- Home
-
Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Iquitos is the largest city in the Amazon rainforest, known for its vibrant culture and biodiversity. |
👥 Population | Approx. 450,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 10-20 Mbps in most areas; higher in some cafes and coworking spaces. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Peruvian Sol (PEN). Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 3.65 PEN. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz; standard plugs are Type A and C. |
📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are the primary mobile providers offering good coverage. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; ATMs available in city center. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and guesthouses; Airbnb prevalent. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; cards accepted in major establishments but expect to carry cash. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals are available, starting from $15/night. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel El Colibrí offers beds from $10/night. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Estación Biológica; close to main attractions and restaurants. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center, near Plaza de Armas, offers coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workos, offering fast WiFi and a collaborative environment. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Jaya serves excellent coffee and has a quiet ambiance for work. |
💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local expat groups; check Facebook for updates. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Iquitos Expat Meetup hosts regular social gatherings; connect via their Facebook group. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Beat, available in Iquitos for convenient rides. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent bikes from local shops; rates around $5/day. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches; Amazon river beaches are about an hour away. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines operates flights to major cities. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca provides international connections from Iquitos. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Iquitos is only accessible by boat or plane; no highways lead into the city. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; all transport is via road or water. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local mototaxis and combis offer affordable transport; no passes available. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Boats to nearby towns and cities; regular boat departures available. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital mão grande is the top facility, offering basic medical services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Casa del Yoga offers classes and wellness events. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Fitness Iquitos is popular with locals; monthly memberships available. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Express offers quick laundry services around the city. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa, popular for local food deliveries. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Juane, a traditional rice and chicken dish seasoned with local spices. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Karma offers an extensive vegetarian menu. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería Iquitos is known for its ice cream and sweet treats. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Belen has local produce and affordable street food. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Linio Peru offers a variety of online shopping options. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Jumbo offers grocery delivery services in Iquitos. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Banda del Rio offers live music and a vibrant nightlife. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Iquitos brews local beers; tours available. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca offers a range of wines from the region. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around Plaza de Armas; try ceviche and anticuchos. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante El Lagarto serves great grilled meat dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Iron House and the Plaza de Armas are essential visits. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Histórico Iquitos showcases local history. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Casa de Fierro is notable for its architectural design. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia Matriz de Iquitos offers beautiful architecture and history. |
🎉 Annual Events | Festival de la Anaconda in September celebrates local culture. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Barrio aSviva is popular for local art and cultural events. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Iquitos hosts local performances and shows. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Belén is famous for its handicrafts and local specialties. |
🎼 Music Scene | Local bars around the Plaza de Armas have live performances weekly. |
🎨 Street Art | Mural Art Project showcases local artists; many murals around the city. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary schools offer classes on traditional Peruvian cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Iquitos features local artists' works. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many colonial buildings can be found near the main square. |
🏴 Local Heritage | The culture reflects a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, accessible by boat. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is famous for its biodiversity. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Amazon river provide scenic walks. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints overlooking the Amazon River offer stunning sunset views. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Laguna Moronacocha is notable for birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Approved areas along the river for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SerPost provides parcel delivery services throughout Peru. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | MultiServicios offers phone and computer repairs. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several parks have tables; check local community centers. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Escuela de Idiomas offers Spanish classes for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal is a quiet place to study. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Iquitos offers cultural events and classes. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes with gaming options are available around the city. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Fiesta offers a small gaming venue in the city. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 29.5% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
🧾 VAT | 18% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulatory scrutiny exists. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on the property's value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% for property sales. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Peru has no specific tax exemptions for digital nomads. |