Iquitos (Peru)

When I personally visited Selva, the first thing that struck me as soon as I stepped out onto the mini runway at Iquitos Airport was the oppressive heat. Even though it had been freezing cold in Lima, it was a whole other climate that awaited me in the Peruvian Amazon. When organising your trip to Peru's Selva region, it's important to carefully choose the time of year you plan to go. Weather conditions are very different in the dry season than they are in the rainy season.

I greatly enjoyed spending time browsing the city's various markets when I was in Iquitos. The ones here are different than those found in other parts of the country. You'll be either repulsed or fascinated by what you find on the menu. It's entirely unlike what you're used to: grilled larva, tortoise, caiman, monkeys, etc. If you don't fancy trying such exotic delicacies as these, you must at least try the local fish. The Selva has its own unique regional cuisine, and apart from those few unusual items mentioned, I personally find it to be excellent. Of course, with all the rivers located so close by, it is largely made up of fish-based dishes.