I Have been living in Peru for about 15 years --I married a woman from Iquitos and have two children here --I started a coffee shop in Iquitos using Cafe Britt --It was fairly successful but i wasn't aware that the tourist going to Iquitos to go on tours were pretty much sequestered until they went to the jungle --It did make a small profit --I operated it about 4 years ---I also opened a large mini market on a main street. It was exceptionally successful after i attached an American style barbecue restaurant and it was turning a good profit ---
I have currently opened a small coffee shop in Jesus Maria. It has only been open a couple months but is growing rapidly. I think the key to operating a successful business here is to find a trust worthy Peruvian that speaks English --(If you don't speak Spanish) and train them and have them deal with the permits, etc.
I started this thread for anyone thinking about starting a business here or get advice about permits, etc. Will be happy to share my experience, good and bad, with you and help you anyway i can.