Belen Market in Iquitos, Peru perhaps is one of the most infamous markets in the world. Having seen numerous videos online about the type of goods that are sold on this market I knew I could not miss this market when stopping by Iquitos.
The night before I was set to head out into the jungle, I introduced myself to a local tuk tuk driver and he agreed to take me into the market the next morning, making an experience I never want to forget.
Why visit Belen Market?
No matter how much controversy this place gets, no one can deny that this place is straight up cool.
This market brings in some of the most exotic goods in the world from the Amazon rainforest that would make your local whole foods look like dump.
The amounts of Crocodile, Monkey, Tortoise, and other jungle animals in the market was insane for a Westerner like me to see. It truly is one of the most shocking cultural immersion experiences I have ever experienced.
Alongside the variety of meats, Belen hosts a pharmaceutical items for sale, the Amazon has a cure for every physical ailment you can think of and It’s for sale in this market.
All I can say is try to have more self control than me, my newly met guide gave me a random assortment of shots which I could not say no too, yet I still wonder what I truly ingested.
The sad truth of Belen Market
Traveling into Belen market was one of the most uncomfortable experiences I had during my trip.
I have been to some sketchy places in my time traveling but nothing was like Belen. While nothing directly happened to me, the whole vibe of the place felt off and I was glad I had a local next to me
The Belen neighborhood was one of the most impoverished places I had ever seen.
The levels of poverty were so extreme I was physically uncomfortable. The market and the neighborhood are different, Barrio Belen essentially is a floating slum on the Amazon river, this is where I went first.
The market is above this slum on a less sketchy street but is still notorious for petty crimes like theft so do not bring any valuables like cameras or a phone. This is where you will find the assortment of goods from the jungle.
Belen’s illegal bush meat trade
Poaching and the illegal market of bush meat is one of Belen’s biggest economies. It’s difficult for me to understand why a community would willingly partake in the destruction of eco-tourism that brings so much to their community. Even with a police station around the block, little is being done to stop this poaching.
Is Belen worth visiting in 2024?
Even though Belen has a variety of issues, I would still say 100% yes on visiting Belen market.
As travelers, and especially authentic ones, we need to embrace situations that may make us uncomfortable. We are guests in a new culture, the good and the bad parts of it.
What may be uncomfortable or different than our culture does not mean they are wrong for doing what they have been doing for centuries. Belen is a fascinating view of everyday life in this region, the good and the bad.
Do not miss this place when you are in Iquitos, go with a guide and leave valuables at home!
