Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm & Native Tribes Tour

From$146
7 hours – 8 hours
Iquitos, Peru

About this activity

Immerse yourself in the Amazon's natural beauty and indigenous cultures on this full-day tour from Iquitos, featuring the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm and visits to native tribes.

Highlights

  • Explore Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm
  • Engage with native Amazon tribes
  • Discover diverse butterfly species
  • Experience Amazon rainforest biodiversity
  • Learn about indigenous cultures

Full description

Dive into the heart of the Amazon rainforest with this captivating full-day tour from Iquitos. Begin your adventure at the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm, a sanctuary dedicated to preserving the region's diverse butterfly species. Wander through lush gardens, observe butterflies in various stages of life, and learn about their vital role in the ecosystem. Next, journey deeper into the jungle to visit native tribes, where you'll gain firsthand insight into their traditional lifestyles, customs, and crafts. This immersive experience offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm
  • Visit to native tribes in the Amazon rainforest
  • Round-trip transportation from Iquitos
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

We will pick you up from your hotel located in downtown Iquitos and head to the Bellavista Nanay port to embark on a journey deep into the river, offering stunning views of the city and the Tarapacá Boardwalk.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

We will navigate the Nanay River until we reach the shores of the Padre Cocha community, and just a little further ahead, we will arrive at Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm, a wildlife rescue center inaugurated in 2004. In addition to housing Peru’s only butterfly breeding center, it is home to a wide variety of rescued animals, including monkeys and other species. This beautiful sanctuary features a great diversity of butterflies in different sizes and colors, fluttering freely inside a specially designed greenhouse. "Pilpintuwasi" means "butterfly house" in Quechua.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
3

Our tour continues with a boat ride to the Morón River, where we will visit the Kukama Kukamiria community. Here, you will learn about their customs, witness their traditional dances, and immerse yourself in their ancestral culture. This indigenous community settled in the area nearly 200 years before the Spanish conquest and mainly relies on fishing and agriculture.

Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

We will also visit the native Bora tribe, where you will meet indigenous families who still preserve their traditions. Their homes are built in an octagonal shape, following their ancestral beliefs. You will see their handcrafted artworks, participate in their traditional dances, and visit their local farms.

Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

The journey continues with a stop at the "Serpentario" Rescue Center, a natural sanctuary where you will get up close to some of the most fascinating and feared snakes of the Amazon jungle. You will learn about their behavior, ecological importance, and discover other exotic species. Next, we will have the opportunity to taste traditional aphrodisiac cocktails from the region, such as "Siete Raíces" and "Rompe Calzón," among others.

Duration: 1h 15mAdmission: YES
6

We will then explore the Insectarium, a unique zoo-like exhibit featuring insects such as spiders, ants, beetles, scorpions, and more.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
7

To conclude the tour, we will enjoy a traditional lunch at a restaurant with breathtaking views of the Peruvian jungle (drinks not included). Finally, we will return to the Boulevard Port in Iquitos and drop you off at the tour’s final stop, just one block from the Plaza de Armas.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour involves walking through uneven terrain; ensure you're physically prepared for the journey.
  • Photography may be restricted in certain tribal areas; always ask for permission before taking photos.
  • Be mindful of local customs and traditions when interacting with indigenous communities.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking in the rainforest.
  • Bring insect repellent and sunscreen to protect against bugs and sun exposure.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infants Required On Laps

Good to know

  • You should bring repellent, cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, light colored clothes, spending cash for personal expenses
  • Children 5 and younger are complimentary
  • At least 2 people are required for this activity to take place
  • Children 17 and younger cannot consume alcoholic beverages.
  • Children 4 and younger are complimentary, as long as they are on their parents lap.
  • Drop-off at Jiron Putumayo 157, one block from Plaza de Armas

Traveler reviews

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Intimate and touching encounters with rescued jungle animals.

What a truly amazing experience. Not only were the encounters with rescued animals more up close than in a traditional zoo, but the volunteer who guided our tour was informative, funny, and extremely knowledgeable. He obviously cared about each and every animal, which made our encounters personal and touching. Our whole family - including 2 boys 12 and 14 - had one of the most memorable experiences.

Grace KAug 12, 2022TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

You should bring repellent, cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, light colored clothes, spending cash for personal expenses Children 5 and younger are complimentary At least 2 people are required for this activity to take place Children 17 and younger cannot consume alcoholic beverages. Children 4 and younger are complimentary, as long as they are on their parents lap. Drop-off at Jiron Putumayo 157, one block from Plaza de Armas