Office of La Isla de los Monos — Attraction in Iquitos

A Monkey Business Adventure: Monkey Island, Iquitos Monkey Island, a haven for primate enthusiasts, proved to be an unforgettable experience. Located a 45-minute boat ride from the bustling Iquitos harbor, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to interact with these fascinating creatures in a relatively natural setting. While the journey to the island required a bit of patience, with varying boat schedules and waiting times, the anticipation was well worth it. The moment we stepped onto the island, we were greeted by a symphony of playful squeaks and chatter. It was immediately apparent that this was a place where monkeys reigned supreme. Our guide, a knowledgeable and friendly local, introduced us to the diverse array of monkey species inhabiting the island. From the mischievous capuchins to the serene howler monkeys, each species had its own distinct personality. We were captivated by their agility as they swung through the trees, their expressive faces, and their curious nature. One of the most extraordinary aspects of our visit was the opportunity to interact with these creatures. The monkeys were remarkably tame, allowing us to get up close and personal. We were even permitted to gently pet some of the more sociable individuals, a truly unforgettable experience. Beyond the monkeys, we were also fortunate to encounter several slow-moving, adorable sloths, hanging effortlessly from the trees, a serene contrast to the monkeys' energetic antics. The guided tour provided a solid foundation for understanding the island's inhabitants, but it was the unstructured time afterward that truly allowed us to connect with the monkeys. We spent nearly two hours simply observing and interacting with these playful creatures, a luxury that made the initial wait seem like a distant memory. Unfortunately, due to the late hour of our arrival, we had to cut our visit short, leaving us yearning to return. It's important to note that planning a visit to Monkey Island requires a degree of flexibility. While the island itself is a magical place, the logistics of getting there and back can be somewhat challenging. The boat schedules are irregular, which means you might find yourself waiting for a ride back to Iquitos. For those seeking a more extended encounter with the monkeys, renting a boat from the Nanay Market and negotiating a fare with a local boatman is an option worth considering. Alternatively, joining a group tour can simplify the transportation arrangements. While Monkey Island undoubtedly offers a thrilling and rewarding experience, it's essential to approach the visit with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. The island's charm lies in its raw, natural beauty and the opportunity to connect with its inhabitants on a personal level. For those who appreciate the wonders of the natural world and the joy of animal encounters, Monkey Island is a destination not...

This is the place you must see on your trip to Iquitos. It is a rescue center with amazing stories of each and every monkey being taken away of being sold as "pet monkeys"or hunted by their meat. Here they can grow free and happy, interacting with each other (and us, of course). They also offer the possibility of volunteering (which I did for a week) and it was truly a life-changing experience. For sure, I'll be coming back soon.

For the tourists: Come for the selfies, come for the photos, but also try to learn a little about the project, the guides are very well-informed both in English and Spanish and they can give you all the necessary information so you can have the best experience ever!

For the volunteers: Before coming, talk to the office about the routine, the activities you will be doing here and food restrictions. Come with a very open heart and have in mind this is not a 5-star hotel (hello, we're in the middle of the jungle). At the end of the day you'll see how rewarding everything can be and you'll be back home with a lot of...

The monkeys are very beautiful and social. The environment is beautiful. The amount of people in one group is too big in my opinion. The monkeys showing visible stress. You only have 1/1.5 hours the time and the atmospherewas not good when we where there. The guides are very un personal. You feel the underlying stress between the staff.The first guide felt like she was being played on a cassette recorder. The second did not make really any personal contact. We travelled many days and hours for this ocasión, but where disappointed. Not worth the money if you compare what you can do around the city of Iquitos and the communities that you can visit. 40 for the boat, 25 small boat, 50 entrance. We counted not more then 20 monkeys. The volenturing is 300$ a week.. This place is amazing, but a classical business model is clearly visible. I hope the monkey will be taken...