Cultural Gems To Find in Iquitos

As one of the leading cities in the rubber boom (1880-1914), Iquitos was influenced by the numerous Europeans who arrived in the area. An opera house and Jewish cemetery were among the institutions that were established. Later in the 20th century, the city and region diversified its economy and exported timber, fish and their products, minerals, oil and agricultural crops. Nowadays, it also gets a considerable revenue from tourism and related crafts, as well as bakery and carbonated drinks and beer.

The historical treasures and architecture reflect the early 20th century and colonial period, reminding you a little of Asia if you went in of the Vietnam river cruises that explored its villages too. These treasures attract an increased tourist trade in the now 21st century. As well as this interest, it is also the centre of eco-tourism.

The historic centre of Iquitos contains several buildings that have been designated as part of the Cultural Heritage of the Nation- the Cathedral of Iquitos, the Iron House, the Old Hotel Palace, Cohen House and more than 70 other buildings. Other notable sights are the Plaza de Armas, Jiron Prospero (an avenue that is the site of several shopping and historical areas) and the neighbourhood of Belen, which is often called the Amazon Venice because of its numerous waterways. The city also houses the Amazon Library, one of the two most important in Latin America. The Iglesia Matriz de Iquitos is characterized by its Gothic Revival style and the Swiss clock and is considered one of the urban symbols of the city.

Among the unique communities formed by the 19th century immigrants to the rubber boom were the Sephardic Jews of Morocco. Many of the men married Peruvian women and they established a shul and the Jewish cemetery. In the first generation, some of the women or children converted to Judaism, but by the end of the 20th century, four of five generations later, most of the descendants were no longer practising Jews and had been brought up as Catholic. In the 1990’s, a descendant of a Jewish settler undertook a serious study of Judaism and began to revive the practice of Judaism among his friends, family and other Sephardic descendants. After years of study, with the help of a Conservative rabbi in Lima and another from Brooklyn, New York, eventually a few hundred people studied and practiced as Jews and converted to Judaism.

After an exciting day exploring this vibrant city, what could be nicer than to return to your Kosher Riverboat Cruises boat to enjoy freshly-cooked glatt kosher meals prepared by our on-board culinary team.