Iquitos, Peru 🇵🇪
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon and serves as the capital of the Maynas Province. |
👥 Population | Approximately 450,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 15 Mbps, with options for fiber-optic connections available. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3.60 PEN. ATMs widely available, but exchange rates may vary. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, with Type A and C sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Providers include Movistar, Claro, and Entel, with prepaid options available at local shops. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; most banks provide services for international accounts. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include hostels, hotels, and Airbnb, with prices ranging from $10/night for shared rooms to $40/night for private accommodations. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; larger businesses accept cards but smaller vendors often require cash. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with prices averaging $25 to $50 per night. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Iquitos and La casa de los abuelos offer dorm beds starting at around $10. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Amazon Coworking offers reliable internet and a comfortable workspace for $5/day. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafezinho provides Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere for $1 coffee. |
💼 Networking Events | Peru Nomad Network hosts monthly meetups for digital nomads. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Iquitos Expats Community Facebook group for local events. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use Uber or local taxi services for reliable transport. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Hoopla bike rentals offer hourly and daily rates starting at $5. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Punta San Juan Beach is a popular spot about 30 minutes away by boat. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines connects Iquitos to other cities in Peru. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and Copa Airlines provide international flights from Iquitos. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Iquitos is not connected by road; travel is primarily by boat or air. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; boat transport is the main transit option. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport passes; mototaxis and taxis operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Boats and flights are the main means of traveling to nearby towns and regions. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Apoyo Iquitos is the primary healthcare facility. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Peaceful Center offers yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Club de Leones has various fitness facilities and classes. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderia El Buen Servicio provides laundry services starting at $1 per kg. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is widely used for food deliveries across Iquitos. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the juanes, a traditional dish made with rice, meat, and spices. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante Al Frio y Al Fuego offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladeria Jhonny's is known for its delicious ice creams. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Bellavista offers fresh produce and local goods at low prices. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is a popular platform for online shopping. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Glovo delivers groceries from local supermarkets. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Malecón is a vibrant area known for its bars and nightlife. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Amazónica offers unique local brews. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Los Amores is a cozy wine bar with local selections. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try anticuchos (grilled skewers) sold in various street stalls. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Manos Peruanas offers a mix of Peruvian and Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historic Plaza de Armas and the Iron House. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo Amazónico showcases the region's culture and biodiversity. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Casa de Fierro is a famous landmark designed by Gustave Eiffel. |
🕍 Religious Sites | St. John the Baptist Cathedral is a prominent local church. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Festival de la Amazonía takes place every September. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Belén district, known for its market and local culture. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Cine Dola is a local venue for films and performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Belén is a floating market worth visiting. |
🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common at bars along the Malecón, featuring local bands. |
🎨 Street Art | Street art is prevalent in the city, with murals reflecting local culture. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at El Corazón teach regional cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Iquiteño showcases local artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Customs House is an example of colonial architecture. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Iquitos is a blend of indigenous culture and Peruvian influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the Yanayacu de Yarinacocha, a stunning river and nature reserve. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Manu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site accessible from Iquitos. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths along the riverbanks provide opportunities for cycling. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Catch the sunset at the Malecón for breathtaking views over the Amazon River. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve for excellent birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the riverbanks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services provide parcel delivery options. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech services like Applestore Iquitos assist with electronics. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check out Club Deportivo Iquitos for table tennis facilities. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish classes for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional de Iquitos is a quiet place for reading. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Communities often host gatherings at the Centro Cultural Iquiteño. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Look for local gaming clubs that offer consoles and PCs. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Marina is a popular venue for those interested in gaming. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $52,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 29.5% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 4.1% |
🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on Peruvian-sourced income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
🧾 VAT | 18% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Peru has regulations governing foreign companies. |
🏠 Property Tax | Enforced based on the declared value of the property. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 3% on property transfers. |