This city of five hundred thousand, Iquitos, is the largest city in the world not connected to civilization by a road. Boat or airplane is the only way in. Another former rubber boomtown, Iquitos, boasts a colorful history with several faded monuments testament to the good times.
One of these sights is the Casa de Fierro, or Iron House. Built
by Gustav Eiffel of Paris'Eiffel Tower fame, it is lit at night and contains a café and a British pub. Another area that speaks to Iquitos storied past is the Malecon Tarapaca. This pedestrian only walkway is the center of the action in Iquitos. Lined with beautiful mansions dating from the 19th century it makes a great place to stroll and people watch. All the tiles, marble, and iron work on the mansions was shipped from Italy and points beyond. Other fine examples of 19th century mansions can be found in and around the city center.
Iquitos is an excellent jumping off spot to Amazon jungle parks such as the Reserva Nacional Pacay-Samiria, located 12 hours upstream, and the Reserva Comunal Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo, located 4 to 6 hours away.