Getting To Iquitos - Air Travel
Lima is the primary entry point for air travel into Peru. Tickets from your country can easily be arranged through any travel agent, or bought online. On arrival to Lima you will need to pick up your luggage and go through customs before checking into your next flight within Peru.
Peru requires your passport be valid for at least six more months to enter the country. If your passport expires before that, you will probably be denied boarding on your flight into Lima.
When looking for flights you may consider one itinerary into Lima, then a separate one from Lima to Iquitos. You will find many more options into Lima, and may save money. This approach does have a disadvantage if your flight or bags get delayed as they will not be responsible for getting you and your bags from Lima to Iquitos, but you may find greater flexibility at a more reasonable price.
USA Requires Going Through Customs
Note that the USA requires everyone entering the country to go through customs, even if it is just for a connecting flight moving on to another country. Take this into account when scheduling connecting flights as this process can take up to 2 hours.
Depending on country that issued your passport, you may need to apply for a visa before traveling. Many countries such as Australia, UK and the European Union automatically get a visa at customs and do not need to apply before hand. Others require an application process. If the USA requires a visa application from your country and you do not have one, you will not be allowed to board the plane to the USA. Given these requirements, avoiding connecting flights in the USA could be a better choice.
Airlines That Fly Within Peru
LATAM is the premier airline in Peru. They are generally the most expensive, but are dependable and offer good service.
Star Peru is less expensive than LATAM, and their fleet of planes are a bit old. Their flights between Lima and Iquitos also have a stop in Tarapoto and the trip takes about 1 hour longer than other airlines.
Peruvian Airlines is and established local airline with a reputation for timely, quality service at a reasonable price. Their site is Spanish only.
Staying in Iquitos, Peru - Hotels & Accommodations
Iquitos offers a wide variety of hostels and hotels, from a backpacker flop house for $4 per night, to the 5 star El Dorado Plaza for $250 a night. Below is a list of some nice hostels and hotels within a few blocks of the Plaza de Armas, the main square in Iquitos and center of the tourist district.