Green Track Hostel

The woman at reception was friendly and spoke English, so that earned the one star. She didn’t seem surprised when we canceled after five minutes. I’d give the place zero otherwise. Hospedaje Florentina is my recommendation, and in a low-quality city like Iquitos, I wouldn’t book somewhere rated below 9. We’d paid extra for a private room on the roof level, but it was worse than the dorm downstairs. There were no door locks, and they had no padlock to lend or sell. The bunk bed was falling apart. The bathroom had a concrete shower corner with no tiles and a toilet, but no sink. No hot water either, and the woman said we didn’t need it. There was a window that could close, but uncovered holes in the brick above the bed, a joke in a mosquito area. Just a fan for cooling, plus spider webs. Homeless shelters are better than this.

Ana, Miguel, and Nicole, thank you! We stayed three days and two nights with a community in the jungle on Green Track’s El Chino tour, with Miguel as our guide. It was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I highly recommend it. The hostel had a cozy feel, was clean, and served a good breakfast. Ana and Nicole were so helpful, and it was clear they truly care about the Amazon, which isn’t always easy to find in Iquitos.

We slept well, and the sheets were clean. The rooftop terrace and shared spaces are nice. We tried both the double and matrimonial rooms: the first felt like a prison, and the second smelled really bad. The staff were as unfriendly as possible and reluctant to answer our questions. When we asked if two friends could come in so we could book plane tickets together, they said the facilities were only for paying guests. It’s a shame that a place with good shared areas is run by people who don’t seem to care about making guests happy.

The beds are comfortable and the hostel itself is decent, but the staff made the atmosphere awkward and uncomfortable. They were unhelpful and stuck-up, and the manager acts like she’s the best thing in the world. I’ve never stayed at a hostel that wouldn’t let me use its computer. You also have to pay to use the kitchen. If you’re asking about ayahuasca, expect to be made to feel like a criminal for wanting information. They don’t seem interested in making you feel at home or looking out for you. Mad Mick' s was a much better experience for me. Diego and his father Alex were incredibly friendly and helpful. Even though I wasn’t staying there, they let me hang out all day, use the kitchen, and drove me around the city to help me.