Monkey Island & Amazon River tour: Primates & aquatic species

A 300-year-old Lupuna tree anchors the jungle hike after you've seen the primates.

This 7-hour tour from Iquitos takes you to Monkey Island, a refuge where rehabilitated Amazonian primates are released into their natural habitat, then through the jungle to a centuries-old Lupuna tree. You also see native aquatic species including arapaimas, alligators, aquatic turtles, and Victoria Regia, the world's largest aquatic plant. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the full day. All fees and taxes are included.

The experience

Monkey Island sits in the Amazon near Iquitos as a working primate sanctuary, not a zoo. The refuge takes in injured and orphaned Amazonian primates, rehabilitates them, and releases them back into the wild. Walking through the island, you see the animals in their recovery habitat and learn how the operation balances conservation with sustainable tourism. The guide explains the species and the work happening on-site as you move through the refuge.

After Monkey Island, the tour moves into the jungle for a hike to a Lupuna tree that has stood for 300 years. The tree is massive enough to be a landmark in the forest canopy, and the hike offers open views across the jungle. This is where most travelers stop to photograph: the scale of the tree and the vistas make it a natural pause. The guide navigates the trail and points out the forest around you.

The aquatic portion happens on the river itself. You'll see arapaimas (the largest freshwater fish in the Amazon), alligators, aquatic turtles, and Victoria Regia, a water plant with leaves so wide they can support a person's weight. The guide shows you these species from the boat or from the water's edge depending on where they're spotted that day. All entry fees, the guide service, and taxes are built into the price.

What’s included

• Guide service in English or Spanish.
• all entry fees to Monkey Island and the jungle areas.
• transport from Iquitos to each stop.
• taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 09:00 and 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Infant (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kelwin Peña Andrade

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're starting from Iquitos with no independent transport. The guide meets you there and handles all movement to Monkey Island and the jungle trailhead.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Monkey Island and what do I see there?

Monkey Island is a primate sanctuary near Iquitos where injured and orphaned Amazonian primates are rehabilitated and then released into their natural habitat. You walk through the refuge and observe the animals in recovery while learning how the conservation and sustainable tourism model works on-site.

What is the Lupuna tree and why is it part of this tour?

The Lupuna tree is a 300-year-old giant in the Amazon jungle that serves as a landmark and a major stop on the hike portion of the day. Its size and age make it a striking feature of the forest, and the hike to reach it offers scenic vistas across the jungle canopy.

What aquatic species will I see on the river?

You'll see arapaimas (the largest freshwater fish in the Amazon), alligators, aquatic turtles, and Victoria Regia, the world's largest aquatic plant, whose leaves grow so large they can support significant weight.

How long is this tour and what's included in the price?

The tour runs 7 hours and includes guide service in English or Spanish, all entry fees to Monkey Island, the jungle hike, river viewing, and all taxes: no additional charges for access or the guide.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to get to Monkey Island?

No. The tour includes all transport from Iquitos to Monkey Island, the jungle trailhead, and the river viewing areas, so you don't need a car or prior knowledge of how to reach these sites.