Welcome to Iquitos
Iquitos, Peru, is nestled deep in the Amazon rainforest, it’s the largest city in the world that can’t be reached by road. You’ll have to take a boat or plane to get to this Amazon town, which gives a unique and different feel to your travel adventures. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be greeted by the steamy heat of the jungle, vibrant markets bursting with life, and the promise of Amazonian adventures. But before all of that you will need a place to rest your head.
In this post we are going to look at Iquitos hostel, where to stay and what to expect options for the budget backpacker. Your hostel is going to be a key to providing a good experience in Iquitos, but do not expect the glitz and glamour that other hostels in places like Cusco can offer, you also wont find a wild nightlife here. Iquitos is for the intrepid traveller looking for something totally different.
Here you will be back to basics, but lets be honest, sometimes the most basic of hostels make the best stories, you know you are off the beaten track when you are washing with a bucket of water! Fear not however as you WILL find running water in the hostels, but it may not be available if you head into the rainforest on a multiple day excursion so you need to ensure you have enough and appropriate clothing!
The great thing about staying in a hostels is the cost. In Iquitos you can get a room for the night for less that 10 dollars (or 8 euro) and for that price its hard to complain about anything! That said if you want a comfortable stay in a hotel then Iquitos is home to a Hilton but it will set you back around $133 a night!
First things first you need to get to Iquitos.
Getting to Iquitos
There are two ways to get to Iquitos by Air or by Water, if you are heading by air then the best bet is to do this from Lima, simply, its going to be a lot cheaper to do a domestic flight than going from Bogota or Leticia in Colombia or even Brazil.
Usually the flight is around £100 (return) depending on time of the year and even day of the week but you can usually find a last minute deal from Skyscanner to help you along the way, have a look below to see your options and costs.
The second way to get to Iquitos is via boat. This will be from Leticia in Colombia if you are coming from the North. I have done a blog post on this as it is a route that is complex and not to be taken lightly, especially given the recent warning regarding the border from the USA and UK governments. If you want to know more about this then check out these two blog posts ... 'Is Peru Safe for backpackers?' and 'Leticia to Colombia by boat'
Iquitos Hostels: Where to stay and what to Expect
No.1. Flying Dog Hostel - Top Pick Overall
Private Room: Around $28 USD per night
Dorm Bed: Around $8 USD per night
If you’ve been backpacking through Peru, the name Flying Dog might ring a bell, it’s part of a popular chain known for its traveler-friendly vibe. The Iquitos branch lives up to the brand’s reputation, offering a lively atmosphere right in the heart of the city. This hostel is a go-to for those who love being in the thick of things, with the Plaza de Armas just a stone’s throw away.
Pros:Â The location is unbeatable, putting you right in the centre of Iquitos, with restaurants, bars, and markets all within walking distance. The hostel also organises regular social activities, making it easy to meet fellow traveler's.
Cons: The downside of being in the heart of the city is the noise—if you’re a light sleeper, the bustling streets below might keep you up at night. Also, while the Wi-Fi is free, it can be spotty, especially when the hostel is full. It took me a long time to book my ongoing flight from the computer in the lobby. Although, the whole thing created a bit of an experience in its self. It felt like stepping back in time to the days of the internet cafe!
No.2. Moicca Youth Hostel - For the Eco Concious
Dorm Bed: Around $8 USD per night
Overview:Â A more typical low key hostel that will give you a comfortable enough stay. Good as a base camp and place to rest your head
Pros:Â This place has signed up and made commitments to ensure sustainable measures are implemented and use solar to heat the water tanks but there are cons to that that are ...
Cons:Â You are not guaranteed a warm shower. Less thrills more a place to rest your head. Not the safest part of town at night.
No.3. Hospedaje Neydita - Top pick for a private Room and couples
Private Room: Around $28 USD per night
Overview:Â New kid on the block for 2024 so you should have a clean stay however the social experience will be lacking on this one as there are only two room and they are both private doubles! Perhaps a good option if you are looking for a bit of jungle solitude or if you are a backpacking couple just needing a place to stay whilst waiting for a rainforest excursion.
Pros: Each room has a private bathroom fitted with a shower with toiletries. The rooms have a fan, WiFi and most of them have cable TV. There is a terrace with a park view on the second level and a shared kitchen, dining room and garden area on the first level for socialising.
Cons: You will likely meet couples here rather than solo travellers as the rooms are doubles (although this may not be a con?) I guess what I am trying to say is if you stay here as a solo traveller you will probably meet people who will have there excursions and days all set.
No.4. Amazon Dream House Iquitos - Waterfront Views & Internet access
Private Room: Around $25 USD per night
Overview:Â The Amazon Dream Hostel is located right on the river with beautiful views from the dining area. This place is a short walk from Plaza de Armas and the main Boulevard. All of the rooms have a private bath with hot showers and air conditioning.
Pros: Friendly staff, who are well connected, starlink internet.
Cons: Again a place where you will not find as many solo travellers as there are no dorms.
No.5. Amazon House Iquitos - AC available, residentual neighbourhood!
Private Room: Around $25 USD per night
Dorm Bed: Around $12 USD per night
Overview:Â Located on a quiet street and run by locals Amazon House will give you a good nights rest away from the bustling sounds of the tuc tuc heavy streets.
Pros: Internet connection, sunset view, great budget option. You can book a jungle adventure tours from here there is a laundry service offered here and you can pay for a breakfast.
Cons: A little bit away from the main centre of Iquitos, you will need a tuc tuc to get you places especially at night.
Top Experience Stay in Iquitos
Ok so you have spent all this money getting to Iquitos, so if you want to really make the most of your time and have a unique experience then its time to take a look at the Amazon Oasis Floating Lodge.
Amazon Oasis Floating Lodge
Private Bungalow Room: Around $94 USD per night
Overview:Â So at circa $94 a night, its not the cheapest but if you are travelling as a two then it makes it much more palatable and could be a perfect romantic and tranquil get away. You will have a pretty unique stay that is more of an experience where you are truly immersed into the amazon. If you have read my blog on my three day adventure in the amazon, then you will know this solitude and environment can be pretty magical to make you feel removed from the world as we know it. If this is the experience you are looking for then this is the perfect place to stay.
Insider Tips for Backpackers in Iquitos
Best Time to Visit:Â The dry season (May to October) is generally the best time to visit Iquitos, as the weather is more manageable and the river levels are lower, making it easier to explore the jungle. However, the wet season offers its own unique beauty, with lush landscapes and fewer tourists.
Health and Safety: Make sure you’re up-to-date on vaccinations before traveling, and always use mosquito repellent, malaria and dengue fever are risks in the Amazon. Drink bottled water or make sure you have a great filter with you, and be cautious with street food, as hygiene standards may vary.
Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying local Amazonian dishes like juane (rice with meat and spices wrapped in banana leaves) or tacacho (mashed plantains). The market near the Plaza de Armas is a great place to sample these delicacies. And of course, wash it all down with a cold beer or a glass of aguaje juice, a local favourite.
Iquitos Peru Hostels: What to Expect Summary
So now we know Iquitos Peru Hostels make your stay in Iquitos even more memorable, whether you’re looking to dive deep into the jungle or just unwind after a day of exploring. From the central and social Flying Dog to the eco-friendly retreat at Green Track, there’s something for every type of traveller. No matter which hostel you choose, you’re sure to find a welcoming community of backpackers and hostel/ hotel staff ready to share the adventure.
For the curious explorer
For reference, I have an affiliate agreement with Hostel World (orange links) but I do not with Booking.com (blue links), this will in no way effect any selections or advise. If you book through hostel world I may receive a small amount of commission which will not increase the cost to you the reader of this blog, however it will help me massively continue to develop this website. Any booking through an affiliate link is much appreciated and my thanks go to you for reading and helping. Cheers Jack.
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