Belén

Can you imagine a city built on water? Belén is a floating city on the edge of Iquitos in Peru. It is a fascinating place, and a stark reminder of the harsh realities of poverty. It might not be as glamorous as Venice but Belén is more than just a curious spectacle. It’s a community of resilient people, living a unique riverside existence that has led to the moniker “The Venice of Peru”. Thousands live in this overcrowded shanty town. They face extreme poverty without adequate access to clean water, sanitation, or electricity. As the Amazon River recedes in the dry season, the water levels fall, leaving muddy conditions and making it impossible to access most of the community except by canoe. Poverty-related issues run rampant, including crime, alcoholism, domestic violence, and unemployment. But even with all the hardship, Belen has a strong sense of community, a warm atmosphere, and a very special kind of spirit. The residents work together to keep their homes afloat and their lives going. You will see children playing in the water, people washing their clothes, and families sharing meals in their simple homes. They are proud of their city and their way of life. Most buildings have been constructed on balsa wood rafts, which rise and dip with the water depending on the season. The more wealthy residents have chosen to build their homes on stilts, simply moving their belongings to the upper floor as the water rises. The locals are mostly indigenous people who migrated from villages in the rainforest, seeking a better life and education for their children. Many of these people came from small jungle villages, hoping to find work and a better future. The men work as fishermen or hunters. The women sell produce to the more affluent in Iquitos. The best time to visit Belén is around 7 am. This is when the sun is less fierce, and there is a flurry of activity as local vendors arrive to sell their goods.