When traveling to Peru you will not want to miss the Peruvian Amazon as part of your tour. There are two different zones you can visit, the Puerto Maldonado area of Peru, which is close to Cusco. Maldonado is your typical jungle town with much happening on the river and many wonderful jungle lodges to visit. However, what we will talk about in this article is the Iquitos area of Peru and the Iquitos weather, which will play an important part of any Peruvian Amazon tours.
Iquitos was founded in 1757 as a Jesuit mission, though indigenous tribes actively resisted conversion. In the 1870s, the great rubber boom boosted the population 16-fold and for the next 30 years, Iquitos was the scene of wealth and abject poverty. Rubber barons became fabulously rich, while rubber tappers mainly local tribespeople suffered virtual enslavement and sometimes death from disease or bad treatment.
If you plan to take a luxury Amazon cruise in Peru than Iquitos is the place to start. The city has different ports from which to depart. There is a choice of four, five & seven day cruises on offer, most offer all the luxury inclusions that you will need and expect. Explore the jungle on one of the many shore excursions, relax on deck with a cocktail and dine on chef prepared meals in the dining room with your fellow guest. Most of the cabins have floor to ceiling windows for maximum views, all this on an Amazon River cruise.
The weather will play an important in your decision on when to travel to Iquitos. Average temperatures in Iquitos vary barely all year round, temperatures are hot and humid all year with a chance of rain most of the year. The temperatures and climate in Iquitos mirror those of the surrounding Amazon rainforest high water and low water seasons. On average, the temperatures in Iquitos are high ranging from 70 – 91 F (21-33 C).
There are two seasons in Iquitos, the high water season from December to May, which sees the rivers at their highest at this time the rivers are passable and there is access to more of the jungle. The temperatures drop slightly and nights are very pleasant, but the humidity is high. The wet or high water season is the best time to see wildlife in the Iquitos area. There is a chance to see in the wild, Pink Dolphins, giant river Otters, Amazon Manatees, Night Monkeys, Giant River Turtles and many other species that live near or in the river. Another great advantage of Travel to Iquitos in the high water season is the amount of birds that you will see, some of which will include white herons, toucans, jacamars and the wonderful macaws.
The low water season is from June to December and the temperature will be hotter. There will however be less rain and fewer bugs. If you decide to take an Amazon Cruise than you will experience more land excursions. There will still be wildlife to enjoy both in the forest and in the river and if you love to fish this is the perfect time.
The busiest month for tourism in Iquitos is January followed by March and May. Price for hotels and flight can be more expensive, but these months can the most pleasant. June is the month that there the least amount of tourists. There are only two ways to travel to Iquitos there in no road to the city so you will need to fly from Lima or Cusco or travel the lengthy rivers to arrive at the port town.
From the town of Iquitos you can take Amazon Rainforest tours. There are many lodges located close the town. From these lodges you can enjoy the many attractions that the area has to offer. Tour the lakes, see the animals and take jungle hikes that will be all a part of your jungle experience. Stay in a luxury lodge and be pampered with five star cuisine and massages if you desire. If your budget will not stretch to luxury than there are budget friendly places that you can stay.
Iquitos is full of luxury tours in Peru that you can enjoy. Take a luxury cruise and travel the waters of the Amazon Basin. The weather in Iquitos varies from month to month and whatever month you choose to travel to Peru you will have a life changing experience.
The locals say there is no bad time to visit Iquitos and the Iquitos weather is perfect all year round for a luxury jungle experience. If you do not plan to take a cruise and want to experience the jungle on dry land than there are many great jungle lodges to enjoy. The Peruvian Amazon is the perfect place for your next vacation with so much to see and do for your luxury vacation or a family trip travel to Iquitos.
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