Peru · Jungle Expedition

6-Day Iquitos Amazon Camping Expedition with Palo Alto Mirador

6 Days Round trip from Iquitos Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Enjoy a thrilling night-time caiman excursion
  • 02 Explore lagoons and tributaries on guided rainforest hikes and canoe rides
  • 03 Spot exotic birds and try piranha fishing in the Amazon
  • 04 Experience the culture of native Amazonian tribes and local villages
  • 05 Camp at Mirador Palo Alto for a bird's-eye view of the lowland rainforest

This 6-day, 5-night Iquitos Amazon tour takes you deep into the rainforest for an immersive jungle camping adventure from Iquitos. Along the way, you'll explore lagoons and tributaries, enjoy rainforest hikes and canoe rides, try piranha fishing, spot pink river dolphins, and experience a thrilling night-time caiman excursion. The journey also includes visits to local villages and native Amazonian tribes, plus 1 night of camping at Mirador Palo Alto, a three-story observation tower with a stunning bird's-eye view of the lowland rainforest. It is a true Amazon expedition filled with unforgettable wildlife and cultural encounters.

In the morning, we'll embark on a jungle hike (30-45 minutes) to the "Palo Alto Mirador," a lookout point with three observation decks at 5, 10, and 15 meters above ground, offering stunning bird's-eye views of the lowland Amazon.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Iquitos
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Iquitos to the Amazon via Nanay and Monkey Island

  • Morning departure from Iquitos City by car to the port town of Nanay (Bellavista), where the Nanay River meets the Amazon River. From there, we will travel by boat downriver for about 70 km, approximately 2 hours. During the journey, we'll have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as caimans, turtles, herons, pink river dolphins, snakes, and many other species along the riverbank.
  • Our first stop will be Monkey Island, where you will have the unique opportunity to observe and interact with a variety of monkeys in their natural habitat. These include sloths, Goeldi's monkeys, Tamarin monkeys, Capuchin monkeys, Yellow-Handed Titi monkeys, Masked Titi monkeys, Woolly monkeys, Squirrel monkeys, Spider monkeys, and more. You will also have the chance to hold large anacondas and boas and interact with the rare Amazonian mata-mata turtle. Additionally, we'll see alligators, turtles, toucans, macaws, and parrots.
  • We will continue our journey to the Yanayacu tributary, where we will set up camp.
  • In the afternoon, we'll enjoy a dolphin-watching session with the chance to see the pink freshwater dolphin. If lucky, we may even swim with them in the river.
  • In the evening, we will take a nocturnal nature hike to see species such as lizards, snakes, spiders, and possibly monkeys.

Overnight camping at the Yanayacu tributary.

2
Day 02

Sunrise, Fishing, Victoria Regia, and Night Caimans

  • We will wake early to watch the sunrise over the Amazon River and then head out for a morning boat excursion to observe various types of flora and fauna.
  • In the afternoon, we will embark on a fishing excursion with the opportunity to catch piranhas, catfish, and other species of fish.
  • Later, we'll visit the Victoria Regia, the largest freshwater aquatic plant in the world.
  • After sunset, we will go on a canoe excursion to spot and catch caimans, giving you the opportunity to hold, touch, and take photos with them.

Overnight camping at the Yanayacu tributary.

3
Day 03

Village Visit, Lagoons, and Flexible Jungle Activities

  • In the morning, we will visit a local village to learn about the daily life and customs of the local people.
  • In the afternoon, we'll explore the nearby lagoons and tributaries close to the Yanayacu tributary.
  • Here, you can choose activities such as jungle hiking, canoe rides, fishing, plant education, animal observation, or simply relax with a refreshing swim in one of the lagoons or the Amazon River.
  • In the evening, we will take another nocturnal nature hike to observe species such as lizards, snakes, spiders, and possibly monkeys.

Overnight camping at the Yanayacu tributary.

4
Day 04

Palo Alto Mirador Hike and Canopy Camping

  • In the morning, we'll embark on a jungle hike (30-45 minutes) to the "Palo Alto Mirador," a lookout point with three observation decks at 5, 10, and 15 meters above ground, offering stunning bird's-eye views of the lowland Amazon.
  • During the day, we'll explore the surrounding area with activities like hiking, canoeing in the lagoon, or fishing, depending on the group's request.
  • In the evening, we will take a nocturnal walk to observe reptiles, spiders, and monkeys.

Overnight camping on the top observation deck of Palo Alto, in tents or hammocks.

5
Day 05

Birdwatching at Palo Alto and Lagoons near Río Napo

  • We'll start the morning with a birdwatching session from "Palo Alto," where you can observe a wide variety of birds.
  • Later in the day, we'll visit lagoons near the Río Napo, which are surrounded by palms, large trees, and beautiful landscapes. You can choose from activities such as trekking, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching, or simply relaxing with a swim in one of the lagoons.
  • In the late afternoon, we'll return to the Yanayacu camp for lunch. After dark, we will take an evening boat excursion in search of white and black caimans, night birds, and other reptiles, enjoying the sounds of the rainforest at night.

Overnight camping at the Yanayacu tributary.

6
Day 06

Final Jungle Walk, Native Tribe Visit, and Return to Iquitos

  • We will start the day with an early morning jungle hike, providing a unique opportunity to see monkeys, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. We'll also learn about Amazonian plants and their various uses.
  • Afterwards, we will return to Iquitos. On the way, we will visit a local native tribe to learn about their history, customs, and traditions.
  • Transfer to the airport or hotel in Iquitos to conclude the tour.
Monkey Island mangroves, Yanayacu tributary lagoons, Palo Alto Mirador observation decks

Where this trip takes you

Monkey Island mangroves, Yanayacu tributary lagoons, Palo Alto Mirador observation decks

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Iquitos 1 city · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private airport transfers
  • All local transportation
  • Meals as stated during the excursion (drinks are not included in the food package)
  • All equipment: rubber boots, fishing poles, first aid, etc.
  • Professional bilingual guide (English & Spanish)
  • All entrance fees
  • Fully guided Pacaya Samiria jungle tours and excursions as described in the itinerary
  • All camping equipment (tents, cooking supplies, etc.)

What's Not Included

  • Extra items (souvenirs, extra food, cigarettes, etc.)
  • Airfare
  • All airport taxes
  • Personal expenses: telephone calls, laundry expenses, alcoholic drinks, etc.
  • Insurance against theft, loss, illness, or accident
  • Gratuity for the tour guides
  • Hotel in Iquitos City

Airfare can be arranged upon request.

What to bring

  • T-shirts - synthetic lightweight, long-sleeve shirt(s) for sun/insect protection
  • Hiking shorts - synthetic, quick-drying
  • Hiking pants - synthetic, quick-drying
  • Hiking socks and liners
  • Swimsuit
  • Rain jacket (or poncho) - waterproof and breathable
  • Rain pants - waterproof and breathable, side zippers highly recommended
  • Lightweight windbreaker
  • Lightweight hiking boots or trail shoes (broken-in)
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
  • Water sandals or booties
  • Sunglasses and retainer strap
  • Sunblock and lip balm
  • Insect repellent with DEET

Know before you go

  • Transfers: We offer pick-up services from the Iquitos airport between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM, or from any hotel within Iquitos City. Transfers are included only on the day the tour begins. At the end of your tour, we can drop you off at the Iquitos airport or at a location in Iquitos City.
  • Camping Tour: Please note that this is a camping expedition, and you will need to bring a suitable backpack for this adventure.
  • Luggage Storage: If you have wheeled or large luggage, we can safely store it at our office during the tour.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Aeropuerto Internacional Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta (IQT), Región de Loreto, Provincia de Maynas, Perú
Tour start
Iquitos, Perú
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Iquitos.

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Starting from

USD 870 /person
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