3 Days Deep in the Iquitos Amazon

Located on the banks of the majestic Amazon River, Heliconia Amazon River Lodge is an ecolodge in Iquitos, Peru, ideal for those seeking an authentic tourism experience in the Peruvian Amazon. Surrounded by lush nature, our lodge combines adventure, comfort, and sustainability, offering cozy rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant with regional cuisine, and warm service that reflects Amazonian hospitality. Enjoy guided jungle excursions, pink river dolphin watching, hikes among ancient trees, visits to local communities, and Amazonian flora and fauna conservation programs. Experience an unforgettable connection with nature at one of the best lodges in the Peruvian Amazon, where every detail is designed to inspire, relax, and reconnect you with what’s essential.

Day 1 · Iquitos to Heliconia Lodge

Your Amazon journey begins. From the bustle of Iquitos you’ll travel by river deep into the rainforest, with a stop at Monkey Island along the way. Settle into the lodge, then ease into jungle life with a nature trek and a thrilling night boat ride.

Meals included: Lunch · Dinner

• 09:00 — Welcome & Briefing: Reception at the Heliconia Office in Iquitos. Registration, welcome briefing about your jungle adventure, and introduction to your guide.
• 10:00 — Transfer to Wharf: Comfortable land transfer through the city of Iquitos to the Bellavista–Nanay boarding wharf on the Amazon River.
• 10:30 — Motorized Boat Ride: Scenic journey along the mighty Amazon River aboard a covered motorized boat. Enjoy panoramic views of the rainforest, riverside villages, and abundant birdlife.
• 12:00 — Monkey Island Stopover: Visit a wildlife rescue island home to several species of Amazonian monkeys, including capuchins, tamarins, and woolly monkeys. Learn about the conservation work being carried out here.
• 13:30 — Arrival at Heliconia Lodge: Welcome drink on arrival and check-in to your bungalow. A few moments to settle in and refresh.
• 14:00 — Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy a delicious meal featuring fresh regional ingredients in the open-air dining hall overlooking the rainforest.
• 15:30 — Afternoon Nature Trek: Guided walk along jungle trails surrounding the lodge. Discover medicinal plants, towering trees, insects, and the small creatures that call the rainforest floor home.
• 17:30 — Sunset at the River: Watch the sun set over the Amazon — one of the most magical experiences in the rainforest.
• 18:30 — Night Boat Ride: Set out by boat to spot caimans, nocturnal birds, and other creatures whose eyes glow in the beam of a flashlight.
• 20:00 — Dinner & Overnight: Hearty dinner at the lodge. Overnight stay at Heliconia Lodge in your private bungalow with mosquito nets and private bathroom.

Day 2 · A Full Day in the Heart of the Amazon

Your most immersive day in the rainforest. From dawn bird watching to a meaningful visit with a native community, an afternoon of fishing and pink dolphin spotting, and a magical night hike — this is the Amazon at its richest.

Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

• 05:30 — Early Morning Bird Watching: Rise with the rainforest for a guided bird-watching excursion. The early hours are the most active time for spotting toucans, parrots, herons, kingfishers, and many other species.
• 07:30 — Breakfast & Refresh: Return to the lodge for a full breakfast and a chance to freshen up before the morning activity.
• 09:00 — Native Community Immersion: Visit a local riverside community to learn about traditional Amazonian customs, dances, crafts, and daily life. A genuine cultural exchange with the people of the rainforest.
• 12:30 — Lunch at the Lodge: Return to Heliconia Lodge for a relaxed lunch and a short rest during the warmest part of the day.
• 14:30 — Piranha Fishing: Set out by boat with simple rods and bait to try your luck fishing for piranhas in calm tributaries — a fun and surprisingly tricky Amazonian tradition.
• 16:30 — Pink Dolphin Observation: Cruise to areas where the famous Amazon pink river dolphins (botos) gather. With patience, watch as they surface to breathe in their natural habitat.
• 19:00 — Dinner at the Lodge: Evening meal at the lodge dining hall.
• 20:30 — Night Hike: Guided walk into the jungle after dark to discover the rainforest’s nocturnal residents — frogs, spiders, insects, and perhaps even a sleeping bird or sloth.
• 22:00 — Overnight at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for a restful night surrounded by the symphony of the jungle.

Day 3 · Heliconia Lodge to Iquitos

One last morning in the rainforest. Marvel at the giant Victoria Regia water lilies before checking out, enjoying a farewell lunch, and beginning your journey back to Iquitos in time for your flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch

• 07:00 — Breakfast: Final breakfast at the lodge as you take in your last views of the rainforest.
• 08:30 — Giant Water Lily Visit: Excursion to a nearby lagoon to admire the Victoria Regia — the largest water lily in the world, with leaves big enough to support a small child.
• 11:00 — Check Out: Pack and check out of your bungalow. Settle any extras at the lodge reception.
• 12:00 — Farewell Lunch: A final lunch at Heliconia Lodge before bidding farewell to the Amazon.
• 13:30 — Transfer to Iquitos: Return motorized boat journey along the Amazon back to the Bellavista–Nanay wharf in Iquitos.
• 15:30 — Airport Transfer: Land transfer to Iquitos Airport (IQT) for your onward flight. End of services.

• Round trip transportation by land and river (Airport / Lodge
  /Airport).
• Overnight at Heliconia Amazon River Lodge.
• Fullboard.
• House beverages during meals.
• English and Spanish interpreter services.
• Programmed excursions.
• Basic equipment for each activity.
• NOT INCLUDED:
• Airfare and local airport taxes.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal expenses and tips.
• Alcoholic drinks
• LUGGAGE: Boats allow one carry on of 10 kilos, per person.
  Extra suitcase: USD 10 or you can leave it in custody at the
  Victoria Regia Hotel & Suites free of charge.