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.