Iquitos: The Largest City in the World Without Road Access to the Outside

Located in the northern Amazon region of Peru, Iquitos is the largest city in the world with no roads connecting to other regions or countries. The city can only be reached by boat, plane, or a cul-de-sac road, that links only one town.

Carretera Iquitos-Nauta

Why is Iquitos Famous?

Iquitos is known for its isolation, with no road access to other cities outside the region. The only road, Road 103, connects Iquitos to the nearby town of Nauta, but it does not link to any national or international highway system.

How Long is the Road from Iquitos to Nauta?

The Iquitos-Nauta road is 108 km (67 miles) long, running from Iquitos to Nauta in northeastern Loreto Province. While this road connects the two largest urban centers in the region, it offers no further access beyond Nauta.

Is the Road from Iquitos to Nauta Paved?

Construction of the road began in the 1970s and the road along the Amazon River was fully paved in 2004, facilitating travel between the two cities. However, it does not connect to any national or international road network.

A City in Isolation

Even with a road, Iquitos remains isolated. The Iquitos-Nauta road does not connect to the outside world. This isolation, along with the surrounding jungle, presents challenges, including malaria, which is a common risk in the area.

 

 

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