Published on Mar, 2025

My wife and I were planning our honeymoon to Peru when we booked the Belen Market tour with Marlon. Besides travel and lodging, the tour was the one thing we planned ahead of time in Iquitos. A few days before we arrived, Marlon reached out on WhatsApp and asked if we would be interested in hiring him for a day trip on the Amazon. For less than $250 total, we got one of the best days of our lives. First, after hiring a boat, Marlon took us to Monkey Island, the only location we had specifically requested, and patiently waited as we took our time on the grounds. Then, Marlon took us piranha fishing on one of the tributaries. His friend who owned the fishing platform had a tarantula and a baby caiman waiting for us to hold if we wanted, and offered us chips and cold beer (for a small additional charge). Next, Marlon took us to one of the local villages just down river from Iquitos, where we bought some snacks from the locals who kept shop at the bottom of an observation platform. My wife braided the hair of the shopkeeper's daughters while I enjoyed a cigarette and looked out on the river in the rain. From the village, Marlon took us into the jungle to observe an ancient cypress tree that straddled a ridge between two plantations. All through the day, Marlon was a gentle, informative companion and guide, telling us stories of his childhood in the jungle and youth in Iquitos. He pointed out wildlife, like the pink river dolphin, and spoke of local politics and jungle legends. We took the Belen Market tour the next morning before we went to the airport, and it was something of a vibe shift. Belen is a true wet market, teeming with bush meat and exotic goods, and absolutely packed with vendors and locals. Frankly, without Marlon, our presence would've been an ill-advised risk. I would recommend the Belen Market tour to anyone who wants to see a true wet market and experience a tourist-free atmosphere in an industrial jungle city. Not for the faint of heart! I would recommend Marlon as a day-guide on the Amazon to anyone. Our day on the river with him will surely go down as one of the most memorable and uplifting of our lives.

Published on Feb, 2025

We had an excellent tour with Marlon - he walked us through the Belen market which would have been overwhelming without him! He gave us a lot of information about the products for sale as well as cultural and historical tips. We tried several food items and he was very careful to share only what was safe for our stomachs! He ensured we were well stocked with cold water as well. In addition to the market, we took a boat out to the floating and stilted homes. As an added bonus, we got to meet our guide’s wife and daughter in the market. Marlon also does great volunteer work supporting his community. Highly recommend you spend time with him learning about Iquitos.

Published on Feb, 2025

A most excellent tour, with plenty of personal touches from the insiders knowledge of the market, which me and my friend would have lost our selves in such a huge space. The change from the upper market where I would have got lost, to the lower market where I wouldn't go alone was something else to see, and the kindness to show us around his village and house was greatly appreciated to understand the people here. If you're coming to Iquitos for any touristy reason please don't forget to take a tour with Marlon, you'll never forget it.

Published on Jan, 2025

Marlon is an excellent guide and this tour takes you to places in Iquitos that you wouldn’t be able to navigate by yourself.

Published on Jan, 2025

Marlon was wonderful, answered any questions we had and explained what we were seeing. I would definitely recommend seeing this market but going with a guide. The market is huge and you could easily get lost!