So we headed North of Lima to Iquitos, a city that's built up inside the jungle and only accessible by plane and boat!
Main plan of the stay was a bit of sightseeing round the city with an Amazon trip sandwiched in between!

Although the city has over half a million people living in it, it has a nice feel to it, small streets with low rising buildings and locals always pottering around outside on the street of their properties with family and friends. Also very few tourists which is sometimes nice in an area.

First night we met Villy, one of the Amazon tour guides who works at the hostel. We all went out for some local food, tried a few local specialities, Jauanes, a big rice ball containing chicken and egg, steamed in plant leaves and served with yam. Also tried a bit of alligator, both really good!
Next day we took a trip to the local market. Accompanied again by Villi as we had heard some dodgy stories about the market! It sold all sorts, not to mention a massive alligator tail in the meat area... Bought a few supplies for the Amazon trip and a bit of munch on route!

That afternoon we visited a manatee sanctuary. Really good place, nurturing rescued manatees, otters and other jungle marine life so they can be realised back into the wild. Bit of manatee feeding as well.

Chilled evening and a few beers at the hostel as it was an early start on the third day, heading into the Amazon for the start of the trip!