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wildlife · Iquitos

Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm & Amazon Animal Orphanage

Meet rescued Amazon wildlife — rare woolly monkeys, ocelots, giant anteaters, and hundreds of iridescent butterflies — at this extraordinary sanctuary across the river from Iquitos. An intimate, expert-led encounter unlike anything on earth.

What to expect

A short private boat crossing from Bellavista-Nanay port whisks you to Padre Cocha village, then a brief walk brings you to the sanctuary's lush grounds. Stroll through the walk-in butterfly house, alive with morpho blues and owl-eyes, before meeting the resident rescue animals at close range under expert supervision. The woolly monkeys are famously curious and interactive. The sanctuary's conservation story — told by passionate staff — adds profound meaning to every encounter.

Book it with
Pilpintuwasi Wildlife Rescue Centre & Butterfly Farm (official)
USD 25–30 per person (entry + guided visit; private group rates on request)
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Good to know

Boat crossing takes ~20 minutes each way; arrange private water taxi from Bellavista-Nanay for comfort. Open Tuesday–Sunday from 09:00; aim to arrive early for the best wildlife activity. Closed Mondays. All-aboard timing: allow at least 4 hours from port. Book direct via their Facebook page or on-site.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Iquitos — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Avalon · Delfin III
10 nights · calls at Iquitos
from $6,769
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