Full Day: Nanay, Momón, and Amazon Rivers – Iquitos

This unique experience immerses you in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, offering a comprehensive tour along three of Iquitos’ most iconic rivers: the Nanay River, the Momón River, and the Amazon River. Starting with a transfer from your hotel to the river port, the tour begins by navigating the Nanay River, a tributary of the Amazon, surrounded by lush vegetation and tropical wildlife. Here, you’ll learn about the life cycle of butterflies at a specialized hatchery.

The journey continues along the Momón River, a waterway where you can observe local birds, monkeys, and reptiles in their natural habitat, before arriving at the Bora indigenous community. There, you’ll be welcomed with dances and demonstrations of their handicrafts made from native materials. After a delicious Amazonian lunch, the tour continues to the Amazon River, where you’ll visit a serpentarium to see some of the region’s most iconic species, such as anacondas and boas, as well as interact with animals like sloths. The next stop is Fundo Pedrito, a conservation center dedicated to raising Amazonian fish like the paiche, the largest freshwater fish in South America, and other aquatic species.

The highlight of the tour

Is the pink river dolphin watching excursion, where you’ll navigate a special area of ​​the Amazon to see these majestic mammals in their natural habitat. After a day filled with discovery, culture, and nature, you’ll return to Iquitos, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Peruvian rainforest. This tour allows you to experience the unique biodiversity of the Amazon while delving into the lives and traditions of its indigenous communities, offering a perfect blend of ecotourism and cultural immersion.

Day 1 – Itinerary: Full Day Nanay River + Momón River + Amazon River

9:00 a.m. – Pick-up at your hotel and transfer to the port

Begin your adventure with a pick-up from your accommodation in Iquitos. Comfortable tourist transportation will take you to the main dock, where we will board a safe riverboat to begin our journey along the most emblematic rivers of the Peruvian Amazon.

Navigation on the Nanay River and visit to the Butterfly Farm

The tour begins by navigating the Nanay River, a tributary of the Amazon surrounded by lush green rainforest and the songs of tropical birds. Our first stop will be at a butterfly farm, where you will learn about the stages of metamorphosis of these fascinating insects and their crucial role in the Amazonian ecosystem. Here you will have the opportunity to see butterflies of various colors and sizes in their natural environment.

Journey along the Momón River

We continue navigating the Momón River, another tributary of the Nanay River, which flows through dense vegetation. As we travel, you may spot local birds, monkeys in their natural habitats, and, if you’re lucky, a reptile basking in the sun on the banks. This section of the journey is ideal for photography and enjoying the tranquility that only the Amazon rainforest can offer.

Visit to the Bora Indigenous Community

The next stop will be at the Bora indigenous community, where we will be welcomed with their colorful traditional dances and handmade costumes crafted from tree bark. Community members will share their worldview, ancestral stories, and traditional music while showcasing their handicrafts made from seeds, plant fibers, and wood. These unique pieces will be available for purchase as authentic souvenirs of the Peruvian rainforest.

Amazonian Lunch

Enjoy a delicious, typical Amazonian lunch prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu will include fresh fish (such as catfish or paiche), accompanied by yucca, fried plantains, and natural juices made from exotic fruits like camu camu or cocona, which offer unique and refreshing flavors.

Amazon River Navigation and Serpentarium Visit

After lunch, we will navigate the mighty Amazon River, the largest and most voluminous river in the world. Along this stretch, we will visit a serpentarium where you can learn about species such as anacondas, boas, and other reptiles typical of the region. You will also have the opportunity to interact with animals like sloths and learn more about the fascinating Amazonian fauna.

Fundo Pedrito

Our next destination will be Fundo Pedrito, a center dedicated to the conservation of Amazonian fish. Here you can observe the gigantic paiche, the largest freshwater fish in South America, along with piranhas, caimans, and aquatic turtles. An educational experience to learn more about aquatic life in the Amazon.

Pink Dolphin Watching

One of the most anticipated moments of the day: the pink dolphin watch. We’ll head to a special area of ​​the Amazon River to observe these fascinating mammals in their natural habitat. Watching the pink and gray dolphins swim in the Amazon waters is a magical and unforgettable experience.

5:30 p.m. – Return to Iquitos

We conclude the tour with the return to the dock, where we’ll board our transport back to Iquitos. You’ll arrive at your hotel at the end of a day filled with culture, nature, and Amazonian life, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Peruvian rainforest.

What’s included in the Full Day?

Transfers:

• Pick-up from your hotel in Iquitos or the airport (depending on location) at the start of the tour.
• Land transportation to the river port.
• Motorized boat trip on the Nanay River, Momón River, and Amazon River.

Guide and Staff:

• Bilingual naturalist guide (Spanish and English) specializing in Amazonian flora and fauna.
• Support staff, including a boatman and cook at the lodge.

Activities:

• Visit to a butterfly farm on the Nanay River, where you’ll learn about the metamorphosis of Amazonian butterflies.
• Boat trip on the Momón River with bird, monkey, and reptile watching.
• Visit to the Bora indigenous community, where you can learn about their traditions, dances, and crafts.
• Typical Amazonian lunch in the community or at the lodge. Visit the serpentarium on the Amazon River, where you will see various species of Amazonian reptiles.
• Tour of Fundo Pedrito, where you will see aquatic species such as paiche, piranhas, caimans, and turtles.
• Sighting of pink and gray river dolphins in their natural habitat in the Amazon River.

Meals:

• Typical Amazonian lunch: fresh fish (such as paiche), yucca, fried plantains, and natural juices made from Amazonian fruits like camu camu and cocona.

Equipment:

• Life jackets for safety during water activities.
• Fishing rods for piranha fishing.
• Flashlights for the nighttime jungle excursion (if included).

Entrance Fees and Permits:

• Entrance fees and permits for the areas visited (serpentariums, communities, etc.) are regulated to ensure responsible tourism.

What’s not included in the Full Day Nanay River + Momón + Amazon Tour?

Personal Expenses:

• Any personal expenses, such as souvenirs, additional drinks, snacks not included in the provided menu, or personal purchases in the communities.

Drinks:

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included. You can purchase additional drinks during the tour if you wish.

Tips:

• Tips for support staff, guides, and boatmen are not included. It is recommended to leave a tip if you feel the service was excellent.

Travel Insurance:

• Travel insurance is not included in the tour. It is recommended to purchase adequate travel insurance before participating in ecotourism activities.

Binoculars and Additional Equipment:

• Binoculars and photographic equipment are not included. If you wish to observe wildlife up close or take photos of the jungle, it is recommended to bring your own binoculars or camera.

Additional Meals:

• Any meals outside the itinerary (e.g., extra snacks or dinners not included) are not included.

Optional Activities:

• Any optional activities not included in the itinerary, such as private excursions or additional customized experiences, will incur an extra charge.

Recommendations for the Nanay River + Momón + Amazon Full Day Tour

Clothing and Footwear

• Lightweight and comfortable clothing is essential, as the jungle climate can be hot and humid. Cotton clothing is recommended for greater comfort.
• Appropriate Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots suitable for the jungle. They should also be water-resistant in case of wet areas or during water activities.
• Long-sleeved clothing is recommended to avoid mosquito bites during nighttime hikes.

Insect Protection

• Insect repellent with a high concentration of DEET is essential to protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially in humid areas. Apply it to exposed areas such as arms, legs, and neck.
• Also, bring bite cream or antihistamine, just in case.

Sun Protection

• Although you will be in the jungle, the sun can be strong in some areas. Be sure to bring a good sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
• A wide-brimmed hat or cap is recommended to protect you from the sun, especially while navigating the rivers.

Hydration and Food

• Although purified water will be provided, we recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the tour.
• If you have any dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarianism or allergies), please inform us in advance so we can adjust the tour meals accordingly.

Money and Shopping

• Bring cash (in soles or dollars) for any personal expenses, such as souvenirs or purchasing handicrafts in local communities.
• Please note that there are no ATMs in the jungle, so it’s best to withdraw the necessary cash in Iquitos before the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the tour?

During the tour, you will see a wide variety of Amazonian wildlife, including monkeys, tropical birds, reptiles, caimans, and, of course, the pink and gray river dolphins in the Amazon River.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts all day, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with scheduled activities at different points along the route.

Is prior ecotourism or nature experience necessary?

No, the tour is designed for all types of travelers, regardless of their prior ecotourism experience. The naturalist guide will explain everything you need to know about the rainforest and its ecosystems.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is suitable for children over 8 years old, provided they are accompanied by an adult. If you are traveling with young children, please check with the operator to ensure the activities are appropriate for them.

Is there internet or phone service in the jungle?

No, there is no phone coverage or internet access in the jungle. This is an excellent opportunity to disconnect and fully enjoy nature.

Is the tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?

The tour is not fully adapted for people with reduced mobility, as the activities include hiking on jungle trails. If you have any physical limitations, we recommend consulting with the operator to discuss customized options.

Is it safe to navigate the Amazon River?

Yes, the boats used on the tour are equipped with life jackets and are operated by experienced boatmen who know the area well. Safety is a priority at all times.

Do I need to bring fishing gear for the tour?

It is not necessary to bring your own fishing equipment. Fishing rods will be provided for the piranha fishing activity.

Can I modify my booking or cancel the tour?

Yes, you can modify or cancel your booking, but cancellation policies will apply depending on how far in advance you make the change. We recommend reviewing the operator’s policies when making your booking.

Is any type of insurance included?

The tour includes basic travel insurance covering accidents during activities, but it does not cover incidents outside of the tour activities. It is recommended that you purchase additional travel insurance separately.