Question 1

What is the "Ayahuasca Ceremony with No Screening" scam in Iquitos?

Accepted Answer

Street operators offer "traditional ayahuasca ceremonies" for 80-150 USD with no medical screening and no real shaman. Assaults, robberies during altered states, and severe medical incidents have been documented. If you choose to participate, book through established retreat centers (Temple of the Way of Light, Nihue Rao) with week-long programs, medical screening, and female facilitators present. Never attend a street-tout ceremony.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Jungle Lodge Booking" scam in Iquitos?

Accepted Answer

Touts in Plaza de Armas sell "lodge packages" for cash discounts (200-400 USD) that are either for non-existent lodges or for stays that never get arranged once you pay. Your receipt is handwritten and the "office" closes after you hand over cash. Book lodges only through verified operators (Explorama, Muyuna, Heliconia, Tahuayo Lodge) via their official websites or Tripadvisor. Pay by credit card for chargeback protection; never hand cash to a street tout.

Question 3

What is the "Bogus "National Park" Entry Fee" scam in Iquitos?

Accepted Answer

On the way to Pacaya-Samiria or Allpahuayo-Mishana, "park rangers" at unofficial checkpoints demand 50-80 soles per person in addition to the real park fee. Real rangers issue printed SERNANP receipts. Ask to see a SERNANP (Peru''s national park authority) ID badge and receipt book. Real entry is paid at the official ranger station, not from a car approach.

Question 4

What is the "Belén Market Overpriced Medicinal Plant Tour" scam in Iquitos?

Accepted Answer

Self-appointed guides near the entrance to Mercado de Belen offer to lead tourists through the famous market, which includes sections selling traditional medicinal plants and animal products. The tour ends at a herbalist stall where tourists face aggressive pressure to purchase high-priced remedies, supplements, or plant packages. Guides receive commission and become confrontational if nothing is purchased. The main section of Mercado de Belen is navigable independently. If you want a guide, arrange one through your hotel rather than accepting offers at the market entrance. Decline to enter any back stall or private room during an unsolicited guided tour. You are not obligated to buy anything.

Tour & Activity Scams in Iquitos

Ayahuasca Ceremony with No Screening

Fake Jungle Lodge Booking

Bogus "National Park" Entry Fee

Belén Market Overpriced Medicinal Plant Tour

Experienced a scam here?