Amazon River

The mighty Amazon River and its enormous, thickly forested basin are the heart of South America, the lungs of the world and the guardian of one fifth of the Earth’s fresh water. This river is the reason for Iquitos’ very existence and though it flows past the northern tip of the city, a bit beyond the river walk, the Rio Itaya, its influence is felt by everyone.
While its origins are much contested—any of the big river’s innumerable tributaries has a legitimate claim to the title—the “Birthplace of the Amazon” can be said to lie at the confluence of the Ucayali and Maranon Rivers, accessible from the Port of Nauta, 90km (56mi) from Iquitos on the newish paved highway. It is the quintessential daytrip, allowing travelers to ascend a 30m (100ft) observation tower that offers the region’s iconic photo op.
There are several ways to experience the Amazon and its unparalleled biodiversity, all of them beginning with a boat trip along its slow and storied descent toward the Atlantic. Whether you are here to see the famed pink and gray dolphins, manatees and some 300 weird and wonderful species of fish that populate its waters, or experience the almost untainted indigenous culture still holding on along its banks, there are operators in Iquitos eager to arrange the perfect tour for you.