The Belén Neighborhood of Iquitos & its Floating Market
Information

🌊 Presentation of Belén

Nicknamed the "Amazonian Venice", Belén is the most iconic neighborhood of Iquitos, built on the banks of the Itaya River. This popular neighborhood is divided into two zones:

• Belén Alto (upper part): Land zone with houses on stilts
• Belén Bajo (lower part): Floodable zone with floating houses

📜 History and Culture

• Origins: Founded in the early 20th century by indigenous populations
• Population: Approximately 65,000 inhabitants
• Economy: Commercial and artisanal center of the region
• Particularity: Unique adaptation to the flood cycle (water level varies 8m between dry and wet seasons)

🏡 Unique Architecture

The houses of Belén have remarkable characteristics:

• Floating houses: Built on balsa wood (light trunks)
• Houses on stilts: Up to 10m high to resist floods
• Materials: Local wood, palm leaves, recycled materials

🛒 Presentation of the Market

The Belén market is the largest traditional market in Peruvian Amazonia, divided into two parts:

• Land market: Products from the entire region
• Floating market: Sales from canoes (best during the rainy season)

🍍 What can you find at the market?

• Exotic fruits:
  • Camu camu (rich in vitamin C)
  • Aguaje (fruit of the Mauritia palm)
  • Cocona (acidic fruit)
  • Amazonian pineapple
• Amazonian fish:
  • Paiche (largest freshwater fish)
  • Doncella
  • Gamitana
• Medicinal plants:
  • Uña de gato (cat's claw)
  • Ayahuasca (used in traditional medicine)
  • Sangre de grado (medicinal sap)
• Local handicrafts:
  • Basketry
  • Wooden objects
  • Seed necklaces

🕒 Visiting Hours & Tips

• Best time: Early morning (5am-9am) for the most authentic atmosphere
• Floating market: More active during the rainy season (December to May)
• Safety:
  • Avoid displaying valuable objects
  • Respect locals
  • Ask before taking photos

🚤 How to visit Belén?

• By boat:
  • Organized excursion (1-2 hours)
  • Private boat rental (negotiate price)
• On foot: Possible in Belén Alto (less recommended alone)
• With a guide: Recommended to understand local culture

💰 Prices (2023)

• Collective boat: 10-15 soles per person
• Private boat: 50-80 soles (1 hour)
• French-speaking guide: 80-120 soles (2 hours)

⚠️ Precautions

• Health:
  • Do not drink the water
  • Avoid raw vegetables
  • Hepatitis A vaccination recommended
• Photography:
  • Always ask before taking photos
  • Bring small bills to thank locals

🌿 Authentic Experiences

• Taste exotic juices at the market
• Visit a floating house (with a guide)
• Observe daily life on canoes
• Watch the sunset from the river

Belén and its floating market offer an authentic glimpse into Amazonian life, far from conventional tourist circuits. This fascinating neighborhood reveals human ingenuity in the face of natural challenges and preserves a living culture deeply linked to the river.

Visiting Belén is discovering the true soul of Iquitos, with its contrasts and vitality. An experience that leaves a lasting impression and allows understanding the complex reality of urban Amazonia.

💡 Ethical tip: Support local guides and artisans by buying directly from them to sustain the neighborhood's economy.