Belen Market and La Venecia Loretana Tour With A Local Guide

Marlon is reliable, accommodating, and exceedingly kind hearted. I felt like I could trust him instantly. I am a solo female traveller but he made me feel very safe. My luggage was missing the day before our trip, and Marlon helped me to pick up the luggage from the airport so we could start the tour without worrying about the bag. Now, about the experience itself: Belen is incredibly interesting as an ethnographic experience, it is a market that is actually used by communities, as opposed to a touristy experience. You see produce, some of which may seem obscene and exotic to western eyes, but many are also banal and quotidian, Marlon can show you a good mixture of both. With him being there you can focus on exploring the market without being concerned about pickpockets. He may suggest to take you to some places to buy things, but you can also say no if you aren’t interested. There are also some animal products on display that are against Peruvian laws, seeing them gives you an understanding of the challenges faced by conservation efforts as the locals are genuinely consuming these animals and selling them in broad daylight. One thing I must add is that he is incredibly knowledgeable about plant medicine. If you speak Spanish, it will be a huge plus as Marlon can show you what each plant is for. Marlon can also show you the water neighbourhood of Belen. I wish I had the time to go on a jungle tour with him. Next time!

Our Belen Market tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. The market is fascinating, vibrant, and full of local culture. Our guide, Marlon, was outstanding—knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing the history and traditions of the area. He made the experience both informative and enjoyable, helping us discover parts of the market we would never have appreciated on our own. Highly recommended!

A big thank you to our guide for showing us around Belén Market in Iquitos! Your knowledge of the local culture, food, medicinal plants, and unique traditions made the experience fascinating and unforgettable. You explained everything clearly, answered all our questions, and helped us feel comfortable exploring a place that can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Because of you, we were able to experience the real spirit of the Amazon and Belén Market beyond what we could have seen on our own. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Iquitos!

Great experience and very informative! Marlon is from the area and made me feel very comfortable!!!!

Marlon was an excellent guide throughout the tour. He was very knowledgeable about the products at the market. I would not have wanted to go without him.

Booked last minute and no regrets. Was an afternoon tour so most likely missed most of the action but unfortunately I was restricted with timing. Markets were a bit of an eye opener for a foreigner but that’s why we travel. Marlon was great. Kept it interesting and gave plenty of explanations. Kids swimming in the rain next to the guy piranha fishing whilst parked up under a church to wait out the rain - definitely don’t find that at home 🤩

Our guide, Marlon, was so knowledgeable and pointed out so many things any tourist would miss. He knew the market and the people, inside and out. We tried various local fruit, nuts, and meats and learned a lot about local way of life. Don’t make the mistake of trying to go by yourself, get a guide like Marlon!

I had a great experience on the tour! I enjoyed the market and getting to see the houses on the water. Marlon was informative and kind. I got to try different kinds of fruits and see all kind of things that aren't sold in other places I have been here in Iquitos. I did end up paying way too much for some cocoa beans (I understand the uncharge being tourists, we are here so can usually spend a bit more) but the quality was really poor (bugs and stale) and I generally regret not listening to my first instinct. Overall the tour was great and I would book it again -- just wouldn't buy anything without having a set price in mind beforehand or asking to try the product first.

Really worth it. I booked last minute (2am the morning of!) and they were able to take me. Communication was great (via WhatsApp). Knowledgeable guide, really kind and obviously well known in Belén.

Don’t miss this precious opportunity to tour Belen with veteran Peruvian and Belen resident, Marlon. He was punctual and polite with the patience and knowledge to answer my myriad questions. I feel like I met a guide and left w a friend.