Belén Neighbourhood Tour on the Itaya River, Iquitos

Very interesting; we learned about local products and the flood zone. It's good to go with a guide to understand it bett...

Luz Poblete

Discover the most intense and fascinating side of Iquitos on this tour of the Belén neighborhood. We’ll stroll through its picturesque markets, brimming with life and tradition; uncover the secrets of ancient Amazonian medicine; and explore the famous “Venice of the Amazon” on the banks of the Itaya River.

Details

Duration

3 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.

Included

English–speaking guide
Canoe ride (depending on the season)

Not included

Piranha fishing: 50PEN per person

When to book

You can book up to 1 day in advance if there are any seats left. Book now and guarantee your spot.

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.

Amazon 2 Day Tour

Free cancellation

Amazon, Nanay & Momon Rivers Excursion

Free cancellation

Amazon River Trip

Free cancellation

Meeting point

The intersection of Napo Street and the Maldonado Boardwalk

Reviews of our customers

8.2

Excellent 80 Travelers·11 reviews

September 2, 2026
Anónimo
Spain
It wasn't what I expected, but the guide, Rosendo, was very attentive.
As a couple
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October 12, 2025
Debora Gil
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Belén neighborhood is a place worth visiting. It's one of the most representative areas of Iquitos, where much of the jungle's produce arrives and...
Traveling solo
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February 4, 2026
Luz Poblete
Santiago, Chile
Very interesting; we learned about local products and the flood zone. It's good to go with a guide to understand it better; the place is safe.
As a couple
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November 25, 2025
Paolo
Varese, Italy
It was a very interesting and informative morning. José Vasquez Cabrera, my guide, was very helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommended excursion!
Traveling solo
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November 25, 2024
Carola
Chile
The tour is half a day, but you get to see the market and part of the history of this wonderful city. It is better to visit Bethlehem with a guide, to...
Traveling solo
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September 24, 2025
Francisco
Viña Del Mar, Chile
Very good guide. Raider made sure the visit was a positive experience.
Traveling solo
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July 16, 2025
Sandra
Barcelona, Spain
José showed us the market and the Belen neighborhood; he was very helpful.
As a couple
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March 31, 2025
Joan
Barcelona, Spain
José, the guide, was very attentive. He showed us the market and then part of the neighborhood by boat. The variety of products sold at the market was...
As a couple
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Tour Details

At the indicated time, we'll meet at the intersection of Napo Street and Malecón Maldonado (also known as Iquitos Boulevard). From there, we'll take a short walk to the Belén Market, one of the most important food markets in the Peruvian Amazon. As we stroll among its lively stalls, we’ll discover the enormous variety of tropical fruits, river fish, and traditional ingredients that define the local cuisine. We’ll learn about the cultural and historical significance of these foods in the regional diet.

Next, we’ll venture into the famous Pasaje Paquito, a mystical alleyway known for its traditional remedies, Amazonian perfumes, and medicinal plants. Here, the guide will explain the ancestral uses of preparations such as mapacho and rapé in the spiritual ceremonies of local communities, as well as the botanicals used in the preparation of ayahuasca.

Afterward, we’ll head to the lower part of the neighborhood, popularly known as the “Amazonian Venice.” The tour through this unique enclave will vary depending on the time of year and the water level of the Itaya River.

During the flood season, the community is partially submerged, so we’ll board a traditional canoe to navigate among stilt houses, makeshift rafts, and streets covered by water. During the dry season (approximately June through October), the water level drops significantly, allowing us to complete the tour on foot through its passable alleys and streets.

During the journey, we’ll discover the ingenious way of life of local families and how they adapt their daily routines to the river’s cycles. Additionally, if we take the tour during the flood season and the pace of the visit allows it, we can round out the excursion with a fun optional piranha fishing activity.

After an experience lasting between 2 and 3 hours, we’ll wrap up the tour by returning to the starting point.

Itinerary Changes

PPiranha fishing is optional and strictly dependent on the river's seasonal conditions. It can only take place during the flood season and provided that the group's schedule at the markets allows for it. During the dry season (June through October), fishing will not be available due to low water levels.

Types of activities in Iquitos

Tour Packages Day trips

Other activities in Iquitos

Amazon 2 Day Tour Amazon Rainforest 5 Day Tour Amazon River: 3 Day Tour Ayahuasca Ceremony in Iquitos Pacaya Samiria 3 Day Tour Yanayacu River 3, 4 or 5-Day Tour Iquitos Full-Day Tour Yanayacu River 6-day Trip South Amazonia 4-Day Trip + Bird Spotting 3 or 4-Day Yanamono Forest Tour

Tour Details

After an experience lasting between 2 and 3 hours, we’ll wrap up the tour by returning to the starting point.

Belén Neighbourhood Tour