Leticia, Colombia: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Getting to Leticia & Planning Your Journey

Leticia is accessible primarily by air, with daily flights from Bogotá taking approximately 2 hours. The city’s Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport receives flights from major Colombian airlines including Avianca and LATAM. Upon arrival, you’ll need to pay a small tourist tax (around 30,000 COP or $8 USD) that helps fund local infrastructure.

For the more adventurous traveler, you can also reach Leticia by boat from Manaus (Brazil) or Iquitos (Peru), though these journeys take several days and require sleeping in hammocks on board. These slow river journeys offer a unique perspective of Amazonian life but require significant time commitment.

Best Time to Visit Leticia & Weather Tips

Leticia’s climate is hot and humid year-round, with average temperatures hovering around 28°C (82°F). The region experiences two distinct seasons that dramatically affect your Amazon experience:

Getting Around Leticia

Leticia is a relatively small town that’s easy to navigate. Here are your best transportation options:

• Walking: The town center is compact and walkable, with most attractions within a 15-20 minute walk.
• Tuk-tuks: These three-wheeled vehicles are abundant and inexpensive (3,000-5,000 COP for most in-town trips).
• Moto-taxis: Motorcycle taxis offer a quick way to get around for similar prices to tuk-tuks.
• Boats: Essential for exploring the Amazon River and reaching nearby communities. Public boats to Puerto Nariño depart three times daily from the port (40,000 COP one-way).
• Taxis: Available for longer trips to attractions outside town.

Where to Stay in Leticia

Accommodation in Leticia ranges from basic hostels to comfortable hotels, but the most memorable experiences come from staying in jungle lodges. Here are your best options:

Top Things to Do in Leticia, Colombia

Leticia offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and adventure activities. Here are the must-do experiences for your Amazon journey:

1. Amazon River Cruises & Wildlife Spotting

No visit to Leticia is complete without exploring the mighty Amazon River. Daily boat tours offer opportunities to spot incredible wildlife including the famous pink river dolphins (botos), various monkey species, sloths, and countless bird species. Early morning or late afternoon cruises provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active.

2. Jungle Treks & Rainforest Exploration

Venture into the heart of the Amazon rainforest with guided jungle treks ranging from a few hours to multi-day expeditions. Learn about medicinal plants, spot wildlife, and experience the incredible biodiversity of one of Earth’s most precious ecosystems. For the adventurous, overnight jungle camping offers an unforgettable experience of falling asleep to the symphony of forest sounds.

Popular jungle trek locations include:

• Reserva Natural Tanimboca: Located 11km from Leticia, offering canopy walks and ziplines
• Reserva Natural Marasha: On the Peruvian side, known for its pristine forest
• Amacayacu National Park: Accessible from Puerto Nariño with excellent biodiversity

3. Visit the Victoria Regia Nature Reserve

Marvel at the world’s largest water lilies at the Victoria Regia Nature Reserve. These impressive plants can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) in diameter and can support the weight of a small child. The reserve is particularly beautiful at sunset when the lilies begin to open their white flowers that turn pink by morning.

4. Witness the Parrot Spectacle at Parque Santander

Every evening at dusk, thousands of parakeets and parrots return to roost in the trees of Parque Santander in downtown Leticia. This natural spectacle is accompanied by a deafening chorus of bird calls as the colorful creatures settle for the night. Climb the church bell tower for a panoramic view of this amazing event.

5. Explore Leticia’s Local Market

Immerse yourself in local culture at Leticia’s bustling market. Here you’ll find exotic Amazonian fruits you’ve likely never seen before, freshly caught fish including the enormous pirarucú (which can grow up to 3 meters/10 feet long), traditional crafts, and medicinal plants. Visit in the morning when the market is most active and vendors from indigenous communities bring their products to sell.

6. Visit Indigenous Communities

Connect with the Amazon’s original inhabitants by visiting indigenous communities near Leticia. Communities like Mocagua, Macedonia, and San Martin welcome visitors to learn about their traditions, crafts, and sustainable way of life. These visits provide valuable cultural exchange and often include demonstrations of traditional dance, craft-making, and medicinal plant use.

When visiting indigenous communities, remember to:

• Go with a reputable guide who has established relationships with the community
• Ask permission before taking photographs
• Purchase crafts directly from artisans to support the local economy
• Show respect for cultural traditions and customs

7. Experience Three Countries in One Day

Take advantage of Leticia’s unique location at the triple border by visiting three countries in a single day. A quick tuk-tuk ride takes you to Tabatinga, Brazil, where you can enjoy a caipirinha at a riverside bar. Then, hop on a boat for the short crossing to Santa Rosa, Peru, where you can sample delicious Peruvian ceviche. No passport stamps are required for day trips between these border towns.

8. Take a Night Safari

Experience the Amazon’s transformation after dark with a guided night safari. As nocturnal creatures emerge, you’ll have the chance to spot caimans, night monkeys, frogs, and various insects. The sounds of the jungle intensify at night, creating an immersive sensory experience unlike any other.

9. Kayak Through Flooded Forests

During high water season (November-May), parts of the Amazon forest flood, creating a magical landscape where you can kayak among the trees. This unique ecosystem, called igapó, allows you to silently glide through the forest, getting closer to wildlife and experiencing the Amazon from a completely different perspective.

Day Trip to Puerto Nariño

Located about 75 km (47 miles) upriver from Leticia, Puerto Nariño is Colombia’s second-largest Amazonian settlement and offers a completely different experience. This car-free eco-village is known for its sustainable practices and tranquil atmosphere.

Highlights of Puerto Nariño include:

• Climbing the mirador (lookout tower) for panoramic views of the Amazon
• Visiting the Natütama Interpretation Center to learn about river dolphins and manatees
• Taking boat trips to nearby Tarapoto Lakes to spot pink dolphins
• Enjoying fresh fish at local restaurants
• Shopping for authentic indigenous crafts

Public boats to Puerto Nariño depart from Leticia three times daily (morning, noon, and afternoon) and the journey takes about 2 hours each way. For more flexibility, you can hire a private boat or join an organized tour.

Dining & Local Cuisine in Leticia

Amazonian cuisine offers unique flavors you won’t find elsewhere in Colombia. Here are some must-try dishes and dining experiences:

Must-Try Amazonian Dishes

• Pirarucú: The Amazon’s largest scaled freshwater fish, typically grilled or in stews
• Mojojoy: For the adventurous, these palm tree grubs are a traditional delicacy
• Casabe: Flatbread made from yuca (cassava)
• Tucupí: Sauce made from fermented manioc juice
• Açaí: Purple berry served as juice or frozen dessert
• Juanes: Rice and chicken wrapped in bijao leaves

Recommended Restaurants

• El Cielo: Excellent Amazonian fusion cuisine
• Tierras Amazónicas: Traditional dishes with river views
• La Selva: Fresh fish and local specialties
• Anaconda: Try their pirarucú ceviche

Don’t miss trying fresh tropical fruit juices made from exotic Amazonian fruits like copoazú, arazá, and camu-camu, which are packed with vitamins and unique flavors.

Practical Travel Tips for Leticia

Money & Payments

There are ATMs in Leticia, but they can sometimes run out of cash or be offline. Bring enough Colombian pesos for your stay, especially if you plan to visit remote areas or indigenous communities. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants in town, but cash is king throughout the region.

Language

Spanish is the primary language in Leticia. While some tour guides speak English, basic Spanish phrases will greatly enhance your experience, especially when interacting with local communities. Indigenous languages like Tikuna, Cocama, and Yagua are also spoken in the region.

Map of Leticia

Amazon River Cruises from Leticia

For those seeking a more immersive Amazon experience, multi-day river cruises depart from Leticia, offering comfortable accommodations while exploring remote areas of the rainforest. These cruises typically include guided excursions, wildlife spotting, and visits to indigenous communities.

Cruises range from basic public boats where you sleep in hammocks to more luxurious private vessels with air-conditioned cabins. Most cruises operate during the high-water season (November-May) when navigation is easier and wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant.

Ready for Your Leticia Adventure?

Leticia offers a gateway to one of Earth’s most extraordinary ecosystems. From pink dolphins to ancient indigenous knowledge, the experiences awaiting in this corner of Colombia will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking adventure, nature, cultural connections, or simply a break from the modern world, Leticia delivers with authenticity and wonder.

As you plan your journey to the Amazon, remember that the best experiences come with an open mind and respect for both the natural environment and the cultures that have called this region home for millennia. The Amazon is changing rapidly due to environmental pressures, making your responsible visit all the more meaningful.