Is Iquitos safe? 🇵🇪

Iquitos, Peru, presents a moderate safety risk for travelers. While the city itself doesn't have specific high-level advisories, the broader region of the Peruvian Amazon and its proximity to border areas carry significant risks that travelers should be aware of. Official government advisories for Peru, including those from Canada and the UK, recommend exercising a high degree of caution, with specific warnings against all but essential travel to certain border regions and river valleys due to potential instability and crime.

On the ground, Iquitos experiences moderate levels of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, particularly in busy markets and tourist hubs. While direct reports of armed robbery within Iquitos city are less frequent in recent news, incidents of 'river pirates' robbing tourists on boat trips in the wider Peruvian Amazon, as reported by The Guardian and CNN in May 2025, highlight a tangible risk for those venturing out on the waterways. The dossier also notes concerns about illegal mining impacting the Nanay River, linked to crime, and a disturbing report of a journalist being gunned down in the Amazon region in May 2025.

Travelers should be prepared for potential scams, especially concerning tours and transportation, and exercise vigilance against opportunistic theft. It is advisable to stick to reputable tour operators and accommodation providers, avoid displaying wealth, and be cautious when walking alone, particularly after dark. Licensed taxis should be used, and a general awareness of your surroundings is crucial. The health advisories from the CDC, including alerts for Polio, Dengue, and Measles, also warrant attention, suggesting travelers ensure their vaccinations are up to date and take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses.