How to get from Lima to Iquitos

Lima to Iquitos is unique: there’s no road into Iquitos. Your choices are a quick flight from Lima, or an adventurous combo via the jungle—flying or bussing to Tarapoto or Pucallpa and continuing by river fast boat or multi-day cargo boat. Below you’ll find the best options, booking links, step-by-steps, and map planners.

At A Glance (Lima to Iquitos)

Mode	Duration	Best For
✈️ Direct Flight (LIM → IQT)	~1h45–2h flight + airport transfers	Fastest, most reliable
🏷️ Cost: ~US$55–180 one-way (seasonal) » compare fares | alt. listings
🛫🚌🚤 Flight/Bus to Tarapoto → Road to Yurimaguas → Fast/Slow Boat	~1–1.5h flight + 2.5–3.5h road + 8–12h fast boat or 2–3d cargo	River travel with shorter boat time
🏷️ Cost: Flights ~US$40–120 + road ~US$5–15 + boat ~US$25–60 (fast) / ~US$20–40 (cargo hammock)
🚌🚤 Overland to Pucallpa → Ucayali Fast/Slow Boat	~16–20h bus + 3–4d cargo or ~12–20h fast boat (when operating)	Cheapest true river journey
🏷️ Cost: Bus ~US$20–45 + boat ~US$25–60 (fast) / ~US$20–40 (cargo)
🛫🏨 Fly + Amazon Lodge/Guided Package	2–5d+ tailored itinerary	Hands-off planning, first-timers
🏷️ Cost: ~US$250–800+ pp depending on length & lodge » compare tours | Klook picks

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Most Convenient: Direct flight LIM→IQT, then short ride into town.
• River experience, less time on the boat: Tarapoto → Yurimaguas → fast boat.
• Cheapest & full river life: Bus to Pucallpa + cargo boat (hammock).
• Zero hassle & guided activities: Fly + lodge package with pickups and meals included.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Airlines & prices: Compare Lima↔Iquitos fares on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com. Book early for weekends/holidays.
• Airport transfers: In Lima use official airport taxis, Cabify/Uber, or request a quote via GetTransfer. In Iquitos, mototaxis are common from the airport.
• Boat basics: For fast boats bring earplugs and a rain cover; for cargo boats bring a hammock, rope, light blanket, power bank, and snacks.
• Luggage storage: Sightseeing before/after? Use Radical Storage Lima or Radical Storage Iquitos.
• Stay a night? Browse Iquitos hotels or Lima hotels near your departure points.

✈️ Option #1 — Direct Flight (LIM → IQT) (Fastest & Easiest)

Fastest Multiple daily Weather-dependent

• Overview: Nonstop flights from Lima’s Jorge Chávez (LIM) to Iquitos (IQT). From IQT airport it’s ~15–25 minutes by taxi/mototaxi to central hotels or the Belén riverfront.
• How to book (with price): Expect ~US$55–180 one-way depending on season. Compare fares on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com (LIM→IQT). For private pickups, check GetTransfer.
• Pros: Quick, comfortable, reliable. Cons: Peak fares around holidays; weather can cause delays.

Step-by-step: Direct Flight

1. Get to LIM using Cabify/Uber or a prebooked car via GetTransfer. Arrive 2–3 hours before departure.
2. Compare and book on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online and have your ID/passport ready.
3. Land at IQT; withdraw cash if needed. Take a licensed taxi or mototaxi to your hotel or pier.
4. If you have a jungle tour, confirm your lodge pickup time and meeting point in Iquitos.

Getting to the main embarking points (LIM & IQT)

• LIM departure: Clearly signed; security can be busy. Leave early from Miraflores/Barranco/San Isidro.
• IQT arrivals: Taxi queue outside; mototaxis are cheaper for solo travelers (agree the fare first).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🛫🚌🚤 Option #2 — Tarapoto → Yurimaguas → Iquitos (Fast Boat or Cargo)

River experience Shorter boat leg More connections

• Overview: Fly or bus to Tarapoto, ride a shared taxi/van over good roads to Yurimaguas (the Huallaga/Marañón port), then take a rápido (fast boat ~8–12h) or cargo boat (2–3 days with hammock) down to Iquitos.
• How to book (with price): Flights LIM→Tarapoto ~US$40–120 (Booking.com Flights, Trip.com). Tarapoto→Yurimaguas vans ~US$5–10. Boats: fast ~US$25–60; cargo ~US$20–40 (buy at the pier). Lodges/tours from Iquitos can be compared on GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Scenic, authentic, less time on water than from Pucallpa. Cons: Multi-leg logistics; cargo boats have very basic facilities.

Step-by-step: Tarapoto → Yurimaguas → Boat

1. Fly or bus to Tarapoto (TPP). Book flights on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
2. From Tarapoto, take a shared taxi/collectivo (2.5–3.5h) to Yurimaguas port (ask for “Embarcadero/Terminal Fluvial”).
3. Choose your boat: buy a same-day ticket for the rápido (fast boat, seats) or board a cargo (bring hammock/rope; departs when loaded).
4. Arrive at Iquitos port, then mototaxi/taxi to your hotel or lodge pickup point.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tarapoto, Yurimaguas Port)

• Tarapoto: Airport is close to town—mototaxis are easy; vans to Yurimaguas leave from known agencies/stands.
• Yurimaguas Port: Ask for the fast-boat terminal versus cargo dock; buy with cash.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌🚤 Option #3 — Bus to Pucallpa → Ucayali River Boat to Iquitos (Budget, Long Journey)

Cheapest Classic cargo boats Multi-day

• Overview: Overnight/long-haul bus from Lima to Pucallpa, then boat up the Ucayali & Amazon to Iquitos: fast boats (when running) or 3–4 day cargo boats with hammocks and basic canteens.
• How to book (with price): Bus ~US$20–45 (buy at agencies/terminals). Boats purchased at Pucallpa port (fast ~US$25–60, cargo ~US$20–40). For curated experiences upon arrival to Iquitos, browse GetYourGuide or Klook.
• Pros: Deep dive into river life; very low cost. Cons: Long, basic conditions; departures can be irregular.

Step-by-step: Pucallpa → Iquitos

1. Take a Lima→Pucallpa bus (ask your Lima hotel for a recommended company and departure point).
2. In Pucallpa, head to the river port (ask for Puerto/Terminal Fluvial) and inquire about rápidos vs. carga (cargo) boats to Iquitos.
3. Buy your ticket/space (bring cash). For cargo boats, hang your hammock on the correct deck; keep valuables on you.
4. Arrive to Iquitos and take a mototaxi/taxi to your lodging.

Getting to the main embarking points (Lima terminals, Pucallpa Port)

• Lima bus terminals: Operators have their own terminals across the city—use Cabify/Uber for safe, direct access.
• Pucallpa Port: Several docks exist; ask locals for the Iquitos departure dock for that day.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🛫🏨 Option #4 — Fly + Amazon Lodge / Guided Package (Hassle-Free)

All arranged Transfers/meals included Less flexible

• Overview: Book a package that includes flights or just airport pickup, lodge transfers by boat, meals, and guided activities in reserves like Pacaya-Samiria or along the Itaya/Nanay rivers.
• How to book (with price): ~US$250–800+ pp depending on nights/comfort. Compare itineraries, pickup points, and inclusions on GetYourGuide and Klook. Add pre/post hotels via Booking.com.
• Pros: Seamless logistics; ideal for first-timers. Cons: Fixed schedules; higher cost than DIY.

Step-by-step: Package Travel

1. Choose a lodge/tour with airport pickup in Iquitos and clear inclusions (meals, activities, boots/rubber gear).
2. Book your LIM→IQT flights on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; share your itinerary with the operator.
3. Meet your guide at IQT arrivals for the transfer to the lodge boat pier, then continue by river to your accommodation.
4. After your stay, the operator returns you to Iquitos airport or your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Iquitos Airport & city piers)

• IQT arrivals: Your guide usually meets you with a sign; otherwise use a taxi/mototaxi to the designated pier.
• City piers: Many operators use Nanay/Itaya river piers—follow the instructions on your voucher.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Lima to Iquitos)

Can I drive from Lima to Iquitos?
No. Iquitos is not connected to Peru’s road network—reach it by air or river.

Which river route is shorter?
The Tarapoto→Yurimaguas→Iquitos route has the shortest boat leg (fast boat ~8–12h). From Pucallpa the river leg is much longer (often 3–4 days on cargo).

Are boat schedules fixed?
Fast boats have published departures but can change; cargo boats usually leave when loaded. Buy tickets at the pier and confirm the day before.

Is it safe?
Common-sense precautions apply. On cargo boats, keep valuables with you and use a small lock for your bag. In cities, use licensed taxis or ride-hailing.

What about luggage?
Travel light for boats; for side trips store bags via Radical Storage Lima or Radical Storage Iquitos.

When’s the best time to go?
Year-round is possible. High-water season offers deeper channels for boats; low-water season exposes more beaches and can lengthen some routes slightly.

Any vaccinations or health tips?
Consult a travel clinic about yellow fever, malaria prophylaxis, and mosquito precautions; carry repellent and a basic first-aid kit.