s surface was glassy that day, broken only by kids splashing near the banks. Where the Nanay meets the Amazon, our guide shared stories about river spirits and pointed out pink dolphins surfacing now and then—blink and you’ll miss them. The lodge sits deep in the green maze; lunch was simple but filling—rice, plantains, fresh fish. Later, we wandered under towering trees on a botanical walk, learning which leaves cure headaches or fevers (our guide’s grandma still uses them). Night falls fast here; after dinner, flashlights in hand, we crept along muddy trails listening for frogs and catching glimpses of glowing eyes in the brush.

Dawn comes early—the jungle wakes up loud. We sipped coffee while watching parrots and tiny tanagers dart between branches. After breakfast, we set out again on the river searching for dolphins—gray ones this time—and took a quick swim (the water’s cooler than you’d think). Piranha fishing was more fun than scary; our guide baited hooks with bits of chicken skin and showed us how to flick our wrists just right. By midday, after one last hearty meal at the lodge, we packed up for the ride back to Iquitos—muddy boots and all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amazon Adventure Begins

• Hotel pickup in Iquitos
• Visit Belén Market
• Experience Bellavista Nanay Port cuisine
• Boat trip to Nanay and Amazon River confluence
• Lunch at jungle lodge
• Guided botanical walk
• Traditional dinner
• Nighttime wildlife excursion

Day 2 — Wildlife and River Activities

• Amazonian sunrise and birdwatching
• Breakfast
• Dolphin watching in Amazon River
• Swimming in Amazon River
• Piranha fishing
• Lunch
• Return to Iquitos

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes! Specialized infant seats are available on request. Just keep in mind there’s some walking on uneven ground and boat rides involved.

What should I pack for this Amazon trip?

Light clothes that dry fast, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, swimsuit if you want to swim—and don’t worry about boots; they provide wellingtons at the lodge.

Are meals included during the tour?

All meals are covered—from lunch on day one through lunch on day two. Expect local dishes featuring fresh fish and fruits.

Can I join if I have limited mobility?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to uneven terrain and boat boarding.

What’s included

Your spot covers an experienced local guide throughout both days, all river and ground transport (including pick-up), rubber boots for jungle walks, overnight accommodation right in the jungle lodge, plus all meals from lunch on day one to lunch on day two.