Don’t call yourself an explorer if you haven’t been to Iquitos. Yes, we’re talking about the largest city on Earth that you can’t reach by road. Tucked deep within the Peruvian Amazon and accessible only by plane or boat, this vibrant jungle city of over 400,000 people feels wonderfully cut off from the rest of the world. When we first arrived, we expected nothing but adventure, and Iquitos gave us exactly that. As the gateway to the legendary Amazon Rainforest and the mighty Amazon River, the city offers everything from wildlife-packed river excursions to colonial-era architecture and buzzing riverfront nightlife. But none of it would be nearly as enjoyable without a proper place to rest and recharge, which is why we’re excited to share our favorite hotels in Iquitos, Peru. Keep reading to find the perfect base for your jungle escape!
Also read: Top Things to Do When You Visit Peru.
Table of contents
- Poseidon Guest House
- Sarisa House
- Apart Hotel La Rivera
- PuraChata Ecolodge
- Otorongo Guest House
- Fitzcarrald Hotel
- Hotel Jungle House
- DoubleTree by Hilton Iquitos
- Hotel de Turistas Iquitos
- Amazon Muyuna Lodge
- Casa Morey
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Iquitos, Peru
- How many days do you need in Iquitos, Peru?
- What is the best time to visit Iquitos, Peru?
- Is it safe to walk around Iquitos?
Poseidon Guest House
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Our first recommendation is Poseidon Guest House, a humble accommodation conveniently set right by the airport. The owner’s hospitality, though, was even more amazing. He picked us up when we landed and even insisted on driving us back for our 5 AM flight home. He also went way out of his way to help us find gear we needed for the jungle and gave us two great restaurant recommendations in Iquitos.
On top of that, the rooms here are clean and comfortable. And when we weren’t chilling there, we were most probably spending our time just hanging out in the pool with a few beers. And despite being a budget-friendly hotel, the pool was well-maintained and cleaner than we expected.
What about food? We’re sure you’ll be pleased, too. The guest house provides guests with a continental and American breakfast, including juice and cheese. We also appreciated the on-site coffee shop and indoor play area. What a stay!
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Sarisa House
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Sarisa House is located just a quick moto-taxi ride from the main plaza, so you’re close to the action. The owner, Sara, was super welcoming to us, and the whole place was very communal. It’s clearly been recently fixed up, featuring a nice central patio and a terrace that’s perfect for hanging out.
The actual rooms were exactly what we needed: clean, comfortable, and equipped with strong air-conditioning to beat the heat. A huge bonus for us was the Starlink WiFi, which was surprisingly fast for this area. We also had access to a shared kitchen, which was great for saving a few bucks on meals, though they do provide a continental breakfast on-site to get you going in the morning.
Now, let’s talk more about the staff. They handled airport transfers and gave us the real scoop on local tours and ceremonies, so we didn’t get ripped off. It’s also a highly secure spot with a 24-hour front desk, which gave us peace of mind.
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Apart Hotel La Rivera
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Looking for apartment-inspired accommodation? You’ll surely love Apart Hotel La Rivera. Our unit was huge and came with a full kitchen and a living area, making it easy to just hang out and relax without feeling on top of each other. We think this is a great choice for an extended stay in Iquitos. It’s got a very local vibe to it, too.
The location is one of its best features. We were only a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas and all the main restaurants, but the street itself is surprisingly quiet and feels very safe to walk at night. We spent a lot of time on the balcony, which had a great view of the river. It was the perfect place to grab a coffee in the morning before heading out into the heat of the city.
What really made the stay for us was Mauro and the staff. They were super helpful and even let us check in early. They can help you coordinate taxis to the airport or give you the rundown on where to eat nearby. We really appreciated their kindness and initiative!
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PuraChata Ecolodge
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PuraChata Ecolodge gave us the break we badly needed. The place is about 45 minutes outside the city, so you’re deep enough in the jungle to feel disconnected but still have creature comforts like a nice outdoor pool and a bar. We stayed in one of the traditional bungalows, which are built with local wood and thatched roofs. It was great being able to hear the jungle sounds through the mesh walls while still having a comfortable bed and a private bathroom.
The food was a highlight for us, especially since the hotel grows so much of it on its own 14-hectare property. The staff even provided some of us with authentic Peruvian vegetarian meals. On top of that, the staff was also kind enough to show us around the medicinal gardens and organize our transport and excursions.
What we liked most was how laid-back and sustainable the vibe is. You can spend your day doing yoga or going on guided hikes to see monkeys and birds, or you can just hang out in a hammock and relax. It’s easily one of our favorite hotels in Iquitos, Peru.
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Otorongo Guest House
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Best for Solo Travelers. Otorongo Guest House is an Iquitos gem that doesn’t cost you a lot. The house is full of local art, and the garden is packed with exotic plants and hammocks that are perfect for a midday nap. It’s a great spot because you get all those home comforts while still feeling like you’re living alongside the locals.
Moreover, the location is spot on. We were right around the corner from the airport, and getting into the city center was just as easy via tuk-tuk. There are grocery stores, shops, and little cafes within walking distance, so we never felt stranded. It felt safe and convenient, too, making it a great base for solo travelers.
The best part of the stay, though, was definitely the hospitality. The host really looked after us and made us feel welcome. The rooms and bungalows were impeccably clean and comfortable, and the shared kitchen was a huge plus. We also loved the communal breakfasts. It was a great way to meet other travelers over a delicious meal. For the price, the value here is superb.
“Solo travel can feel overwhelming, but Otorongo turned it into one of the easiest, most stress-free experiences we’ve had.”
WOW Travel
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Fitzcarrald Hotel
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Best for Families. Traveling with kids is always a bit of a juggle, but the Fitzcarrald Hotel made our trip so much easier and enjoyable. Don’t be fooled by the exterior, though. Yes, this hotel is far from fancy, but it checks all the boxes you’d expect from a proper hotel, especially if you prioritize your family’s comfort.
The first thing we noticed was how incredibly clean the place was. As a parent, you’re always scanning for dirt, but our room was spotless, bright, and had plenty of space for everyone, plus our luggage. It’s a huge relief when you can just let the kids sit on the floor or jump on the beds without worrying about when it was last scrubbed. That level of maintenance made it easy for us to actually relax the second we walked in.
What really stood out, though, was the staff. They were genuinely friendly and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable, whether that meant helping us with our bags or making sure the dining room worked for the kids. Their patience and local hospitality made a world of difference!
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Hotel Jungle House
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Hotel Jungle House is a small, one-story boutique hotel tucked away on a quiet street about three blocks from the local square. The whole place is built around a central courtyard, which gives it a really relaxed, private feel. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet and intimate, this is a great choice.
Our room was surprisingly big, fitted with a king-sized bed, and everything was kept very clean. Most importantly, the air conditioning worked like a charm, which was a must in the Iquitos heat. We also spent a good amount of time at the small pool after our tours. While it’s not huge, it’s the perfect spot to cool off. The hotel also has a 24-hour coffee and tea station in the lobby, along with a filtered water bubbler.
Breakfast was included in the rate and served in the open-air restaurant. It was usually a simple but tasty spread of veggie omelets, toast, and juice. If you need anything else, they have soft drinks and bottled water available for a small fee.
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DoubleTree by Hilton Iquitos
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When you first see the DoubleTree by Hilton Iquitos, we’re sure you’ll be amazed by its glass and concrete building. It’s a modern hotel in the middle of downtown that put us exactly where we wanted to be. We were within easy walking distance of the Embarcadero, so we had no shortage of nearby cafes and restaurants to hit up whenever we got hungry.
The staff was friendly and made things easy for us from the jump. We were equally impressed by the American breakfast. It was a huge spread with tons of variety. Later in the evening, the bar was a great spot to grab a classic cocktail or a glass of wine to wind down after a day of being out and about.
The absolute highlight for us, though, was seeing the kids have a blast in the pool. They basically lived in there! And for the room, we booked the King Suite, which was a great choice. Having that extra seating area gave us some space to breathe, and the floor-to-ceiling windows gave us a cool view of the city without even having to leave the room.
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Hotel de Turistas Iquitos
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Convenient location, you said? Hotel de Turistas Iquitos is located right on the Malecón Tarapacá, so we were just a quick walk away from the main square and all the local spots we wanted to check out. Being right in the middle of everything made it super easy for us to explore the city.
The best part of the hotel for us was the rooftop area. It boasts a great infinity pool that overlooks the river, which was our go-to spot for a drink at the Sky Bar after a long day of walking around. It’s definitely one of the coolest spots in Iquitos, especially since the hotel also has its own restaurant and a casino right on-site.
Furthermore, our Double Room was clean, modern, and most importantly, the air conditioning worked perfectly. Since Iquitos can get pretty loud and hot, we really appreciated that the rooms are all soundproofed and cool. And if you want to splurge, check out the Presidential Suite, which comes with an in-room tub!
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Amazon Muyuna Lodge
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Best for Nature Explorations. The Amazon Muyuna Lodge is set in the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve, about three hours by boat from Iquitos. One of our favorite hotels in Iquitos, Peru, is an all-inclusive eco-lodge. Everything from the trek out there to the daily excursions was handled. Our bungalow was pretty basic but comfortable, featuring solar power for the lights and fans, plus plenty of mosquito netting to keep the bugs out. We really liked having a private terrace to hang out on between trips, too.
The schedule here is packed with guided trips, which is great if you want to see as much as possible in a short window. We went out on the water to spot pink dolphins and stayed out after dark to scout for caimans. On land, the guides took us on medicinal plant walks and treks to find sloths and different types of monkeys feeding near the lakes. We even saw some of those massive Ceiba trees and giant water lilies.
This is a top-tier choice if you’re into birdwatching or only have a few days to spare but still want a remote feel. We spent a lot of time around Lake Moena spotting hoatzins, kingfishers, and parrots. Since the lodge is small and isn’t swamped with other travelers, it felt like we had the place to ourselves. On top of that, the lodge also offers different rooms for families or couples, and you can even request a private guide if you have a specific interest like photography.
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Casa Morey
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Best Value for Money. We honestly couldn’t have picked a better spot than Casa Morey. It’s a classic colonial building right in the center of town, so getting around was a breeze. We were just a short walk from Plaza de Armas and all the local restaurants. If you’re looking to do some shopping, the main commercial strip on Jirón Próspero is only three blocks away.
Our Double Room was massive, with high ceilings and a spacious layout. We were impressed by how clean everything was, and the queen-sized bed and pillows were surprisingly comfortable. The bathroom was huge, too. In fact, it was way bigger than what we usually find in older hotels. Depending on which room you get, you’ll either have a nice view of the city or the interior garden.
The vibe of the place really makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, especially with the period decor and the outdoor pool. The staff was all great as well. They can even help you learn about local history and show you around the museums nearby.
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Our Verdict!
Still deciding which hotel you should call home? Let us help with the list below. We’ve categorized the hotels based on important criteria to make your choice easier.
- Best Value for Money: Casa Morey
- Best for Nature Explorations: Amazon Muyuna Lodge
- Best for Families: Fitzcarrald Hotel
- Best for Solo Travelers: Otorongo Guest House
Where to Stay in Iquitos, Peru
You can’t go wrong by staying in the Historic Center. This vibrant area puts you just a short walk away from key attractions like the lively Plaza de Armas de Iquitos and the beautiful Malecón Tarapacá. You’ll find yourself surrounded by charming colonial architecture, bustling markets, tour agencies, restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene. Staying here makes everything super convenient, as most river tours and jungle adventures kick off nearby, and all your essentials are just a quick stroll or mototaxi ride away.
If you’re looking for something a bit quieter but still close to the action, Punchana is a fantastic alternative. Just north of downtown along the banks of the Amazon River, this neighborhood offers a more laid-back, residential feel. Many hotels here boast lovely river views and a relaxed atmosphere, while still being just a short ride from the Historic Center.
For those who crave a deeper connection with nature, staying at a jungle lodge outside the city provides the most immersive experience. These eco-lodges, usually accessible by boat, place you right in or near the Amazon Rainforest. Instead of city noises, you’ll wake up to the sounds of birds, monkeys, and the gentle hum of the jungle. Most lodges offer all-inclusive packages that include guided wildlife tours, meals, and transfers, making them perfect for adventure-seekers.
And while you’re at it, why not check out these 11 best hotels in Puno, Peru, for your future travels as well?
How many days do you need in Iquitos, Peru?
Most travelers need three to four days in Iquitos to fully experience the region. That gives you enough time to explore the city and take a guided excursion into the Amazon Rainforest, one of the 8 most unique forests around the world.
What is the best time to visit Iquitos, Peru?
The best time to visit Iquitos is during the dry season from May to October, when rainfall is lower, and jungle excursions are easier to navigate.
Is it safe to walk around Iquitos?
Yes, it’s safe to walk around Iquitos during the day, especially in busy areas like the Historic Center. At night, stick to well-lit streets, avoid quiet neighborhoods, and use a mototaxi if you’re unsure.
