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Iquitos is greener that most of Peru. Most of Peru is dry coast or high mountains that are so high that not even trees can grow in their clutches. But the Peruvian people flourish even at such altitudes. The people of Iquitos don't have to worry about the altitude because they live in the low interior of the country right at the start of the Amazon river. They build their houses out over the water and use boats as a way to get around. Children are learning to swim at the same time they are learning to walk. The city stretches onto both sides of the river and certainly their are parts on dry land. Here you can take a little taxi cart that is powered by a bicycle! The people are very friendly and happy...although I wouldn't suggest swimming in their front yards!
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Heliconia is the name of the place we stayed up the river from Iquitos. It was very nice and very isolated. There were, of couse, lots of bugs! But we had a tour guide who took us on a walk through the rain forest and i even swung from a vine like tarzan!
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There is a clinica medica in Iquitos called the Anna Stahl clinic. We stopped and visited there and ate with them. They do a tremendous good work! Also we stopped at a little clearing in the forest up the river from Iquitos, near a place called Jurassic Park. Really! Here the local indigenous people came out to teach us about their culturea and to trade with us. I took soap and washcloths and t-shirts and traded them for homemade jewelry, fans and purses.
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Everything is spectacular...especially out on the river!
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If you don't like the idea of alot of bugs, stay in the city on dry land! If you want a real adventure. Ask locals where a good place to stay on the river is. Again, Heliconia was the place I stayed up the river from Iquitos. There are several places like it however.
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I didn't go to any in Iquitos, but in Cuzco, Julica, Puno and Lima - there are plenty!
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Same as the clubs...
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Same...
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They have a wild life zoo worth checking out. You can hold the sloths, etc.
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Published on Friday January 7th, 2005 by kalabrenda
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Read comments (4)
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16 votes
