Visiting rainforest Iquitos, Peru or Manu, Peru?
Question by Ashley: Visiting rainforest Iquitos, Peru or Manu, Peru?
I’m on a really strict budget. I’ve been checking and it seems both have pros and cons but Iquitos I can fly to fairly inexpensively and even do day cruises and sleep in hostels in Iquitos for about $ 400. But Manu seems to be a nightmare to get to and all stays seem to cost near $ 1000. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Best answer:
Answer by SergioPL
Well, Iquitos is a city and because of that it is easier to get there. There are many rainforest parks around and since it has its own airport it is cheaper to fly there from Lima.
To get to Manu you have to fly to Puerto Maldonado (usually the plane stops in Cusco for a few minutes) and from there take a boat to the National Park of Manu. It is hard to get there because Manu is not a city, it’s a park.
If your main interest is visiting the rain forests you should go to Manu, but if besides rainforests you want to party and get all the commodities from civilization you should go to Iquitos.
BTW, don’t forget your yellow fever shots before you go to the rain forests.
What do you think? Answer below!
October 12th, 2011 at 9:29 am
I think Sergio gave a great answer. I just wanted to add that although I haven’t been to Manu, I did go to Iquitos this year and absolutely loved it. It is really easy to get around, and people are very friendly. Our taxi driver from the Iquitos airport actually drove us all around and stopped at a number of hotels where the employees allowed us to see sample rooms until we decided on our favorite. I’m not saying that all taxi drivers will do this, but it’s just one example of how helpful the people are. The prices are very fair, too – if you end up going try to ask for the names of some well-known neighborhood restaurants (you’ll be able to save a little money and try different things this way).
From Iquitos my boyfriend and I purchased a tour package and stayed at the Heliconia lodge along the Amazon. It is so stunning, and again I just have to brag on the amazing food, wildlife, and people. I believe that I paid about $ 400 for the entire trip – including airfare to and from and the Heliconia package (3 days, 2 nights with expeditions, food, and accomodations). Anything extra.. like an extra night stay in Iquitos or extra food wasn’t included, but the prices are still very affordable.
Hope this helps and that you have fun in either Manu or Iquitos! Stay safe!