Monkey Island in Iquitos: The True Story Behind One of the Most Important Rescue Centers in the Peruvian Amazon
One of the most frequent questions we receive from travelers visiting Iquitos is:
Are there two Monkey Islands?
The short answer is no.
However, for many years, a great deal of confusion led thousands of travelers to believe they had visited the famous Monkey Island when in reality they had visited a different place.
As local tour operators, we decided to address this issue because we believe travelers deserve clear and transparent information about the places they visit in the Peruvian Amazon.
The Real Monkey Island of Iquitos
When we talk about the real Monkey Island, we are referring to the primate rescue center founded in 1997 by Don Gilberto Guerra.
This project was born with a very clear objective: to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect monkeys that are victims of the illegal wildlife trade in the Amazon.
For over two decades, Don Gilberto and his team have dedicated their lives to giving a second chance to hundreds of animals that were taken from their natural habitat to be illegally sold as pets.
Today, Monkey Island is recognized as one of the most important primate rescue centers in the Peruvian Amazon and a conservation landmark for travelers, researchers, and nature lovers from around the world.
Where did the confusion come from?
A few years ago, we observed a situation that deeply concerned us.
Many travelers were returning disappointed because they believed they had visited the famous Monkey Island, but in reality, they had never reached Don Gilberto's rescue center.
The reason was simple.
There is another place known as Fundo Neyser or Neyser Zoo, a space that houses monkeys and other Amazonian wildlife.
This place is located approximately halfway along the river route to Monkey Island.
Being closer to the city of Iquitos represents significant savings in logistical costs and travel time for some tour operators. The problem arose when some operators promoted the Neyser Zoo as if it were the real Monkey Island.
This caused confusion among visitors and damaged Iquitos's tourism image, as many travelers ended up believing they had visited the renowned rescue center when in reality they had visited a different place.
Our Commitment to Tourism Transparency
At Iquitos Experience Tours, we have always championed the importance of providing clear and honest information to travelers. In fact, years ago we began publicly explaining the difference between the two places and using their correct names.
Our goal was never to create controversy. Our main concern was to combat misinformation and support those who truly work for the conservation of Amazonian wildlife.
Furthermore, we believe that the fight against the illegal trafficking of species requires education and transparency.
When a traveler visits a legitimate rescue center, they gain a deeper understanding of the immense harm caused by removing animals from the wild.
What you will learn at Monkey Island: The Monkey Island experience is not designed for entertainment through contact with animals.
It is designed to educate. Here you will learn about:
The illegal wildlife trade in the Amazon.
The process of rescuing and rehabilitating primates.
The importance of conserving Amazonian ecosystems.
The challenges faced by animals removed from their habitat.
The conservation work carried out for decades by Don Gilberto Guerra and his team.
One of the most important lessons visitors learn is that when an animal is separated from its natural environment, there is a high probability that it will never be able to fully return to the wild.
For this reason, the center promotes responsible observation.
Here you come to observe, learn, and understand. You do not come to touch animals.
A Center That Continues to Evolve:
Over the years, Monkey Island has strengthened its protocols, improved its facilities, and solidified its position as one of the most valuable primate rescue projects in the Peruvian Amazon.
Its work transcends tourism.
It represents environmental education, conservation, research, and the protection of species threatened by the illegal wildlife trade.
Is Monkey Island worth visiting?
Absolutely.
If you're looking for things to do in Iquitos and want an authentic experience related to Amazonian conservation, this place should be on your itinerary.
You'll see more than just Amazonian monkeys.
You'll hear stories of rescue, survival, and hope.
And you'll understand why protecting Amazonian biodiversity is a shared responsibility.