Three days is a good length for Iquitos if you want to see the city and get onto the river without committing to a full jungle expedition. This itinerary balances markets, history, wildlife and river time, and keeps the hottest hours free for rest. It assumes that you arrive the evening before, and it can be stretched or shortened to suit your plans.
Day one: the city
Start early at the Belen market with a local guide, when the stalls are busiest and the heat is gentle. Explore the fish, fruit and plant sections, then see the stilted and floating houses from the paths or by canoe, depending on the water level. Return to your hotel for a rest in the middle of the day. In the late afternoon, take the rubber-boom walk, a stroll around the Plaza de Armas, the Iron House and the Malecon Tarapaca, which is lively at sunset. Finish with dinner at a restaurant serving regional fish and a fresh juice.
Day two: the river
Take a full-day boat trip. The classic choice is Monkey Island, which combines rescued monkeys with river scenery and often a village stop, but you can also take a full-day river adventure or a private tour of the Itaya, Nanay and Amazon. Leave in the morning for the best wildlife and cooler weather, bring a rain jacket and sun protection and plan a relaxed evening. If you like fishing, add a piranha-fishing session at a quiet bend.
Day three: rescue centers and food
Spend the morning at the Amazon Rescue Center to see manatees, or take a boat to the Pilpintuwasi butterfly farm in Padre Cocha, which also houses rescued animals. In the afternoon, join a food tour of the center, trying juanes, tacacho, river fish and Amazon fruit. End with a sunset boat ride on the Itaya and the Amazon, one of the most atmospheric ways to say goodbye to the city.
Variations
If you want a night in the forest, replace the second day with a one-night lodge stay and keep the city days on either side. If you prefer nature to culture, swap the food tour for a birdwatching morning or a white-sand forest hike. Travelers with more time can extend to five days by adding a reserve trip, a camping night or a cruise. Families with younger children may prefer to drop the market and focus on the butterfly farm, the manatee center and a short boat ride.
Pacing and weather
The heat is intense between late morning and mid-afternoon, so plan indoor time or a rest in the middle of the day. Afternoon storms are common in the wetter months, and a rain jacket or poncho is more useful than an umbrella on a boat. Always carry water, sun protection and repellent, and wear comfortable shoes. If a storm cancels a boat trip, use the time for a museum, a long lunch or a coffee on the plaza.
Getting around
Mototaxis are cheap, quick and everywhere, and most of this itinerary can be done with them, with a few tours that include pickup. Agree on the fare in advance, and use registered vehicles at night. Walk where it is pleasant, such as the Malecon and the plaza, and hire boats only through licensed operators. Keep an eye on your phone and bag in crowded areas.
Where to stay
A central hotel makes the days easy, and a waterfront hotel gives the best views. Mid-range hotels with a pool are a good compromise, and budget hotels work if you spend most of the day outside. Book early for busy periods, and ask your hotel to store luggage if you plan a lodge stay. A little planning makes the days easier and leaves room for the unexpected, which is half the joy of Iquitos.
A rainy-day plan
If a storm sets in, swap outdoor stops for indoor ones. Spend a long lunch over regional dishes, join the food tour, visit a museum or gallery in the center and wait for the weather to pass, which it often does within a couple of hours. Rain also makes the market and the river atmospheric, so a poncho and a good attitude can turn a wet afternoon into a highlight. Keep your electronics in dry bags and your itinerary loose.