Puerto Bellavista Nanay
Iquitos' bustling gateway to the Amazon, offering vibrant markets, delicious food, and stunning river sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Puerto Bellavista Nanay
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iquitos' bustling gateway to the Amazon, offering vibrant markets, delicious food, and stunning river sunsets.
"LOS MEJORES SUNSETS, also you can take boats for low cost to go anothers towns."
Confirm Boat Prices
Always agree on the fare before boarding your boat to avoid surprises. Prices can vary!
Embrace Local Flavors
Don't miss trying the fresh grilled fish and regional specialties at the market stalls. :fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Riverside Gastronomy
Market stalls
Savor grilled Amazonian fish like sábalos and palometas, plus local delights like juanes and tacachos.
Sunset Views
Along the Nanay River
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the Amazon, a truly magical experience that paints the sky with vibrant colors.
Boat Excursions
Port docks
Embark on affordable boat trips to nearby lodges, communities, and attractions like the Pilpintuwas Butterfly Farm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Nanay River
Respecting the Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Boat Prices
Always agree on the fare before boarding your boat to avoid surprises. Prices can vary!
Embrace Local Flavors
Don't miss trying the fresh grilled fish and regional specialties at the market stalls. :fish:
Sunset Photography
Stay for the sunset; it's a highlight! Bring your camera for stunning shots. :camerawithflash:
Environmental Awareness
Be mindful of the river's health and support eco-friendly tourism options. :leaf:
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Boat Prices
Always agree on the fare before boarding your boat to avoid surprises. Prices can vary!
Embrace Local Flavors
Don't miss trying the fresh grilled fish and regional specialties at the market stalls. :fish:
Sunset Photography
Stay for the sunset; it's a highlight! Bring your camera for stunning shots. :camerawithflash:
Environmental Awareness
Be mindful of the river's health and support eco-friendly tourism options. :leaf:
Cash is King
While some places accept cards, it's best to have cash for smaller vendors and boat fares. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Puerto Bellavista Nanay is a vibrant and essential port for experiencing the Amazon, praised for its incredible sunsets and diverse local cuisine. While some find it just a functional port, others highlight its lively atmosphere and affordability for boat travel. Visitors should be aware of potential environmental concerns and the need for cash transactions.
"Best place to catch a boat to Friends of The Amazon Jungle Lodge, Bar and Grill and Harry's Gone Bananas Fruit Picking Farm in Santa Clara de Ojeal, Tercera Zona de Punchana."
Erik Wiercinski
"LOS MEJORES SUNSETS, also you can take boats for low cost to go anothers towns. you can pay with devid card."
World of Rod
"We pas buy here its a port nothing interesting"
Amin SADEGHI
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Puerto Bellavista Nanay from Iquitos by taking a mototaxi or a bus to the Nanay Bridge, then a mototaxi to the port. Alternatively, direct mototaxis are available. The journey is relatively short, often around 30 minutes depending on traffic.
From Puerto Bellavista Nanay, boats are the primary mode of transport. You can hire private boats or join shared ones to reach various destinations like Amazon lodges, communities, and attractions.
Yes, the port is a hub for boat services to many Amazon lodges. Many lodges are accessible within 30 minutes to 1.5 hours by boat from Puerto Bellavista Nanay.
While the port is on the river, you can reach areas near it by road. For instance, some accommodations are accessible by car or mototaxi from the Nanay Bridge area.
While the port itself is a lively area, some Reddit users suggest being aware of your surroundings, especially if visiting late. The Nanay River itself has faced environmental challenges due to illegal mining.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Puerto Bellavista Nanay is a public port and market area, so there are generally no entrance fees to simply visit the port itself. However, specific attractions or boat tours departing from the port will have their own associated costs.
Boat ride costs can vary significantly based on the destination, type of boat (private vs. shared), and your negotiation skills. Shared rides to nearby locations can be quite affordable, around 5-7 soles per person.
The market at Puerto Bellavista Nanay is a bustling local market where you can purchase food and goods. There are no specific entry fees for the market itself, but you'll pay for any items you buy.
The port and market are generally active throughout the day, especially during daylight hours. For specific boat departures or market stalls, it's best to arrive during standard business hours. Some sources mention the Nanay Bridge area being active from 6 am to 7 pm.
While some larger establishments might accept credit cards, it's highly recommended to carry cash (Peruvian Soles) for most transactions at the port, including boat fares and market purchases.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market at Puerto Bellavista Nanay is famous for its diverse gastronomic offerings. You can find a variety of grilled Amazonian fish like sábalos, palometas, and boquichicos, as well as regional dishes like juanes, tacachos with cecina, and chorizos.
While the focus is heavily on fresh fish and meats, you might find some side dishes or fruit options that are vegetarian-friendly. It's best to inquire directly with vendors about ingredients.
The food is generally prepared fresh and is a popular spot for locals and tourists. However, as with any street food, it's advisable to choose vendors that appear clean and busy, and to drink bottled water.
Locals and visitors rave about the grilled Amazonian fish. Juanes (rice tamales with chicken or fish) and tacachos (mashed plantains) are also highly recommended.
Most food stalls and smaller vendors at the market operate on a cash-only basis. It's best to have plenty of Peruvian Soles on hand.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire port area offers great photo opportunities, from the bustling market activity to the boats lining the river. The sunsets over the Nanay River are particularly stunning and highly recommended for photography.
Late afternoons leading into sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photos. The golden hour provides a warm glow over the river and port.
Capture the vibrant colors of the market, the diverse array of Amazonian fish, the local boatmen, and the unique riverine lifestyle. Don't forget to photograph the incredible sunsets.
Always be respectful when photographing people. Ask for permission if you're taking close-up shots. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Yes, you can take photos on the boats, but be mindful of safety. Ensure your camera is secure, especially when the boat is moving.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Iquitos' River Life
Beyond its function as a transport hub, Puerto Bellavista Nanay is renowned for its culinary scene. The market stalls overflow with an incredible variety of Amazonian fish, grilled to perfection over charcoal. Dishes like sábalos, palometas, and boquichicos are local favorites, often served with sides of juanes (rice tamales) or tacachos con cecina (mashed plantains with dried meat). This gastronomic adventure is a major draw for visitors, offering a delicious introduction to the flavors of the region.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge the environmental challenges facing the Nanay River. Reports highlight the detrimental impact of illegal mining, particularly the use of mercury, which contaminates the water source for Iquitos. While visiting Puerto Bellavista Nanay, travelers are encouraged to be mindful of these issues and support sustainable tourism practices that aim to protect this vital ecosystem.
Embarking on Amazonian Adventures
For those with less time, half-day tours are also popular. These might include a boat trip along the Nanay River to places like Padre Cocha, where you can visit the Pilpintuwas Butterfly Farm and the Amazon Rescue Centre. These shorter excursions provide a taste of the Amazon's biodiversity and conservation efforts without requiring an overnight stay.
When arranging boat travel, it's always wise to confirm prices beforehand, as they can vary. Shared boat rides are generally more economical than private hires. The experience of navigating the Amazonian waterways, with its lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, is an integral part of the journey and a highlight for many visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit