South America's most original cuisine
Iquitos' gastronomy is radically different from anything you know. It's a cuisine built on what the river and jungle provide: river fish, bijao leaves, green plantains, cassava, unique peppers and fruits that don't exist anywhere else. If you come to Iquitos and don't try its food, you're missing half the experience.
1. Juane
The king of Amazonian cuisine. It's a turmeric-seasoned rice mass filled with chicken, egg and olives, wrapped in bijao leaves and boiled. The result is compact, aromatic and full of flavor. It's eaten especially during the San Juan Festival (June 24), but you'll find it year-round at any restaurant or market.
2. Tacacho con cecina
Roasted green plantain, mashed and mixed with pork lard (tacacho), served with cecina (smoked and dehydrated pork) or Amazonian chorizo. It's the most popular breakfast in Iquitos. Street stalls serve it from 6 AM and it costs between S/ 5 and S/ 10.
3. Patarashca
River fish (usually doncella, paiche or gamitana) wrapped in bijao leaves with charapita pepper, onion, tomato and herbs, cooked directly over coals. The leaf seals in the juices and the fish comes out incredibly tender and aromatic. It's the Amazonian version of grilled fish.
4. Amazonian ceviche
Similar to Lima-style ceviche but with river fish (doncella or paiche) and seasoned with ají charapita — the smallest and spiciest pepper in the Amazon. It's served with chifles (plantain chips) instead of sweet potato. The touch of cocona (Amazonian fruit) gives it a unique, irreproducible flavor.
5. Inchicapi
Thick chicken soup with ground peanuts, cassava, cilantro and corn. It's comforting, hearty and one of the most representative soups of the region. Served in a deep bowl with a generous piece of chicken.
6. Timbuche
Fish broth prepared with fresh river fish, beaten egg, pepper and herbs. Locals consider it a powerful restorative — perfect after a long night or a day of jungle excursion.
7. Chonta salad
Fresh palm heart cut into thin strips, served with tomato, onion and lime. It sounds simple but the freshness of freshly cut chonta is incomparable to any canned palm heart you've tried before.
8. Suri
For the adventurous: suri is the palm beetle larva, considered an Amazonian delicacy. It's eaten fried or grilled on a stick. Crunchy outside, creamy inside, it tastes like a mix between chicken and nut. Find it at Belén Market and street stalls.
9. Amazonian ice cream and drinks
Artisanal fruit ice creams are a must. Try aguaje, camu camu, cocona, ungurahui and macambo flavors. There are excellent options at the ice cream shop on Plaza de Armas. An aguajina drink (blended aguaje with sugar) is the most refreshing beverage you'll taste.
10. Breakfast at Bora Hotel
At Bora Hotel Iquitos we serve an Amazonian breakfast buffet featuring tropical fruit juices, cassava starch bread, fresh regional fruits and hot options. It's your first introduction to jungle flavors without leaving the hotel.
Where to eat in Iquitos?
The Iquitos Boulevard and Malecón Tarapacá area concentrate the best restaurants. For authentic street food, Belén Market and the stalls on Próspero street are unbeatable. Ask at Bora Hotel reception for our updated recommendations — we know the best places for every budget.
