Peru’s bustling Amazon city of Iquitos delivers authentic shopping experiences worth your travel dollars. The star attraction is Belen Market, a fascinating maze of vendors where you’ll find exotic fruits, traditional medicines, and local crafts. Market tours offer the best value, letting you safely explore this energetic neighborhood while learning about Amazonian culture from expert guides.
I especially like the private Belen Market tours – guides negotiate fair prices, explain unusual products, and introduce you to trusted vendors. The combined city-and-market tours are another smart choice, giving you both shopping opportunities and a good overview of Iquitos’ unique floating communities.
For nature enthusiasts, adding the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm to your shopping route brings a welcome break from bargaining, with opportunities to purchase native handicrafts in a peaceful setting.
Check out these top-rated shopping tours in Iquitos:
Key Points
- The Belen Market in Iquitos is a top-rated shopping destination, offering a culture experience with local street food, homemade health elixirs, and exotic products.
- The Belen Market & Floating City Tour is a 2-3 hour private tour that focuses on local traditions and the unique floating architecture in Belen.
- Visitors can purchase local crafts, drinks, and medicines during the various tour options, including the Venice Loretana Tour and the Kukama Community Tour.
- Some tour packages, such as the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm Tour, provide opportunities to learn about the Amazon’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
- The tours typically include private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off services, and cater to different fitness levels, with some options not wheelchair accessible.
Belen Market and La Venecia Loretana Tour With A Local Guide
Nestled within the vibrant heart of Iquitos, the Belen Market and La Venecia Loretana Tour offers travelers a captivating glimpse into the local way of life.
With a 5.0 overall rating from 47 reviews, this immersive cultural experience showcases the bustling Belen Market and the charming La Venecia Loretana neighborhood.
Led by the knowledgeable guide Marlon, the tour provides private transportation, including tuk-tuks and a short boat trip, to ensure a seamless and authentic journey.
Travelers can expect to savor local street food, discover homemade health elixirs, and interact with the community, all while learning about the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Read our full review: Belen Market and La Venecia Loretana Tour With A Local Guide Review
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From Iquitos | Beatiful Island City Tour – Belen Market
What better way to experience the vibrant heart of Iquitos than embarking on the “From Iquitos | Beatiful Island City Tour – Belen Market“? This 8-hour tour offers a comprehensive look at the city’s rich history and indigenous cultures. Highlights include the historic center, the iconic Casa de Fierro, the Museum of Amazonian Indigenous Cultures, and the bustling Belen Market. You’ll also visit a manatee rescue center and the Quistococha Zoo, home to a variety of Amazonian species. With English and Spanish-speaking guides, free cancellation, and a pay later option, this tour provides a seamless and immersive experience in Iquitos.
Read our full review: From Iquitos | Beatiful Island City Tour – Belen Market Review
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Belen Market & Floating City 2-3 Hour Private Tour
For a deeper immersion into the vibrant culture and floating way of life in Iquitos, the Belen Market & Floating City Private Tour offers a captivating 2-3 hour experience.
This private tour takes travelers to the famous Belen Market and the floating city, providing a personalized and in-depth exploration of the local life and traditions.
With a private guide, travelers can navigate the bustling market, interact with vendors, and learn about the region’s unique floating architecture and lifestyle.
The tour includes all fees, taxes, lunch, and gratuity, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Travelers should note the moderate physical fitness requirement and that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Belen Market & Floating City 2-3 Hour Private Tour Review
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Iquitos: Visit the Exotic Belén Market + Venice Loretana
Set out on a captivating 5-hour journey to the Belén Market and the enchanting “Venice Loretana” in Iquitos.
This tour, priced from €66.22 per person, lets you explore the exotic products, meats, fruits, and spices of the Belén Market.
Discover esoteric items, exotic drinks, natural medicine, and crafts in the Pasaje Paquito.
Then, experience the unique river houses of the San José de Río Itaya, known as the “Venice Loretana.”
The tour includes hotel pickup, guided visits, tasting of native products, breakfast, and lunch.
You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase drinks, medicines, and amulets.
Limited to 10 participants, the tour is available in English and Spanish with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Iquitos: Visit the Exotic Belén Market + Venice Loretana Review
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Kukama Community and Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm Tour
Travelers can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Kukama community and marvel at the vibrant Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm during this captivating 6-hour tour in Iquitos.
Priced at $95.90 per person, the tour includes round-trip transfers, river transport, a professional guide, and a traditional Peruvian lunch.
Guests will explore the community, learn about their customs, and visit the butterfly farm, all while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
With a minimum of 2 people required, this experience is perfect for small groups or solo travelers.
Cancellation and rescheduling policies offer added flexibility, making it a convenient and enjoyable activity to include in any Iquitos itinerary.
Read our full review: Kukama Community and Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm Tour Review
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Iquitos: Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm Tour
The Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm Tour in Iquitos offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the captivating world of Amazon rainforest biodiversity.
Priced from $95.90 per person, the 6-hour tour includes a boat ride over three rivers, sightings of pink dolphins, and a chance to fish for piranhas.
Visitors will also explore the Pilpintuwasi butterfly farm, home to over 20 species of animals. The tour provides an insight into the customs and traditional dances of the Kukama Kukamiria community.
With complimentary hotel transfers, a traditional jungle lunch, and a bilingual guide, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts exploring the ecological wonders of the Amazon.
Read our full review: Iquitos: Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm Tour Review
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Iquitos: Belen Market and Venice Loretana Guided Tour
Venturing beyond the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm, the Belen Market and Venice Loretana Guided Tour in Iquitos offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s vibrant local culture.
Priced from $67 per person, this 4-5 hour tour takes visitors through the exotic Belen Market, known for its rare meats, and the houseboat district of La Venecia Loretana.
Highlights include tasting Amazonian medicine drinks, optional piranha fishing, and transportation by motorcycle and canoe.
With free hotel pickup and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a well-rounded experience for those seeking an immersive shopping adventure in Iquitos.
Read our full review: Iquitos: Belen Market and Venice Loretana Guided Tour Review
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Iquitos: 6-Hour Amazon River Tour W/ Belén & Butterfly Farm
This 6-hour Amazon River tour in Iquitos provides an in-depth exploration of the region’s natural wonders.
You’ll visit the Rescue Center Amazon, CREA Iquitos, to learn about endangered wildlife rehabilitation, particularly the Amazonian manatee.
Explore the Belén floating village and market, spotting pink and gray dolphins along the way.
At the Pilpintuwasi butterfly farm, discover the fascinating life cycles and breeding habits of these beautiful creatures.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, boat transport, a bilingual guide, and a picnic lunch.
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent. Personal purchases can be made with local Peruvian Soles.
Activities may change based on river levels, and permission is required before photographing locals.
Read our full review: Iquitos: 6-Hour Amazon River Tour W/ Belén & Butterfly Farm Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Iquitos?
The best time to visit Iquitos is during the dry season, typically between June and October. This is when the weather is more pleasant, with lower humidity and less rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the city.
Can I Bargain With Vendors at the Belen Market?
Yes, visitors can often bargain with vendors at the Belen Market in Iquitos. It’s common practice and expected, so don’t be afraid to negotiate for the best prices on handicrafts, textiles, and other local goods.
Are There Any Safety Concerns When Visiting the Belen Market?
The Belen Market can present some safety concerns. Visitors should be cautious of pickpockets and avoid carrying valuables. It’s also advisable to visit during daylight hours and stay with a guide or tour group for added security.
Can I Take Photographs at the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm?
You can take photographs at the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm, but it’s best to ask permission first. The farm’s staff generally allow visitors to take pictures, but they may have some restrictions to protect the butterflies’ well-being.
Is There a Dress Code for the Amazon River Tour?
There’s no strict dress code for the Amazon river tour, but it’s best to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing that covers your arms and legs. Avoid flashy or bright colors that may disturb the wildlife.
Recap
Iquitos offers a range of engaging shopping tours. Visitors can explore the vibrant Belen Market, experience the floating city of La Venecia Loretana, and visit the Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm. These tours provide an immersive cultural experience and allow travelers to discover the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of this Amazon region. Whether you’re interested in markets, nature, or both, Iquitos has something to captivate every shopper.