Any recent feedback on safety in Iquitos?

Hi there, I’m planning our trip to Peru in September-October. Flights are booked, itinerary is pretty much set, but... after hearing about recent attacks on the river (Iquitos)—apparently around ten—I’m having second thoughts. It’s my husband’s dream to spend a few days in the jungle. I know if we read all the official travel advisories, we’d never go anywhere (no info on the government site, but I saw something on a forum). Has anyone been there recently? How did it feel? Is Iquitos sketchy? Thanks for your help! Patricia

hi there, I can’t answer your question, but never mind—Peruvian Amazonia is out, and it’ll be Sarawak in Malaysia instead 🙁 I don’t feel like taking any risks. Do you have the source for the recent attack reports?

Hi

Head to Puerto Maldonado instead—it’s much quieter.

thanks for your suggestion. I’ll check it out

hi, I can't answer your question, but never mind—Peruvian Amazon it is not; it’ll be Sarawak in Malaysia instead 🙁 I don’t want to take any risks. Do you have the source for the recent attack info?

Info on the Le Routard forum

I don’t know Peru, but like in any country on the continent with a foothold in the Amazon, Iquitos isn’t the only gateway to the Amazon... Try another city.

More peaceful and less touristy: Puerto Maldonado.

Hi, I’m actually torn between Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos for a 4-day, 5-night stay during a 30-day trip. The guide organizing it tells me Iquitos is way less touristy than Puerto Maldonado. He says we’ll really see animals in their natural habitat in Iquitos, whereas in Puerto Maldonado it feels more like a "zoo"!! I don’t know what to think anymore, especially since the Iquitos option is also more expensive... Thanks for your advice

Hi there!

Wow!! Last year, I didn’t see a single European tourist—anyway, I’m heading back soon