5 best jungle lodges in the Northern Peruvian Amazon for wildlife lovers

The Amazon Rainforest is the habitat of most of the wildlife in world. Peru, after Brazil, is the country with the second portion of the Amazon basin and is the country where the Amazon river itself begins at the Quehuisha mountain (Arequipa) and takes its name in the meeting of the waters between the Marañón and the Ucayali rivers, near to Nauta, located around 100 km or 62 miles south Iquitos, the main city and port in the Peruvian Amazon. The Peruvian Amazon is isolated so has one of the healthiest jungle habitats in South America. We have picked out five best and favorites ecolodges in Iquitos, located more than 70 km or 43 mi away from the city (primary jungle) to help you to take a good decision for a wildlife-focused trip.

YVY MARA EY LODGE

Based out in the Yarina village inside the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, around 100 km (62 miles) southwest of Nauta city; is administered by villagers of Yarina who are committed on the sustainable use and protection of the natural resources of the reserve and were trained and assisted by the Peruvian government and NGOs. Yvy Mara Ey (Kukama Kukamiria language for “The land without harm”) offers confortable cottages surrounded by primary and protected jungle, with electricity provided by solar panels until 10 pm, private bathroom, shower with cold water. Staff is very kind, helpful and knowledgeable about the Amazon flora and fauna because they grew in the Reserve. Rates are all inclusive. Ivy Mara Ey is the first Green Choice accredited lodge in all over Peru, a sustainable tourism certification. Minimum required is 4 days / 3 nights.
Information and rates: reservas@pacaya-samiria.com ; www.pacaya-samiria.com

CURASSOW AMAZON LODGE

To reach is necessary an almost 4-hour speedboat ride along the Amazon River. Surrounded by a lot of lagoons in a wildlife-rich corridor between the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve (a RAMSAR site and one of the largest government-protected areas in the Amazon), its location 190 km (85 miles) south Iquitos within protected and virgin rainforest is home of primates, river dolphins, caimans, tropical birds, butterflies, and more; ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. Their comfortable and secluded bungalows (cabins) starts from USD 105 per person per night, with private bathroom, shower and running water 24 hours, kerosene lights line walkways and limited electricity to avoid disturb the nature. Rate includes meals (full-board), transfers and activities led by local guides as canoe trips, jungle treks, camping, birding, piranha fishing and sport fishing. Minimum stays of 2 nights.
Contact them for more information: info@curassowlodge.com ; www.curassowlodge.com

EXPLORNAPO LODGE

This is one of the lodges operated by Explorama in Iquitos. It is located in a stream of the Napo River in the Sucusari Private Reserve, around 160 km (62 miles) northeast Iquitos, it has a one of the longest canopy walkways in the world with almost 500 meters-long and 40 meters-high, to observe closer birds, primates and spiders. Lodge is rustic but every room has private bathroom and mosquito nets. Also, WiFi is available. Varied and tasteful meals are included. They recommend a 5 day /4 night program. Rates start from USD 550 per person per night.
Further information: amazon@explorama.com ; www.explorama.com

HATUCHAY PACAYA SAMIRIA LODGE

Located on the left banks of the Marañón River, within the buffer zone of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve has eight confortable cottages built according to the local architecture with bathroom, shower and water. Most of their staff is descendants of the Kukama Kukamiria indigenous people and offer activities insider the reserve as walking, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching, visiting villages working on protecting natural resources and in October liberating baby taricayas (Podocnemis unifilis) into the river. Hatuchay is helping people of the nearby village of San Jorge in assess their Kukama culture and to be proud of it through their arts and language.
More information: www.hatuchayhotelsperu.com/pacaya-samiria/

...AND TWO OPTIONS IN LAGUNAS VILLAGE

The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is one of the largest government-protected areas in South America with its astonishing density of wildlife. Most of the authorized tour companies are based in Iquitos, but the small village of Lagunas, located on the left bank of the Marañón river opposite the reserve and 4 hours downstream from Yurimaguas city is a good place to start an expedition to this park. In Lagunas is possible to find two small local groups as ESTYPEL and Huayruro Tours that organize trips to pristine areas of the reserve for affordable rates, an option for those adventure and budget travelers in route to Iquitos by boat from Tarapoto and Yurimaguas. There are no banks in Lagunas, take cash in Yurimaguas. Most of the guides are Spanish-speaking. Required a minimum stay of 3 days and 2 nights suggested.
More information: ESTYPEL: www.estypel.com | Huayruro Tours: www.peruvianrainforest.com/en/

What do you think about these options?

Iquitos Hotels and hostels (accommodations)

Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazonia. This city offers more than 185 accommodations from a 5-star hotel to many economical hostels and budget dormitories. We have checked some registered accommodations and we have classified them according their price ranges for a single room as following: 

• Luxury: Over S/. 180 Soles. 
• Mid-range: S/. 90 to 180 Soles. 
• Budget: Under S/. 90 Soles. 
• Dormitory (shared room): S/. 20 Soles per person. 

These are our favourites, located at walking distance from the Plaza de Armas (Main Square):

LUXURY

1. El Dorado Plaza Hotel and Business. Jr. Napo 254-258. Modern looking is opposite the Plaza de Armas. The only 5-star hotel in Iquitos. It has a business centre, restaurant, bar, and pool. Rates are over S/. 550 Soles. 

2. Victoria Regia Hotel & Suites. Jr. Ricardo Palma 252. A 3-star hotel with the facilities of a 5-star. This is one of the best options for travellers looking for elegant facilities and an outstanding service. It is located within walking distance the Plaza de Armas, only 4 blocks away. Facilities include restaurant, café, pool, business centre, and more. Around S/. 200 Soles.

3. Samiria Jungle Hotel. Jr. Ricardo Palma 159. Located within walking distance from the Plaza de Armas (4 blocks away), is one of the two newest accommodations (join with Gran Marañón). It has pool, restaurant, and business centre. Around S/. 200 Soles.

4. El Dorado Isabel. Jr. Napo 362. One block from the Plaza de Armas, has pool, wifi, and restaurant. Around S/. 230 Soles.

MID-RANGE

1. Emperador Terraza Hotel Iquitos. Jirón Fitzcarrald 191. info@emperadorterraza.com. Located right off the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) and one block from the Main Church in Iquitos, this small, charm and elegant hotel is situated close to the city’s famous historic buildings, museums, banks, ATMs, malls, and tourist services. Emperador Terraza features a classical and contemporary design, with 12 rooms with modern amenities including flat screen TV, air conditioner or electric fan, intercom, fitted closet, safe box, and private bathroom with shower. The hotel has 24-hour reception desk, room service, wireless Internet area, Internet PC (WIFI), luggage storage and specialized tourist information. Their staff is friendly, polite, helpful, and reliable; most of them speak pretty good English. They accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners cards. Rates include continental breakfast. Rates from S/ 70 Soles.

2. Terra Bella. www.terrabellaperu.com. Jr. Putumayo 442. A samll hotel located two blocks the Main Square, featuring 13 rooms with TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, minibar, private bathroom.

3. Casa Morey Hotel Boutique. Jr. Loreto 220. This building is a Historical Monument belonging to the Rubber Era (1879-1914). Was built on 1912, it is located 4 blocks from the Plaza de Armas offers very spacious rooms, with a romantic, nineteen-century look. Has a library stocked with books on flora and fauna, and pool. Also, its hall has a collection of stuff of the Rubber Era in the Amazon. Ideal for history lovers. Rates from S/ 150 Soles.

4. Nativa Apartments. Jirón Nanay 144. Located four blocks from the Main Square, has 13 quiet, clean and confortable apartments, with air conditioning, WIFI, hot water, cable TV and kitchenette with microwave, glasses and fridge. Rates from S/ 180 Soles.

5. Gran Marañón. Jr. Loreto 446. Is one of the two newest accommodations (join with Gran Marañón), located only 4 blocks from the Plaza de Armas. It offers spacious facilities, business centre, wifi, restaurant, and pool. A good relationship between quality and rate. Rates from S/ 130 Soles.

6. Marañón Hotel. Jr. Nauta 285-289. One block from the Plaza de Armas. Among the facilities are included wifi, restaurant, and pool. Rates from S/ 100 Soles.

7. Acosta Hotel. Two blocks from the Plaza de Armas, this is a small 3-star hotel. A good option if you are looking for some comfortable and reliable place. Rates from S/ 130 Soles.

8. La Casona Hotel. Clean and quiet, this 2-star hotel is half block from the Plaza de Armas. It has a shared kitchenette, courtyard, and a little library. Rates from S/ 90 Soles.

9. Ambassador. Clean rooms and central location, three blocks from the Plaza de Armas. Rates from S/ 90 Soles.

10. El Colibrí. A clean and good option at one block from the Plaza de Armas.

BUDGET

1. La Pascana.

2. Florentina.

DORMITORY

(S/.20 Soles per person on shared rooms)
 

1. Las Golondrinas. Putumayo block 10. Around 15-minutes walk from the Plaza de Armas, this is the only backpacker that has a pool in Iquitos. Rates from S/ 25 Soles.

To get a complete list of registered accommodations in Iquitos or Peru, please contact iPeru (iperuiquitos@promperu.gob.pe).

Also, you can get real travellers reviews about lodging and tourist services at www.tripadvisor.com

IQUITOS TRAVEL GUIDE

• Iquitos Travel Guide - Part 1 (General information)
• Iquitos Travel Guide - Part 2 (Sights and tourist attractions)
• Iquitos Travel Guide - Part 3 (Tours and day trips)
• Where to stay in Iquitos - A guide of the hotels and hostels
• Best eco lodges in Iquitos for wildlife lovers
• Iquitos, Manu or Tambopata. What is the best Peruvian Amazon destination?