Iquitos, Peru – In the heart of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest lies one of the most striking and authentic places on the continent: the Belén neighborhood of Iquitos, also known as the Amazonian Venice . This area, where houseboats coexist with intense commercial and cultural activity, is home to the famous Belén market , considered one of the most unusual and vibrant in the world.
A neighborhood on the water
Belén, with a population of over 100,000, is a neighborhood where the river level varies dramatically depending on the season. The houses are built on stilts or float directly on the water. This unique landscape has led to it being known as the Venice of the Amazon . Its watery alleys and floating structures amaze visitors, offering a unique and breathtaking view.
The charming chaos of Iquitos
Iquitos is the second largest city in the Amazon region, after Manaus in Brazil. With more than half a million inhabitants, its chaotic pace is reminiscent of destinations like Thailand, India, or Cambodia. The Belén market is the perfect reflection of this energy: noises, smells, crowds, colors, and an unusual variety of products that arouse wonder and, at times, concern.
The Bethlehem Market: Between the Fascinating and the Controversial
The market occupies a huge area, estimated at more than five square kilometers. Here you can find everything from tropical fruits to exotic animals. Some of the most striking products include:
- Monkey, capybara, turtle and lizard meat .
- Crocodile heads and skins , used for soups or shamanic rituals.
- Churos (giant Amazonian snails), which are sold live and prepared in anticuchos or ceviche.
- Piranhas and carachama fish , widely used in local cuisine.
- Turtle egg and eye , considered Amazonian delicacies.
- Wild rabbit and venison , typical game meats.
Many of these products are shocking due to their ecological and cultural implications. What may be a disturbing sight for some is, for the region’s inhabitants, a part of their daily life and survival.
Traditional medicine and shamanic rituals
A special section of the market is the Pasaje Paquito , also known as the Witches’ Hallway , where all kinds of natural and esoteric products are sold: roots, herbs, ointments, animal blood, anteater fat, and liqueurs such as camu camu , used for both healing and ritual purposes. Mapacho , a pure Amazonian tobacco cigar, is also sold as a remedy for bad energies, subcutaneous larvae, and jungle diseases.
Polluted water: the real danger
Contrary to the myth of piranhas or anacondas, the greatest risk in this area isn’t the wildlife, but the high water pollution . The Belén River receives waste and sewage from all over Iquitos, making it one of the most polluted river areas in South America.
An unparalleled human experience
Beyond the exotic and extreme, the Belén neighborhood stands out for the hospitality and warmth of its people . The locals welcome visitors with a smile, willing to share their customs and ways of life, even amidst precarious conditions and environmental risks.
Conclusion: Visiting the Belén market and neighborhood in Iquitos is a unique experience, combining magical realism, wild nature, ancestral traditions, and social issues. A destination that impacts, challenges, and transforms those who dare to explore it.
