This is the biggest market in the Peruvian Amazon and the best place to see fruits and animals that people eat from the rainforest. Fish are generally sold whole, so you can see all the bizarre creatures that lurk in the Amazon and its tributaries. The Belén market is the best place to find suri, a kind of giant grub that is roasted and eaten whole.

Another common street food is fried macambo (above). While they may look like little brains, they are seeds of the macambo fruit, which is a giant pod that looks like a cacao pod.

Belén used to be famous for the live animals for sale but the police have finally cracked down on the illegal pet trade. Nowadays you’re likely to still find parakeets illegally stolen from the rainforest. Do not take pictures of live wildlife because the seller may assume you’re going to report them and at the very least will take your camera or phone.

Belén Market is amazing and definitely worth the time. A good portion is on land, which you can visit alone with an abundance of caution. Stairs (above) lead from the main part of the market down to the floating homes and market.

Even if you speak Spanish, it’s best to go to the floating market with an experienced guide for safety as some residents consider tourists easy targets for theft. Consider too how your presence will benefit the people of Belén, many of whom live in poverty.