About Belen Mercado

Do you have arthritis?

We hope not. There are herbs in this market, which are good at curing arthritis and other bone diseases. This is another face of Peru not exactly ideal. But it is real and throbbing with vibrant local life. Dirty, filthy, smelly - yet fascinating! Rafts float on the south-east end of the shantytown of Belen and sell local produce. The streets are chaotic, people raucous, tourists appalled, guides articulate, cats stealing, dogs snoring, children giggling and pickpockets prowling; this is Peru, up, close and personal for you. The huts sit quietly on the river waiting to be flooded any moment. Insect grubs may or may not be delicious depending on that spirit of adventure hiding within you. You could glimpse heaven and hell with a sip of Ayahuasca. The Bark of the Chuchuhuasi tree soaked in rum can serve as a tonic. But no - we're telling you too much. Sweat the dirt. It won't hurt to be a local for a few hours. Trust us on this one. 

Must See

  • Belen Town 
  • The Huts and the River
  • The floating rafts and canoes selling a variety of produce
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish
  • Amazonian jungle produce
  • Exotic food items
  • Local people and culture
  • Local handicrafts

How to reach

This market is situated 9 minutes away from Iquitos city center. Walk it down for a street smart experience. The one-way flight from Lima to Iquitos costs about USD 100 and takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes. 

Tips

  • Immerse yourself in the local culture.
  • The best time to land here is 7 a.m. when the jungle people arrive with their goodies for sale.
  • Sanitary conditions are next to nil.
  • Eating anything and everything would not be wise.
  • If you are buying fish or meat or fruits/vegetables please ensure they are fresh.
  • Have the above cooked at your hotel; not here.
  • Carry food, water, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellant. 
  • You can rent a canoe here.
  • Stray dogs and cats are plenty here.
  • If you want to avoid dirty places this place is not for you. 
  • Leave your valuables and extra cash safely back in your hotel.
  • Beware of pickpockets.
  • Bargain hard. 

Visit Time

Sunday:       6.00 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday:      6.00 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday:     6.00 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday: 6.00 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday:    6.00 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday:        6.00 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday:    6.00 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

3 to 4 hours

 

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Weather

Broken Clouds 25.48°C

 

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