We begin our adventure from the Iquitos Boulevard, heading to the Belén Market — a fascinating open-air market that operates only from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. After that, most street vendors pack up and activity winds down. That's why our tour starts at 8:00 a.m., a calm hour perfect for observing the full range of local products without the heavy crowds. Over the course of approximately 2 hours, you'll explore a vibrant scene where locals trade everything from fresh Amazonian fruits to exotic meats like paiche and turtle. You'll also discover traditional herbal medicines and spiritual amulets, offering a direct window into Amazonian ancestral knowledge.
Next, we visit Paquito Passage, the heart of Amazonian alternative medicine, where local healers prepare elixirs, tonics, and aphrodisiac drinks using native jungle plants.
From there, we embark on a canoe ride through the lower Belén district — often referred to as the “Venice of the Amazon” — where floating wooden houses adapt to the river’s ever-changing levels. This part of the tour also lasts approximately 2 hours and includes an optional piranha fishing experience.
Important: Between August and November, the dry season significantly lowers the river levels, making much of the floating section inaccessible. During this period, only a small portion can be reached by canoe, and the rest of the visit is done on foot, allowing you to explore the community from land.
This tour offers a rare, immersive journey into the cultural and daily life of Iquitos, blending local tradition with adventure.