Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest. It is the capital of Loreto Region and Maynas Province. Located on the Amazon River, it is a mere 106 metres above sea level even though it is more than 3,000 kilometres from the mouth of the Amazon at Belem in Brazil, on the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated 125 km downstream of the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, the two main headwaters of the Amazon River. It is surrounded by three rivers: the Nanay, the Itaya, and the Amazon.

The city is generally considered the largest in the world that cannot be reached by road, only by airplane or boat, with the exception of a road to Nauta, The climate is hot and humid, with an average relative humidity of 85%. The wet season lasts from around November to May.

Iquitos has a growing reputation as a tourist community, especially as a jumping-off point for tours of the Amazon rainforest and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, and trips downriver to Manaus,. A boat tour of Belén is a common tourist attraction. Belén is an area of Iquitos that can be accessed by foot in the dry season but is only accessible via boat in the wet season.

There is also an open-air market in Belén (in a part that doesn't flood). This too is a common tourist attraction. Most notable is the medicine lane, "Pasaje Paquito", an entire block of the market lined with local plant (and animal) medicines.

Ayahuasca tourism has increased in Iquitos in recent years, with Westerners seeking traditional shamanic experiences using the visionary Amazonian medicinal tea. Although there are some reputable curanderos who can provide a safe context for such experiences, others do not have the specialised training or skills. As with any tourist activity, consumer discretion is advised.