Discover Maynas

Maynas offers plenty of reasons to include nature, river activities and culture in your travel plans. Experiences range from the forest landscapes of the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve to historic buildings in Iquitos and activities on the Río Nanay. If you are travelling with family, you can consider which of these different facets you want to shape your holiday: nature, architecture, traditions or time by the river.

Forest landscapes of the Napo ecoregion

The Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve protects the white-sand varillal and chamizal forests of the Napo ecoregion. It also includes forests flooded by blackwater in the middle basin of the Río Nanay. The different forest types give this natural area its distinctive character: alongside the white-sand forests, the chamizal forests and flooded forest areas are also highlights. For travellers who like to connect their days with nature, this reserve is a specific point of reference when choosing places to visit.

Historic buildings in Iquitos

In Iquitos, buildings tell stories from different chapters of the city’s history. The Casa de Fierro, also known as Casa Eiffel or Casa de Hierro, is a historic, emblematic building made from prefabricated iron elements. The Casa Morey offers a different perspective: this historic mansion stands in the centre of Iquitos and was built at the beginning of the 20th century during the rubber boom. Both buildings make architecture a point of interest, but differ in their described form and historical context.

The Plaza de Armas de Iquitos also offers a striking architectural landmark: an eight-metre-high marble obelisk stands there.

Community, traditions and crafts

Padre Cocha is a gateway to the Bora community and the Pilpintuwasi wildlife rescue centre and butterfly garden. Among the Boras of San Andrés, the Fiesta del Pijuayo and the Danza de la Viga are among the listed traditions. Visitors to the Boras of San Andrés can also buy handicrafts made by the community from plant fibres. These include items made from bájyu, Bombonaje and Chambira, such as necklaces, bags, fans and crowns.

For families interested in cultural expression as well as landscapes, these offer different ways to spend a day: a traditional performance or handmade objects with distinctive materials and forms. This makes it possible to choose a focus when planning, without treating nature experiences and culture as the same kind of outing.

River activities and choosing a location

Santa Clara de Nanay offers boat trips, river swimming, outdoor sports and walks along nature trails. From the main dock in Santa Clara de Nanay, you can take a boat across the Río Nanay to Santa Clara beach. The activities mentioned range from exercise on land to activities in and on the water. Festivities in Santa Clara de Nanay also include food fairs.

The Quistococha Tourist Park is a 369-hectare recreation area southeast of Iquitos, at an altitude of 96 metres. Together with the river activities, forest landscapes and cultural themes, this area shows how varied interests can be on a trip through Maynas. Before looking for a holiday rental, decide which destinations and activities are most important to you. Then you can choose a location for your accommodation that suits your own travel plans.

You can also consider Llanchama as you continue exploring Maynas.

For the wider travel overview: Loreto.