Quistococha Tourist Complex | Iquitos
The name “Quistococha” comes from the Quechua language, which is an indigenous language spoken in various parts of Peru and other South American countries. In Quechua, “quistu” means “fish” and “cocha” translates as “lagoon” or “lake”. Therefore, “Quistococha” can be interpreted as “fish lagoon” or “fish lake”.
The Quistococha Tourist Complex is located on the outskirts of the city of Iquitos, in the Amazon region of northern Peru. It is located approximately 12 kilometers southeast of downtown Iquitos, specifically in the district of San Juan Bautista.
History of Quistococha Tourist Complex | Iquitos
The history of Quistococha dates back to ancestral times, when the Amazon region in which it is located was inhabited by Quechua indigenous communities and other native cultures. The Quistococha lagoon and its surroundings were known for their natural beauty and abundance of wildlife, including fish, birds, mammals and plants.
With the arrival of Spanish colonists to the region in the 16th century, the Quistococha area was explored and eventually incorporated into the viceroyalty of Peru. During the colonial era and later in the republican period, the region continued to be an important area for the extraction of natural resources, such as timber, rubber and other products from the Amazon rainforest.
In the 20th century, with the growth of the city of Iquitos and the development of tourism in the region, Quistococha Lagoon and its surroundings began to be recognized as a potential tourist destination. Efforts were made to protect the natural environment and promote ecotourism in the area.
The Quistococha Tourism Complex was established as part of these tourism development efforts in the 1980s. Infrastructure such as nature trails, picnic areas, restaurants, recreation areas, and a zoo were built to attract visitors and promote wildlife conservation.
Today, Quistococha is a popular tourist destination in the Iquitos region, where visitors can enjoy activities such as boat rides on the lagoon, wildlife watching, jungle hikes, visits to the zoo and more. The history of Quistococha is a testament to the importance of preserving and valuing the beauty and biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.
What to see in Quisticocha?
In the Quistococha Tourist Complex, there are several attractions and activities to enjoy during your visit. Here are some of the things you can see and do in Quistococha:
- Quistococha Lagoon: The lagoon itself is one of Quistococha’s main attractions. Enjoy the calm waters surrounded by lush Amazonian vegetation and admire the natural beauty of the place.
- Boat trips: Rent a boat and navigate the Quistococha lagoon to explore its waters and observe the wildlife that inhabits its surroundings. It is an excellent way to appreciate the natural environment from a different perspective.
- Zoo: Visit the resort’s zoo to see a variety of animal species native to the Amazon region and other parts of the world. See monkeys, birds, reptiles, mammals and more during your visit.
- Nature trails: Explore the nature trails that wind along the lagoon and through the surrounding forest. Walk among the local flora and fauna while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.
- Picnic and rest areas: Take advantage of the picnic and rest areas to relax and enjoy an outdoor lunch or snack. Shaded areas and benches are available for visitors to enjoy a quiet moment.
- Restaurants and services: Visit the resort’s restaurants to try the typical food of the Amazon region and other local dishes. There are also services such as public restrooms, children’s play areas, souvenir stores and more.
- Recreational activities: In addition to the aforementioned activities, Quistococha offers other entertainment options such as swimming pools, children’s games and more, making it an ideal destination for the whole family.
These are just some of the things you can see and do in Quistococha. With its beautiful lagoon, zoo, nature trails and more, the resort offers a diverse and exciting tourist experience in the Amazon region of Iquitos.
How to get to Quisticocha?
To get to the Quistococha Tourist Complex from the center of the city of Iquitos, you can follow these directions:
- Ground transportation: From downtown Iquitos, you can take a cab, mototaxi or bus to Quistococha. Motorcycle cabs are often a popular and inexpensive option to get to the resort. Be sure to agree on the price with the driver before starting the trip.
- Motorcycle cab route: If you opt for a motorcycle cab, the trip from downtown Iquitos to Quistococha usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route will take you southeast of the city, passing through the road that leads to Quistococha.
- Bus route: If you prefer to take a bus, you can look for a route that will take you to the Quistococha area. Buses may be a more economical option, but they tend to be less frequent and may take longer to arrive than a cab or motorcycle cab.
- Travel by private vehicle: If you have your own or rented vehicle, you can drive from downtown Iquitos to Quistococha. The route is relatively direct and well signposted, and generally takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Once at the Quistococha Tourist Complex, you will be able to enjoy all the attractions and activities that the place has to offer, such as boat rides on the lagoon, visits to the zoo, hiking on nature trails and more. Remember to plan your trip in advance and coordinate your transportation back to Iquitos to avoid setbacks.
Recommendations for visiting Quisticocha
When visiting the Quistococha Tourist Complex, here are some recommendations to make the most of your experience:
- Arrive early
Try to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the place. In addition, you will have more time to explore all the attractions that the complex has to offer.
- Protect yourself from the sun
The weather in the Amazon region can be hot and humid, so be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat and light, comfortable clothing. It is also important to stay hydrated, so bring water with you.
- Explore the lagoon by boat
One of the highlights of Quistococha is the lagoon, so don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat ride on its calm waters. You will be able to observe wildlife and enjoy beautiful panoramic views.
- Visit the zoo
Spend time exploring the resort’s zoo, where you can see a variety of animal species native to the Amazon region and other parts of the world. Learn about the local fauna and admire the beauty of these animals.
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Enjoy nature
Walk the nature trails that wind along the lagoon and through the surrounding forest. Take time to observe the local flora and fauna and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
- Taste the local food
Take the opportunity to try the typical food of the Amazon region at the resort’s restaurants. Taste dishes such as juane, tacacho with jerky or inchicapi, among others.
- Respect the natural environment
Remember to be respectful of nature and wildlife during your visit. Do not leave garbage, do not feed the animals and follow the indications of the guides and staff of the complex.
- Support conservation
Consider making a voluntary donation or buying local products at the resort to support wildlife and environmental conservation efforts.
By following these recommendations, you can enjoy a memorable and enriching experience at Quistococha Resort while exploring the beauty and biodiversity of the Amazon region.
