Easter in Iquitos: get to know the typical dishes of this tropical city

The country's jungle has become one of the favorite Easter destinations for those who want to enjoy holidays by connecting with nature and visiting a totally different environment than accustomed.

Its tropical climate and cheerful festivities make Iquitos the ideal place to disconnect from reality for a few days, leaving behind the typical chaos of the city. Although the Amazon stands out for its immensity, you will be surprised to learn that they have similar culinary practices throughout their territory. This can also be seen during Easter, when dishes made with fish are usually enjoyed.

If you want to know some of the typical dishes of Iquitos during Easter, don't miss the recommendations that we present below:

PATARASHCA

Despite the great diversity of traditional dishes in Iquitos, Patarashca stands out the most during religious celebrations. This dish consists of a fish stew that is seasoned and cooked inside bijao leaves and roasted over the fire. It is usually served with yucca and ripe banana.

JUANE

Juane is one of the most representative dishes of the jungle and is usually served during the festivities of San Juan. However, it is also eaten at Easter, but instead of preparing it with chicken or chicken it is made with fish following the tradition.

Although not much is known about its origin, what is known is that its name would refer to Saint John, since with the arrival of the Spaniards in the country the biblical passage in which Salome asks Herod for the head of John the Baptist on a plate became known.

ENSALADA DE CHONTA

The chonta salad, also known as palm heart salad, is prepared with the stem of the palm tree and lemon sauce. This salad is usually served with avocado and tomato slices. During Easter, this salad is usually eaten on Holy Thursday as an accompaniment to paiche or freshwater fish ceviche.

TIMBUCHE

Timbuche is a concentrated broth made from fish and cilantro. It is made with boca chica fish and since it does not have meat it is ideal to accompany the religious festivities of Holy Week.

SURI

Suri is perhaps one of the dishes that can cause less excitement among tourists, because this is the larva of the black beetle that lives on the trunks of fallen trees and is consumed raw, roasted or as an anticucho. Despite how unattractive it may sound, it is considered the favorite snack in the area and many tourists come to Iquitos eager to try it. They can be accompanied with chili de cocona.

TACACHO

El Tacacho is a preparation based on green banana, pork fat and salt. It is used both at lunch and breakfast and is one of the most common garnishes of jerky.

CECINA

La Cecina is one of the best known typical dishes of the jungle. It is accompanied by Tacacho forming a delicious combination for those who try it. Cecina is dehydrated and salted pork or beef. In Iquitos, cecina is usually pork, so it is not so common to enjoy it during Holy Week, especially on Good Friday, however, it does not stop being consumed during the other days.

KEEP READING