Harry our female Ocelot was rescued being sold as a kitten in Iquitos. Photo credit: Lola Vu Ngo
1 / 10

Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm

4.4
·698 reviews·Iquitos, Peru

A sanctuary for rescued Amazonian wildlife and a vibrant butterfly farm, dedicated to conservation and education.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings

Animals are most active

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Harry our female Ocelot was rescued being sold as a kitten in Iquitos. Photo credit: Lola Vu Ngo

Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm

Best Time

Mornings

Animals are most active

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sanctuary for rescued Amazonian wildlife and a vibrant butterfly farm, dedicated to conservation and education.

4.4
(698 reviews)

"An inspiring place with passionate people dedicated to animal care and conservation."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Guided Tour in Advance

Message on Instagram/email to arrange a guided tour with pickup for clear instructions.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the sanctuary, so comfortable footwear is a must.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 698 reviews

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Butterfly Farm

Butterfly Farm

Butterfly Enclosure

Wander through a vibrant enclosure filled with colorful Amazonian butterflies, a truly magical experience.

Rescued Wildlife Sanctuary

Rescued Wildlife Sanctuary

Animal Habitats

See diverse rescued Amazonian animals like monkeys, sloths, and birds, each with a unique rehabilitation story.

Passionate Guided Tours

Passionate Guided Tours

Throughout the Sanctuary

Learn about the Amazon's biodiversity and conservation efforts from knowledgeable guides who share their passion.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Pilpintuwasi

Reaching Pilpintuwasi requires a boat trip from Iquitos, typically a 45-minute to 1-hour journey. Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transport, which can simplify logistics. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for guided tours.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Pilpintuwasi is during the dry season (June to November) for easier boat travel. However, the farm is open year-round, and the animals are always present. Mornings are often cooler and more active for wildlife viewing.

Best Times

When
Mornings
Why
Animals are most active
Crowd
Low
When
Dry Season (June-Nov)
Why
Easier boat travel
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#uitosperu #lo que esta pasando en iquitos 2024 peru #uitosperu #iquitosperu
@diegogonzales078
297.5K likes • 2.9M views

Book Guided Tour in Advance

Message on Instagram/email to arrange a guided tour with pickup for clear instructions. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the sanctuary, so comfortable footwear is a must. Reddit

Esta fue mi experiencia visitando una de las maravillas naturales del mundo la Amazonia Y me quedé en @Irapay Amazon Lodge que es como estar en el paraíso. #amazonas #iquitos #peru #resort #lodge #lujo
@unacitaconelmundo
66.6K likes • 1.2M views
Pilpintuwasi wildlife rescue center and butterfly farm. #iquitos #amazonas #peru
arthurkulju
36 likes • 874 views

Bring Insect Repellent

The Amazon is home to many insects; repellent is essential for a comfortable visit. TikTok

Support the Mission

Your visit directly supports the rescue and rehabilitation of Amazonian wildlife. Instagram

Pilpintuwasi -Butterfly Farm -
imbarcoimmediatoviagg
6 likes • 184 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Guided Tour in Advance

Message on Instagram/email to arrange a guided tour with pickup for clear instructions. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the sanctuary, so comfortable footwear is a must. Reddit

Bring Insect Repellent

The Amazon is home to many insects; repellent is essential for a comfortable visit. TikTok

Support the Mission

Your visit directly supports the rescue and rehabilitation of Amazonian wildlife. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(698 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Pilpintuwasi for its genuine commitment to animal rescue and rehabilitation, highlighting the passionate and knowledgeable staff. The sanctuary offers an inspiring look at conservation efforts and a chance to see diverse Amazonian wildlife, though some note the journey requires planning.

"Great animal sanctuary! We had really interesting Tour with the Woman who runs the place with a lot of Love and passion. I can totally recommend a visit!"

Caro Line

"Beautiful place, beautiful animals and beautiful people - working towards this mission.

Hearing and seeing the animals stories; pre and now post Pilpintuwasi, was very inspiring.

The entrance is at the end of a bend in the road.

Theres a big sign at this bend in the road.

Walk down a little hill and will see a Maloka on your left. Pilpintuwasi will be on the right in front of an open clearing by the river with a concrete pillar path.

Give them a visit 💚 I had a great time and learned so much. 🦋"

jonas l

"Excellent place that I visited with my family. The lady who runs it has great knowledge and passion for the animals. It started off as a butterfly farm but has grown into an animal sanctuary for rescued animals that can’t be released back into the wild for various reasons. She also works to educate people on how to protect the beautiful and varied species of the Amazon instead of exploiting them.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here and would recommend this to anyone visiting the area. You walk in an enclosure to keep you away from the animals so they are more free to roam. They encourage natural behaviour of the animals and less human interaction which is best for them. A genuine rescue centre and not just built for tourists or to make money. The people here are genuine and put the animals in their care above anything else."

Mairi Cheesman

What People Like

Passionate staff and tours
Genuine animal rescue
Beautiful butterflies and wildlife

What People Dislike

Requires boat travel

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Pilpintuwasi is accessible by boat from Iquitos, typically a 45-minute to 1-hour journey. Many visitors arrange transport through tours or by messaging the sanctuary in advance for clear instructions. Reddit

Public transportation directly to Pilpintuwasi is limited. The most common methods involve boat travel, often arranged as part of a tour or through private hire. TikTok

Yes, many tour operators in Iquitos offer packages that include transportation to Pilpintuwasi, making the journey seamless. TikTok

The boat ride offers scenic views of the Amazon River and surrounding rainforest. It's an integral part of the experience, showcasing the natural beauty of the region. TikTok

While Iquitos itself has areas to be mindful of, Pilpintuwasi is a dedicated sanctuary focused on wildlife and conservation, generally considered a safe and enriching destination. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Pilpintuwasi is open for visitors all week from 9 am to 4 pm. Instagram

Admission fees contribute to the sanctuary's mission. It's best to check their official channels or inquire when booking a tour for the most current pricing. Instagram

While not always mandatory, booking a guided tour in advance is highly recommended, especially if you want specific pickup arrangements or to ensure a spot. Reddit

You can visit Pilpintuwasi independently, but a guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the animals and conservation efforts. Instagram

There are no specific age restrictions mentioned for entry, making it a family-friendly destination. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of rescued Amazonian animals, including monkeys, sloths, macaws, and other birds, as well as numerous species of butterflies. Instagram+1

Yes, Pilpintuwasi features a dedicated butterfly farm where you can observe many colorful species in a controlled environment. Instagram+1

Guided tours are offered in both Spanish and English, ensuring visitors can understand the information provided. Instagram

The best way to experience Pilpintuwasi is through a guided tour, where you can learn about the animals' stories and the sanctuary's conservation work. Reddit

While the sanctuary encourages natural behavior, visitors are kept in enclosures to ensure the animals' well-being and freedom. Direct interaction is limited for the animals' benefit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but always be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash, which can disturb them. Instagram

The butterfly enclosure and the diverse rescued animals offer fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the vibrant colors of the butterflies and the unique expressions of the wildlife. Instagram

Specific regulations regarding drone usage are not mentioned, but it's always advisable to check with the sanctuary staff upon arrival. TikTok

A camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing wildlife from a respectful distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the butterfly enclosure. Instagram

It's polite to ask guides for permission before taking their photo. Reddit

You may also like

Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide