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The Floating Town of Belen bordering on the Iquitos city is one of the major tourist attractions of Peru. Famous for its winding canals, all sizes of boats paddling through them and bustling market, The Floating Town of Belen is a must for visitors.
The thatched huts and wooden houses are built on wooden platforms that keep them above the level of water. A conglomeration of people, color and exoticness, this floating town is situated on the banks of mighty Amazon River. The houses and cottages are built on rafts supported by wooden poles embedded on the riverbed. Alternatively known as the ‘Venice of Peru”, Belen Floating town is undoubtedly unique in itself. The town does not float throughout the year. Only in the time period between February and July when the level of Amazon crosses its normal limit, the streets and alleys of the town get flooded by water. Local people employed there maneuvering skills to cope with the changing moods of River Amazon. Life is not easy or very pleasant here at Belen. Rather it’s a fine specimen of a neighborhood where people struggle everyday against poverty and nature’s whims for their existence. It’s an altogether different experience to hire a boat and roaming around.
The market of the The Floating Town at Belen is another interesting place to visit. The market is classified in several sections, each reserved for a particular category. This is the main source for clothing and food for locals. The shops of Belen sell several types of exotic fruits, vegetables, fishes caught from the Amazon River. The market of traditional medicine is a noted place in Belen. Medicinal plants and herbs believed to have healing properties are sold here to cure various ailments. You can hire a canoe along with a guide here easily to wander around the town. You do not need to put much effort to reach The Floating town in Belen. The town is well connected with neighboring areas. You can catch a public bus bound for the southern region from Plaza de Armas.
Holidayhubs.com offers detailed and relevant information about The Floating Town of Belen.
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