The large Amazon city of Iquitos, Peru is where plenty of travelers end up. Generally, people fly here, either from Lima, Cusco, or other major Peru cities, and once they arrive, guided treks, visits to Amazon lodges and other jungle adventures await them. Perched on the banks of the Amazon River, Iquitos is an interesting city, much unlike those you will find in the Andes Mountains and along Peru’s Pacific coast. While the Manu National Park is also a great place to explore the Amazon Rainforest, the rates for tours and excursions in Iquitos are generally more budget-friendly. Being a main stopping point before heading into the jungle, there are some nice hotels in Iquitos. Though they are generally priced a bit above average for the country overall, you can often find good discounts for even the best Iquitos accommodation options. Iquitos lodging is not full of luxury choices, as most of the truly attractive jungle hotels in Peru are of the jungle lodge variety.
The modern El Dorado Plaza hotel is arguably the top Iquitos lodging option found around town. You can’t mistake it, as it is a recognizable high-rise that is obviously newer than most surrounding structures. The rooms here are pretty plush, and of good size, comparing with the best hotels that you will find in such cities as Lima and Cusco. The El Dorado Plaza is popular with visitors who come for jungle tours, and you can have either a room overlooking the Plaza de Armas, or one overlooking the great outdoor pool. Room amenities include air conditioning, cable television, a safe, a minibar and a hair dryer. There is 24-hour room service, and the jacuzzi, sauna and fitness center are ideal for exercise and relaxation all at once. For a small fee, you can rent a three wheeler at the El Dorado, though if you are not an able rider, you might skip that perk. Laundry service is available here, and the hotel restaurant and bars serve up some good fare and some nice drinks. While the rates here are relatively low when considering other big cities around the world, be sure to check for deals, as they offer them frequently.
Coming in just behind the El Dorado for most comfortable Iquitos Peru hotels is the Vicotoria Regia Hotel and Suites. It is another more modern hotel, but it is located in a residential neighborhood just outside of the center of town. All rooms here are spacious, especially the suites, of course, and they are very well priced in terms of the amenities, cleanliness and comfort. Rates here include the nice breakfast buffet, and the powerful air conditioning will certainly be appreciated. Rooms feature a minibar, cable TV, a safe, and the hotel offers an excellent restaurant, and a nice indoor pool. Business travelers, or those just looking to stay in touch, can pay a bit extra to use the business center with internet access. There is laundry service here, and the overall service is among the best when it comes to Iquitos lodging.
If you are making your way around Peru and saving money by staying in hostels, you might consider paying a bit more than the average hostel price for a night or two at the Hostal Ambasador. Hostelling International members get additional discounts on rates, and all rooms have bathrooms, air conditioning and cable television. The rooms certainly aren’t elegant, but are nicely painted and pretty clean, with ok beds. The Hostal Ambasador enjoys a good location near the center of town, and the good hotel restaurant serves up dishes you can have delivered to your room around the clock. There is also a pretty good bar here, and after a jungle tour, or a few days out trekking the Andes, the laundry service should come in real handy. There are 25 units at the Ambasador, and since the Iquitos hotels are a bit pricier than other parts of the country, the rates are a bit higher than most Peru hostels.
If you want a good deal on Iquitos lodging on the Amazon River, you might choose to stay at the Real Hotel Iquitos, which is moderately-priced by Peru standards. You can’t beat the rooms that overlook the river and the riverwalk. Each room is fairly large, and amenities include air conditioning and cable television. The furnishings and overall decor of the 54 units is neither elegant, or luxurious, but should do, especially when you consider the level of service here. The Real Hotel is part of a group of hotels that are found across Peru, and it is clean and well run. There is also laundry service available here, and the restaurant and bar are agreeable indeed. You can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast at the Real Hotel, and before your trip either into the Amazon or back to Lima, you can hardly go wrong with this choice for Iquitos Peru hotels.
