Things To Do
in Requena
Requena is a small Amazonian town in Peru’s Loreto region, perched on the banks of the Ucayali River and surrounded by lowland rainforest and river channels. It serves as a quiet gateway to traditional river communities, paiche fishing grounds and biodiverse oxbow lakes. The town mixes wooden colonial-style buildings and a compact central plaza with bustling riverfront activity and weekend markets.
Requena is low-key and authentic — appealing to travelers seeking nature, river life and off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences rather than big-city services.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Requena and settle into your accommodation, taking in the vibrant surroundings. After unpacking, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Peruvian dishes. This morning is all about acclimatizing and preparing for your adventures ahead.
Take a guided introductory tour of the town, exploring historic sites like the Cathedral of Requena. Stop at local markets to experience the culture and shop for unique handicrafts. This afternoon will provide you with a glimpse into the daily life of Requena’s residents.
Head to a local restaurant for dinner, where you can savor regional specialties along with freshly caught fish. Engage in conversations with locals, learning about their traditions and stories. This evening wraps up your first day in Requena with a taste of local hospitality.
Start your day with a visit to the Museo de Requena, where you can delve into the rich history and heritage of the area. Engage with helpful staff to learn about the artifacts on display. Afterward, stroll through the town center to absorb the architecture and atmosphere.
Participate in a cooking class where you can learn how to prepare traditional Amazonian dishes. Your instructor will guide you through the process, using fresh local ingredients. This hands-on experience will deepen your appreciation for Peruvian cuisine.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor over dinner, sharing the meal with fellow travelers. Post-dinner, consider taking a night walk to observe the town under twinkling stars. Reflect on your process of learning and making connections with local culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| 🍺Local beer (bottle) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi/moto ride | $1-4 |
| 🛶Half-day boat excursion | $15-40 |
| 🏨Basic hotel room (per night) | $15-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Amazonian culture and river-town atmosphere
- Excellent freshwater fish and unique regional cuisine
- Wildlife, birding and access to oxbow lakes and flooded forests
- Low tourist numbers and budget-friendly prices
- Limited infrastructure, few ATMs and spotty card acceptance
- High humidity, mosquitoes and health risks requiring precautions
- Transport can be slow; river travel dependent on weather and water levels
- Fewer modern comforts and limited nightlife or shopping options
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias / Muchas gracias" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "¿Dónde está el muelle/la plaza?" - Where is the dock/the plaza?
- "Soy vegetariano/a" - I am vegetarian
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
- "¿Hay un hospital/centro de salud cerca?" - Is there a hospital/health center nearby?
Places to Visit in Requena
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset over river traffic, fishing boats and riverside life — great for wide river panoramas and candid portraits of daily activity.
Town square, church and surrounding wooden houses show local architecture and community scenes — good for street photography and cultural portraits.
Colorful produce, fish stalls and vendors provide vibrant, intimate shots of local food culture and commerce.
Reflections, wildlife and river bends are ideal for nature photography; guides can time visits for golden hour and animal activity.
Portraits of artisans, traditional clothing and craft-making processes offer cultural storytelling opportunities; always ask permission before photographing people.
Food in Requena
Requena Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The giant Amazon river fish served grilled, fried or in ceviche; you’ll find it in most restaurants and markets along the riverfront.
Must-Try!
A thick, peanut-and-chicken soup typical of the Peruvian Amazon — comforting and often found in local comedores.
Rice, chicken (or other protein) and spices wrapped in bijao leaves and steamed — a festival favorite, commonly sold during June (San Juan) celebrations and in markets year-round.
Mashed fried plantain mixed with pork bits, often served with smoked/dried pork (cecina); popular in Amazonian towns and at roadside stands.
Traditional fermented or non-fermented cassava beverage made by community producers — try small amounts from trusted vendors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling daily market near the plaza with fresh fish stalls, fruit sellers and small comedores where you can taste grilled paiche, soups and seasonal fruits; great for photography and sampling street food.
Small stands along the malecón (riverboardwalk) that serve snacks, fried fish and juices — ideal for quick, inexpensive bites and watching river life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet with a polite 'Buenos días' / 'Buenas tardes' and a handshake in formal interactions; locals appreciate friendliness and basic Spanish phrases.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in indigenous communities and during religious events — some may decline or expect small tokens.
Dress modestly in town and when visiting communities; avoid loud or overly flashy behavior. Remove shoes when invited into someone’s home in certain households.
Small gifts (school supplies, practical items) are often appreciated in remote communities, but coordinate with guides to ensure culturally appropriate offerings.
Safety
Tipping in Requena
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; for guides, drivers or boat operators a few soles per day or 5–10% for larger services is customary if you had a good experience. Restaurant service charges are uncommon in small eateries — leave small change or round up for good service.
Cash (Peruvian soles) is king in Requena—many businesses won’t accept cards. ATMs are limited or unreliable, so bring enough cash from Iquitos or larger regional centers. Credit cards may work at a few hotels or larger establishments; mobile payment coverage is minimal.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Lower rainfall, slightly easier river navigation and more stable trails for jungle walks; insect activity is still present but often less intense than peak wet months. This is the most comfortable time for land-based excursions and some wildlife visibility improves due to lower water levels.
Heavy rains and high river levels — many areas flood, river transport becomes the primary way to reach communities and some trails may be inaccessible. Mosquitoes, humidity and heat are at their peak; river wildlife and fish migrations can make for excellent fishing and certain birding opportunities.
Late June (Feast of San Juan) is a cultural highlight with food fairs, music, and large communal celebrations — an excellent time to experience local traditions but expect crowds and higher local prices.
Requena at Night
Hiking in Requena
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short guided trail near a riverside village to learn about medicinal plants, tree species and jungle ecology; good for novice hikers and cultural exchange.
Walks around an oxbow lake that reveal waterbird colonies, flooded-forest habitats and opportunities for amphibian and reptile sightings; best done with a guide to spot wildlife.
Trail on a nearby river island that combines short hikes with boat transfers — offers varied habitats and good photography points at dawn and dusk.
Airports
How to reach Requena by plane.
Small regional airstrip with occasional charter or regional flights linking Requena to larger hubs; schedules can be irregular so plan in advance and confirm flights locally.
Major regional airport and travel hub for the Peruvian Amazon with regular flights to Lima and other regional centers; most travelers transfer here by air before using river or regional flights to reach Requena.
Regional airport in Ucayali region with flights to Lima and connections; an alternative overland/river/air access point depending on itinerary and transport arrangements.
Larger regional airport in San Martín region — useful as a staging point for some Amazon itineraries, though overland or river connections to Requena can be lengthy.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Make up a large portion of the town’s population — Spanish-speaking, engaged in commerce, fishing and agriculture.
Various Amazonian indigenous groups (local linguistic communities) live in surrounding communities along the rivers and maintain traditional practices, languages and crafts; interactions are common via trade and cultural events.
Families engaged in small-scale agriculture, fishing and river-based livelihoods form the social backbone of Requena and nearby settlements.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally — casual matches in town and organized local teams are common, especially among youth.
Traditional river canoe races and informal competitions during festivals and community events are culturally significant.
Local and regional fishing contests, often centered on paiche and other large river species, attract enthusiasts during certain seasons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Requena.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; expect rice, fried plantain, salads with heart of palm (chonta) and sides of yucca. Communicate clearly in Spanish ('soy vegetariano/a') and be prepared to rely on markets and simple cooked vegetables. Many traditional dishes center on fish or meat.
Vegan choices are available but require effort—fresh fruits, plain rice, plantains and manioc are staples. Gluten-free diets are feasible if you avoid wheat-based breads; always confirm ingredients as sauces and preparations may include hidden allergens.
Street food is generally safe when cooked fresh and busy; for severe allergies, carry translations of your restrictions in Spanish and consider avoiding raw foods sold in informal stalls.