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Step into the sweltering heart of the Peruvian Amazon to uncover a city built on a terrifying paradox. In the late 19th century, Iquitos transformed from a sleepy jungle outpost into a glittering metropolis of imported Italian marble, iron mansions, and champagne-soaked ballrooms. But this absurd opulence hid a dark reality. Join Clara and Mateo as they peel back the gilded facade of the Rubber Boom, revealing the brutal machinery of exploitation and the tragic fate of the indigenous peoples who paid the ultimate price for the world's obsession with 'white gold'. This is a story of hubris, beauty, and blood.
- A 1.7 km self-guided tour with 7 stops over 87 min
- Ideal for travelers interested in Art, Design & Aesthetics and History & Memory
- Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
From Iquitos's main station, take local public transport toward Plaza de Armas de Iquitos. Get off at the nearest stop and walk the final few minutes to Plaza de Armas de Iquitos, Iquitos, Peru. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.
From Boulevard de Iquitos (Puerto), walk to the nearest public transport stop and travel back to Iquitos's main station. The departure point is Boulevard de Iquitos (Puerto), Iquitos, Peru. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.
Itinerary
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1Plaza de Armas de Iquitos
The heart of the rubber boom, surrounded by opulent buildings funded by the trade.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Casa de Fierro
An iron house attributed to Gustave Eiffel, imported piece by piece as a symbol of the era’s extravagant wealth.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Ex-Hotel Palace
A lavish former hotel whose tiles and architecture reflect the opulence and ambition of rubber-boom Iquitos.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
The seat of regional government, connecting rubber wealth to the authorities and systems that enabled exploitation.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Housed in an 1863 building, this museum contains statues of indigenous peoples, serving as a focal point to discuss the Putumayo genocide.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
The restored mansion of rubber baron Luis Felipe Morey, showcasing the immense wealth and sudden economic collapse of the boom.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Malecon Tarapaca
The river port where rubber was shipped out, serving as a place to reflect on the legacy of the boom and indigenous survival.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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