Belén Neighbourhood Tour
Tour Details
At the indicated time, we’ll meet at the designated meeting point or pick you up at your hotel, depending on the option you've chosen, to begin our tour of the Belén neighborhood.
We’ll start the experience with a walk through the Belén market, one of the most important supply hubs in the Peruvian Amazon. As we stroll among its lively stalls, we’ll discover the enormous variety of tropical fruits, river fish, and traditional ingredients that define the local cuisine. We’ll learn about the cultural and historical significance of these foods in the regional diet.
Next, we’ll venture into the famous Pasaje Paquito, a mystical alleyway known for its traditional remedies, Amazonian perfumes, and medicinal plants. Here, the guide will explain the ancestral uses of preparations such as mapacho and rapé in the spiritual ceremonies of local communities, as well as the botanicals used in the preparation of ayahuasca.
Afterward, we’ll head to the lower part of the neighborhood, popularly known as the “Amazonian Venice.” The tour through this unique enclave will vary depending on the time of year and the water level of the Itaya River.
During the flood season, the community is partially submerged, so we’ll board a traditional canoe to navigate among stilt houses, makeshift rafts, and streets covered by water. During the dry season (approximately June through October), the water level drops significantly, allowing us to complete the tour on foot through its passable alleys and streets.
During the journey, we’ll discover the ingenious way of life of local families and how they adapt their daily routines to the river’s cycles. Additionally, if we take the tour during the flood season and the pace of the visit allows it, we can round out the excursion with a fun optional piranha fishing activity.
After an experience lasting between 2 and 3 hours, we’ll wrap up the tour by returning to the starting point.
Activity Options
When booking, you can choose between two different options:
- Tour without pickup: this option is ideal for those who prefer to make their own way there. We’ll meet directly at the pier on Iquitos Boulevard.
- Tour with pickup: includes pickup by tuk-tuk from your lodging, provided it's located in downtown Iquitos (within a maximum radius of approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) around the Plaza de Armas).
Itinerary Changes
PPiranha fishing is optional and strictly dependent on the river's seasonal conditions. It can only take place during the flood season and provided that the group's schedule at the markets allows for it. During the dry season (June through October), fishing will not be available due to low water levels.
More Information
Duration
2 - 3h.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.
Included
Hotel pickup and drop–off (depending on selected option)
Transport by tuk–tuk (depending on selected option)
English–speaking guide
Canoe ride (depending on the season)
Not included
Piranha fishing: S/ 50 (US$ 14.91) per person
When to book?
You can book up until 24 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability conditions
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- Printed material is avoided.
- No single-use plastics are used.
- The show represents local culture.
- The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
- The activity helps vulnerable groups.
- The activity promotes local production.
- The activity helps the conservation of biodiversity.
- No printing of documentation required.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
-
Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
-
Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
-
Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?
A - Yakumama Amazon Tours Corporate name: RURAL JUNGLE EIRL Registered Office: Prolongacion miraflores 823 - san juan bautista - maynas - loreto, Iquitos, Peru Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): RUC 20605695966 Contact information Email: yakumamatours@gmail.com Phone: +51 925922640
If you have any other questions please contact us.