Iquitos: Belen Market and Venice Loretana Guided Tour

Iquitos, nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, offers a captivating blend of cultural and natural wonders. The Belen Market and Venice Loretana Guided Tour promises an immersive experience, transporting visitors through the vibrant pulse of the city. From the exotic meats and traditional medicines found in the bustling marketplace to the serene canoe ride through the houseboat district, this tour provides a tantalizing glimpse into the rich tapestry of Amazonian life. With knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to try thrilling activities like piranha fishing, this excursion promises an unforgettable adventure that may just leave you yearning for more.

Key Points

• Guided tour of Iquitos’ Belen Market, featuring exotic meats, rare fish, and traditional Amazonian medicines and amulets.
• Explore the houseboat district, known as the "Venice of Loreto," and gain insights into the daily life of local Amazonian people.
• Includes a canoe ride, transportation, and the option to try piranha fishing.
• Tour duration is 4-5 hours, with Spanish and English language availability and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or individuals over 70 due to additional mobility requirements.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Iquitos: Belen Market and Venice Loretana Guided Tour offers visitors an immersive experience in the heart of the Amazon.

Priced at $50.09 per person, the 4-5 hour tour is available in Spanish and English. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the flexibility of reserving now and paying later.

The tour starts at Iquitos Boulevard and includes a visit to the vibrant Belen Market, where exotic Amazonian meats, natural medicines, and local amulets are on display.

Travelers will also navigate through the houseboat district, known as the "Venice of Loreto", and have the option to try piranha fishing.

Transportation, a canoe ride, and return to the starting point are included.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins at Iquitos Boulevard, where visitors can either walk or take a vehicle to the renowned Belen Market. At the market, they’ll explore the exotic meats on display, including rare fish, lizard, turtle, and the massive paiche. Next, they’ll venture into Paquito Passage, where they can discover natural Amazonian medicine, root drinks, and amulets. The highlight of the tour is navigating through the houseboat district, known as the "Venice of Loreto." Adventurous travelers can even try their hand at piranha fishing. Throughout the tour, guests gain invaluable cultural insights into Amazonian life.

Itinerary Highlights
Belen Market	Paquito Passage	Houseboat District	Piranha Fishing
Exotic meats	Natural medicine	"Venice of Loreto"	Optional activity
Rare fish, lizard, turtle, paiche	Root drinks, amulets		Cultural insights

Inclusions and Transportation

This tour includes a free pick-up from the Hilton DoubleTree Hotel.

Transportation to the starting point, Belen Market, is provided by motorcycle.

Visitors will then explore the nearby Venice of Loreto district via a canoe ride.

For the return, guests can choose between a motocar or tuk tuk.

While the tour covers the transportation, any additional expenses like drinks, medicines, amulets, or gifts at the market aren’t included.

Visitors should be prepared to pay an extra 10 soles on the day of the tour to cover mobility and any extra purchases they may wish to make.

Important Information

Visitors meet at the first block of Napo Street, the beginning of Iquitos Boulevard, to start this tour.

Participants should arrive 10 minutes early and bring their passport/ID, camera, sunscreen, long pants, and a reusable water bottle.

The tour begins at 8 AM or 9 AM, depending on the schedule. An additional 10 soles is required for mobility and extra purchases.

This tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or individuals over 70 years old due to the nature of the activities.

Following these guidelines ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience exploring Belen Market and the Venice of Loreto.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Reviews

Based on the 7 reviews collected, the Iquitos: Belen Market and Venice Loretana Guided Tour has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Positive feedback highlights the fascinating market experiences and knowledgeable tour guides. However, the tour may not be suitable for certain groups, such as pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or individuals over 70 years old. The table below provides a quick overview of the customer reviews:

Rating	Number of Reviews
5 stars	3
4 stars	2
3 stars	1
2 stars	1

The tour offers a unique cultural insight into Amazonian life, making it a popular choice among adventurous travelers.

Exotic Meats and Medicines

At the heart of Belen Market lies a captivating array of exotic meats, rare fish, and traditional Amazonian medicines.

Visitors can explore the market’s Paquito Passage, where they’ll discover a diverse selection of unique ingredients. From the peculiar paiche fish to the mystical medicinal roots, the market offers a window into the rich cultural traditions of the Amazon.

Tourists can purchase amulets and potions believed to hold spiritual and healing properties. This immersive experience provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s deep-rooted connection with the natural world, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for the Amazon’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Navigating the Houseboat District

After exploring the captivating offerings of Belen Market, the tour guides lead visitors through the winding waterways of the houseboat district, also known as the "Venice of Loreto".

Travelers embark on a canoe ride, gliding past the vibrant, floating homes and businesses that dot the riverbanks.

This unique neighborhood provides a glimpse into the daily life of the local Amazonian people, who utilize the river as their primary means of transportation and livelihood.

The tour offers cultural insights, allowing participants to witness the ingenuity and resilience of the community thriving amidst the tranquil, natural surroundings of the Amazon.

Piranha Fishing Experience

An optional addition to the Iquitos: Belen Market Tour is the opportunity to engage in piranha fishing. This unique experience allows visitors to try their hand at catching the infamous river predator.

The tour guide will provide all the necessary equipment and instruction, ensuring a safe and thrilling adventure. Participants can expect to:

1. Learn traditional Amazonian fishing techniques.
2. Witness the piranha’s impressive speed and ferocity.
3. Potentially take home their catch as a souvenir.
4. Immerse themselves in the serene river environment.

This optional activity offers a chance to further explore the region’s natural wonders and gain a deeper appreciation for the local way of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Safe Is It to Visit the Market for Solo Travelers?

The market can be a safe place for solo travelers, but it’s important to exercise caution. Stick to well-traveled areas, keep valuables secure, and consider joining a guided tour to navigate the market safely and gain cultural insights.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Optional Piranha Fishing?

The tour doesn’t specify any age restrictions for the optional piranha fishing activity. However, it notes the tour may not be suitable for individuals over 70 years old due to mobility concerns.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Vegetarian/Vegan Dietary Preferences?

The tour can likely be customized for vegetarian or vegan dietary preferences. Travelers should inquire with the tour operator about any special meal options or substitutions that may be available to accommodate their dietary needs.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Travel Dates?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows you to easily change your travel dates if needed without penalty.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration for Additional Activities?

According to the tour details, there’s no option to extend the duration beyond the standard 4-5 hours. However, you can add optional activities like piranha fishing for an additional cost during the scheduled tour.

Recap

The Iquitos: Belen Market and Venice Loretana Guided Tour offers an immersive cultural experience that allows visitors to explore the vibrant Amazon region. From the bustling Belen Market to the picturesque houseboat district, this tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the exotic offerings and traditional practices of the local community. With knowledgeable guides and optional activities like piranha fishing, this adventure promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Amazon.

You can check if your dates are available here: