Iquitos, Peru

Floating Restaurant: Al Frío y Al Fuego is a floating foodie oasis at the mouth of Río Itaya, with indoor and outdoor seating and its very own swimming pool. The fish dishes are all sublime — as is the local Peruvian potato dish causa — especially with a glass of white wine.

Animal Rescue Centers: If you’ve always wanted to cuddle a sloth or pet a manatee, you can do it at these two small centers, which rescue poached or illegally captive local animals: Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm and Amazon Animal Orphanage, and the Manatee Rescue Centre.

Local Markets: The strong-stomached can have a culinary adventure at Iquitos’ colorful and decidedly non-touristy food markets — best explored with a guide — where local delicacies such as giant fire-grilled grubs (suri) on a stick, as well as crocodile and piranha, can be sampled.

Belén Shantytown: The city’s shantytown is a maze of huts built on stilts or atop rafts, which rise and fall with the river. A boat ride through Belén, especially early in the morning as jungle villagers arrive to sell produce, is a fascinating look at life and commerce at its most basic.

The Iron House: Designed by Gustav Eiffel and shipped to Iquitos piece by piece in 1890, this mansion built during the rubber boom now houses retail shops and a restaurant.

Photo Buffs: What remains of Iquitos’ rubber-baron splendor is highly photogenic — as are the locals, zooming about on motorbikes or navigating the river by skiff and dugout canoe.

It’s Hot and Buggy: This is the Amazon jungle after all, so wear light pants and long-sleeve shirts, and carry insect repellent.