Peruvian cuisine is the rage these days, and for good reason. But most of the ranting and raving revolves around the seafood dishes from the Pacific coast. But, 60 percent of the country is actually located in the Amazon rainforest, and it is here that a whole other dimension of Peruvian food reigns supreme: jungle food.
The epicenter of jungle cuisine in Peru is Iquitos. Rivers teem with aquatic creatures, trees burst with an abundance of exotic fruits, and forest wildlife is so thick that nights in the jungle can sound like a live orchestra. This is where Iquitos sources its meals.
Walking through the cities numerous markets (especially the infamous Belen Market) you can’t help but encounter a huge variety of different foods, most of which you will never have encountered before, and many of which you will never wish to encounter again.
Here are a few of the most shocking that we encountered.