Where to Stay in Iquitos: From Floating Hostels to Luxury Jungle Lodges

Let's kick things off in the heart of Iquitos – a chaotic, colorful melting pot that deserves at least a few days of exploration before you venture deeper into the jungle.

The city center accommodations range from charming colonial-style boutique hotels to modern apartments, most within walking distance to Plaza de Armas (the main square) and the vibrant riverfront boulevard.

My top pick for couples is La Casa Fitzcarraldo, a historic mansion-turned-hotel that served as headquarters during the filming of the epic movie 'Fitzcarraldo.' With just eight rooms, each uniquely decorated with antiques and local art, it feels like stepping back in time to Iquitos' rubber boom heyday. The garden courtyard with its tiny pool is perfect for afternoon siestas when the Amazonian heat cranks up.

For something more modern but still distinctly Peruvian, Casa Morey blends restored grandeur with contemporary comforts. The riverfront location means you can watch boats cruising along the Amazon while lounging in their rooftop jacuzzi – absolute bliss after a day of exploring the Iron House designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel!) or the floating neighborhood of Belén.

If you're watching your soles (that's Peruvian currency, not just your feet!), La Casona offers incredible value with spacious rooms, decent air conditioning (a godsend in the jungle humidity), and a central location that can't be beat. The included breakfast featuring local fruits you've probably never heard of is a ripper way to start your day.

Before heading out daily, I relied heavily on my insect repellent – worth its weight in gold in this mosquito-rich environment, and much gentler on your skin than DEET-based options.

If you ask me, you haven't really experienced Iquitos until you've spent at least a couple nights literally on the Amazon River. Floating accommodations range from basic backpacker hostels to mid-range hotels, all offering that incomparable experience of being gently rocked to sleep by the current.

The Floating House sits about 15 minutes by boat from the city center, offering the perfect balance between accessibility and immersion. Their floating wooden bungalows connected by walkways give you privacy while maintaining that community vibe when you want it. Each morning, I'd roll straight out of bed and dive directly into the river for a refreshing wake-up swim (after checking for caimans, of course!).

For couples seeking something more intimate, Amazon Reef Floating Lodge offers private floating cabins with panoramic river views and seriously romantic vibes. The sound of water lapping against your cabin while you're wrapped up with your partner under a mosquito net canopy? Pure magic, mates.

Most floating accommodations include meals in their rates (a necessity when you're literally floating away from restaurants), and the fresh fish dishes are absolutely bonza. Many also offer excursions directly from your floating home – from sunset cruises to spot pink river dolphins to night safaris searching for caimans.

One absolute essential for these stays is a quality dry bag. Trust me, when you're constantly hopping between boats and floating structures, having your camera, phone and passport protected from unexpected splashes is non-negotiable. I learned this lesson the hard way during a sudden Amazon downpour!

For the full-on Amazon experience, you'll want to venture beyond the city to one of the jungle lodges nestled deep in the rainforest. These accommodations range from rustic to downright luxurious, but all offer that pinch-me feeling of sleeping surrounded by one of Earth's most biodiverse ecosystems.

My personal favorite for couples is Treehouse Lodge, located about 2.5 hours by boat from Iquitos. As the name suggests, you'll be sleeping in actual treehouses built 15-20 meters above the forest floor, connected by suspension bridges and stairs. Falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle canopy while knowing you're supporting a conservation-focused operation is the definition of guilt-free luxury.

For those seeking more amenities without sacrificing the jungle experience, Ceiba Tops Lodge offers air-conditioned bungalows, a swimming pool (heaven after humid jungle treks), and even hot showers – a genuine luxury in the Amazon. Their private reserve means you can spot wildlife right from your porch, and their guides are absolute legends when it comes to spotting camouflaged critters.

Muyuna Amazon Lodge deserves special mention for couples seeking romance alongside adventure. Their secluded location on the Yanayacu River means fewer tourists and more wildlife, while their candlelit dinners overlooking the water create moments you'll treasure forever. During my stay, we spotted sloths, toucans, and even a jaguar footprint during guided excursions!

Most jungle lodges are all-inclusive by necessity, with packages covering transport from Iquitos, accommodation, meals, and daily excursions with naturalist guides. These aren't cheap stays, but the experiences they provide – from nighttime caiman spotting to visiting indigenous communities – are absolutely worth the splurge for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

One thing I never travel to remote locations without is my water purifier bottle. It saved me countless times in the jungle when bottled water wasn't available, and reduced plastic waste to boot!

For environmentally-conscious couples seeking both luxury and sustainability, Iquitos' eco-lodges offer the perfect blend of comfort and conservation. These properties go beyond basic green practices, actively contributing to rainforest preservation and local communities.

Tapiche Reserve Jungle Lodge tops my list for couples wanting to minimize their footprint while maximizing their experience. Located in a private conservation area about 4 hours from Iquitos, their solar-powered bungalows are constructed from sustainable materials by local craftspeople. What truly sets them apart is their strict visitor limit – never more than 8 guests at once – ensuring minimal impact and a truly personalized experience. During my stay, we spent three hours quietly observing a family of pygmy marmosets (the world's smallest monkeys!) that our guide spotted – an intimacy with wildlife impossible in larger groups.

Pacaya-Samiria Amazon Lodge sits at the edge of Peru's largest national reserve, offering access to flooded forests and oxbow lakes teeming with wildlife. Their commitment to employing guides exclusively from nearby communities means your excursions are led by people with generational knowledge of the rainforest. The traditional palm-thatched cabins feature unexpected luxuries like private terraces with hammocks perfect for afternoon cuddles while watching river dolphins play.

For those seeking higher-end accommodations, Delfin Amazon Cruises offers floating eco-lodges in the form of luxury riverboats. Their vessels feature spacious suites with panoramic windows, gourmet Amazonian cuisine, and even hot tubs on the observation deck. While definitely a splurge, waking up each morning to a different stunning location without having to pack and unpack is pretty special.

Most eco-lodges have limited or no electricity during certain hours, making a reliable solar charger an absolute lifesaver for keeping cameras and phones powered for those once-in-a-lifetime wildlife shots.

For couples seeking more than just physical adventure, Iquitos has become world-renowned as a center for ayahuasca retreats – offering spiritual experiences that many describe as life-changing. While certainly not for everyone, these retreats provide a unique opportunity for partners to undergo profound inner journeys together.

Nihue Rao Centro Espiritual sits about an hour from Iquitos and strikes the perfect balance between authentic tradition and visitor comfort. Founded by a well-respected Shipibo maestro in partnership with Western medical doctors, they offer retreats ranging from 1-2 weeks in length. Their individual tambos (jungle huts) provide privacy for reflection, while group ceremonies create a supportive community atmosphere. What impressed me most was their pre-screening process and medical support – safety should always be the priority with plant medicine.

Temple of the Way of Light offers a more immersive experience deeper in the jungle, with programs specifically designed for couples wanting to heal relationship patterns or deepen their connection. Their all-female Shipibo healing team brings a unique energy to ceremonies, and the integration workshops between ceremonies help partners process experiences together. The accommodations are simple but comfortable – mosquito-netted beds in private tambos with shared composting toilets and solar showers.

Before considering any ayahuasca retreat, do extensive research and consult medical professionals about contraindications with medications. These experiences involve serious dietary restrictions before and after ceremonies, and emotional preparation is essential. This isn't a tourist activity – it's a profound healing modality that demands respect.

One thing that made my retreat experience more comfortable was bringing my own meditation cushion. Ceremonies can last 4-5 hours, and having proper support for your spine makes a world of difference.