At the beginning of rubber exploitation in the year 1885, Iquitos becomes the global center of rubber extraction. The shiringa made us part of the productive chain automotive industry in plain expansion worldwide. While Henry Ford was building cars, Loreto was rubber exploiting to put it's natural rubber tires on new automobiles. During the glory of rubber explotation Iquitos had it all, european style houses, good imports, tramway, huge ships crossing the Amazone river and many rubber tycoons. Some nice european houses that have lasted till modern days can still be seen around, 109 have been declared Cultural Patrimony.