Most people think of Peru as having only one face: The face of the Andes Mountains, where Machu Picchu and the beautiful colonial city of Cusco are located. However, Peru has three very different faces: Andes, Amazon, and Coast. It’s unfortunate because most travelers think they have seen Peru after coming from the Andes. Sad to say that fewer venture to the tropical rain forest, and that is unfortunate as over 60% of Peru is covered by the Amazon and its lush, verdant jungle. It’s a magical world like no other.
Iquitos is considered to be the Gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. As such, it is the largest metropolis in the Peruvian Amazon, east of the Andes, as well as the ninth-most populous city in Peru. Those who come to the Peruvian Amazon usually come to Iquitos and use it as a base before they venture to the jungle.
Located in Iquitos, Studio 69 Aparthotel features free W-iFi throughout the property, a terrace, a restaurant and a bar. The nearest airport (Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignett International Airport) is about 30 minutes from the property.
The Hotel – Studio 69
This Iquitos hotel is conveniently located only a few blocks from Plaza de Armas. This Plaza is where many of the restaurants and activities are located and is home to the beautiful church Iglesia San Juan Bautista. Expect to find many foreign tourists who congregate in the square before their excursions to the rainforest.
Don’t worry about not speaking Spanish as the 24-hour front desk is usually conversant in both English and Spanish. Staff onsite can also speak Portuguese.
The Room
A variety of rooms are available from single, queen, and king to apartments with a kitchenette. There are also some family rooms available.
All units have air-conditioning, free WiFi, and flat-screen cable TVs. Some units also come with a kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, oven, and microwave. Room service is offered for all units.
The hotel offers luggage storage space, a concierge service, and currency exchange for guests.
I stayed in several different rooms over this last year, but particularly enjoyed the room with kitchenette. Rooms are comfortable, clean design, and sparkling clean.
Smoking and pets are not permitted. And even though Iquitos is known as a party town, it is nice to know you can get a good night’s sleep since parties onsite are prohibited. This is important in Iquitos as I have definitely suffered through all night partying at other properties.
There is an exception in that the rooftop terrace can be booked for parties. In this case, reception will advise you of the date and time.
Traveling Soon? These useful links will help you prepare for your trip.- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Search for Great Tours HERE
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Search for Great Tours HERE
The Rates at Studio 69 Aparthotel
Studio 69 Aparthotel maintains a simple website for bookings. However, you can easily book on various online travel agencies for competitive prices or convenience. Depending on season and room type, rates run from around $45 – $74 USD per night. A full breakfast with eggs, toast, coffee and freshly squeezed juice is included. You can compare rates and book your stay at Booking.com.
The Bottom Line – Studio 69
Studio 69 Aparthotel boasts a great location as well as a fantastic breakfast on the onsite rooftop breakfast room.
Service is professional, courteous, and accommodating, and most individuals at the reception desk are bilingual. The place is a favorite with many traveling business people, so it is best to book early.
For reviews of other properties in the Iquitos, Peru area, check out these:
Where to Stay in Iquitos and the Peruvian Amazon
Irapay Amazon Lodge
Karin Leperi Pezo is a writer and photographer living part time in Peru and part time in the United States. She paid full fare for one-three nights on several occasions at Studio 69 Aparthotel. All photos are by Karin Pezo, unless otherwise noted. As always, all opinions are those of the author and are based on actual stays at the property.
