There are cities that are destinations in themselves. And there are cities that are doors. Leticia is one of the latter — but what a door. From here you can access the Colombian Amazon, the Triple Border with Brazil and Peru, the pink dolphins of Lake Tarapoto, and the Tikuna indigenous communities that have been inhabiting this jungle for centuries. Leticia Amazonas is not only the capital of Colombia's largest department — it is the entry point to one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet.
Leticia: City, History and Unique Position
Leticia is the capital of the Colombian Amazonas department. It is located 96 meters above sea level, on the right bank of the Amazon River, in the extreme south of Colombia. Its geographical position is unrepeatable: it is the only point in Colombia that shares a border simultaneously with Brazil and Peru.
Founded on April 25, 1867 with the name of San Antonio under Peruvian administration, the city definitively passed to Colombia in 1934 after the Protocol of Rio de Janeiro that closed the Colombian-Peruvian conflict of 1932. Today it is the logistical, cultural and tourist center of the entire Colombian Amazon region.
What differentiates it from any other departmental capital is its total isolation — there is no road — and its daily coexistence with Tabatinga (Brazil) and Santa Rosa (Peru). The three cities form a multicultural urban area where three flags, three languages and three cuisines coexist within a ten kilometer radius.
How to Get to Leticia Amazonas
From Colombia: only by plane. There is no road or bus. Flights depart from Bogotá with Avianca, Latam or Satena. Duration: ~2 hours. Price: $600,000–$800,000 COP round trip. The airport (Alfredo Vásquez Cobo) is 5 minutes from the center.
From Brazil: Flight from Manaus to Tabatinga with Azul (Brazilian airline), or by river by fast boat (36–48 hours) or cargo ship (4–6 days). From Tabatinga to Leticia: 10 minutes on foot.
From Peru: By river from Iquitos by fast boat (~14 hours) to Santa Rosa. From Santa Rosa to Leticia: 5–10 minutes by boat.
Key tip: Arriving before noon allows you to start the tour that same day at 2 pm, taking advantage of 100% of your stay.
The Two Faces of the Amazon: Seasons
Amazonian summer (June–November): The river drops up to 8 meters. White sand beaches emerge, the trails become dry and the fauna concentrates. The lowest point is in September. Ideal for hiking, beaches, fishing and photography. 4 days recommended.
Amazon winter / Crescent (December–May): The river rises. The low jungle is flooded, forming the várzeas. Kayaking among the trees of the submerged jungle is the most extraordinary activity. The highest point is in April. 5–6 days recommended.
Rain: Same in both seasons — about an hour a day. The river level is determined by rainfall in the Peruvian Andes, not the local rainfall in Leticia.
What to do in Leticia and its Surroundings
Sighting of pink and gray dolphins: Tour to Puerto Nariño and Lake Tarapoto. It leaves at 7 am from the civil port of Leticia. The most sought after experience in the Colombian Amazon.
Parque Santander — parrot show: Free, every day at 5 pm. Thousands of parrots return to the trees in the central park. Arrive at 4:30 pm for a good position.
Kayaking in flooded jungle (winter): Yahuarcaca Lagoon System and Tarapoto Lakes. Only available in crescent (February–May).
Amazon River beaches (summer): Swim, rest, photograph. July-November only.
Tree climbing: In Tanimboca or Omagua, 11 km from Leticia. Rappel, zip line and suspension bridges up to 35 meters high.
Night safari: Alligators, frogs, nocturnal fauna. With flashlight and expert guide.
Visit to indigenous communities: Tikuna, Yagua, Huitoto and Cocama. Crafts, ancestral knowledge, gastronomy.
Market Square: Amazonian breakfast from 5 am — fish broths, fariña, Amazonian fruits.
Puerto Nariño: The Ecological Pearl
87 km from Leticia by the river. Boat at 7 am, arrival at 9 am. Return at 3:30 pm.
First Ecological Municipality of Colombia — without motorized vehicles. Tikuna, Yagua and Cocama communities. Tarapoto Lake (dolphins), Naipata Viewpoint (panoramic views), Natutama Museum.
Lunch: Las Margaritas Restaurant.
Tabatinga and Santa Rosa: Three Countries in One Day
Tabatinga (Brazil): 10 minutes walk from Leticia. Portal da Fronteira, letters BRAZIL, Mirador La Comará, municipal market, charcoal tambaqui.
Santa Rosa (Peru): 5–10 minutes by boat. Town on the Island of Love, Amazonian ceviche, tacacho with cured meat, Brisas del Amazonas Restaurant.
No immigration procedures for the day's tourist tour. Documents: passport or ID.
Gastronomy in Leticia
Charcoal-roasted fish (gamitana or shad): The everyday dish. Straight to the embers with fariña and plantain.
Stuffed Gamitana: The cachama stuffed with rice and vegetables, baked. Festive dish made to order at Los Kilómetros Restaurant by Jhon Jairo Cano.
Cassava beiju: Stuffed indigenous crispy bread. Stand on 8th Street (corner of Gloria Drugstore).
Patarasca: Fish wrapped in bijao leaf and roasted over charcoal.
Market Square: Bocachico, cucha or gamitana broths from 5 am.
Amazonian fruits: Copoazú, arazá, açaí, aguaje, camu camu — in artisanal juices and ice creams next to Parque Santander.
Lodging in Leticia
- Hotels in the center: AC, WiFi. From $120,000 COP/night.
- Hostels: From $50,000 COP. Ideal for backpackers.
- Accommodations in Los Kilómetros: Quiet, surrounded by nature.
- Eco-lodges: Total immersion in the jungle. No mobile signal.
- Puerto Nariño: Hospedaje El Tigrillo to stay in the ecological municipality.
Important: The tap water in Leticia is not drinkable. Only bottled water.
Baggage and Preparation
Golden rule: 25–30 liter backpack. Wheeled suitcases are a problem on piers and trails.
- DEET repellent 30%+ (most important)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Rubber boots (not trekking boots — the mud destroys them)
- Light-colored, quick-drying clothing, long sleeves
- Rain poncho
- Waterproof dry bags
- Flashlight and powerbank
- Cash in Colombian pesos
Safety and Health
Security: Leticia is a safe destination. Contract only with agencies with RNT (National Tourism Registry). Require life jackets on boats.
Yellow fever: Recommended but not mandatory. In more than 40 years, no case has been recorded in the Colombian Amazon department. Apply 10 days before. Free at the Ministry of Health.
Travel insurance: Mandatory. Coverage for jungle, river and evacuation. Recommended: Colasistencia — works with Hospital San Rafael and Clínica Leticia.
How Many Days Do You Need
| Season | Ideal days | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Nov) | 4 days | 3 days |
| Increasing (Dec–May) | 5–6 days | 4 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get to Leticia from Bogotá? By plane with Avianca, Latam or Satena. ~2 hour flight. $600,000–$800,000 COP round trip.
When is the best time to visit Leticia Amazonas? Summer (June–November) is more accessible for a first visit. The crescent (December–May) offers kayaking in flooded jungle and unique landscapes.
Can you see pink dolphins in Leticia? Yes, all year round. Lake Tarapoto in Puerto Nariño is the best point. In summer from boat; increasing from kayak.
Is it safe to travel to Leticia Amazonas? Yes. Safe city with good tourist infrastructure. The key is to hire certified agencies.
What is the Leticia Triple Border? The point where Colombia, Brazil and Peru meet on the Amazon River. From Leticia you can cross to Tabatinga (Brazil) on foot and to Santa Rosa (Peru) by boat, all in the same day.
*Plan your trip to Leticia at leticia.travel.*
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