Complete Guide to Traveling to Leticia, Amazonas (2025)

Leticia, that magical corner in the heart of the Amazon that few people talk about, but many should explore. In this guide, we share every essential detail you need to know before traveling to Leticia, because we want you to have a unique experience in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the endless rainforest, prepare your adventurous spirit, and get ready to be amazed by the majesty of the world's lungs.

Where is Leticia, Amazonas located?

Leticia, known as the gateway to the Colombian Amazon, sits at the country's southern tip, right on the border shared with Brazil and Peru. It is the capital of the Amazonas department, situated on the banks of the mighty Amazon River, at an altitude of just 96 meters above sea level. This small but vibrant town has no road connection to the rest of Colombia, making it a remote and exotic destination, reachable mainly by plane or river.

How to get to Leticia?

Leticia, the gateway to the Colombian Amazon, has seen remarkable growth in accessibility for travelers. For the past two years, it has had a modern airport, Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport, which makes arriving from cities like Bogotá easy. However, surrounded by the vast Amazon rainforest, Leticia has no road connection to the rest of the country. Because of this, the main ways to get there are by air or by river.

Planning your flight to Leticia, Amazonas: costs and essential info

Convenience is key to your trip. The average cost of a round-trip flight from Bogotá to Leticia is approximately 600,000 Colombian pesos per person. There is also a nominal entry fee of 45,000 Colombian pesos (around 8 USD), paid at the airport, to help process your entry into this exciting destination.

Boat travel from Iquitos or Manaus to Leticia, Amazonas

As fascinating as the flight to Leticia can be, there are alternatives for those looking for a slower, more immersive journey. If you find yourself in the Amazonian cities of Manaus (Brazil) or Iquitos (Peru), a river journey awaits that lets you savor the crossing into Colombia.

Boat travel from Iquitos to Leticia

For those departing from Iquitos, a river journey opens up. Fast boats offer a direct link, taking around 14 hours to cover the distance between Iquitos and Leticia. A more relaxed option is available through slow cargo boats, where hammocks become your resting spot as you sail the currents of the Amazon. Upon arrival, you will dock at Santa Rosa Island, located across the river from Leticia.

Boat travel from Manaus to Leticia

Starting your journey in Manaus gives you several travel options. Slow cargo boats offer a more leisurely adventure, taking around 5 days to reach Leticia. Alternatively, fast boats provide quicker transit, though the trip still takes more than 36 hours. Whichever you choose, you will arrive in Tabatinga, Leticia's neighboring city. From there, a short connection will take you into Leticia, Amazonas, inviting you to explore the wonders of the rainforest.

What to do in Leticia?

Leticia is a one-of-a-kind destination in Colombia, ideal for nature and adventure lovers. From the cultural richness of indigenous communities to the vast biodiversity of the Amazon, it offers activities for every taste.

• Mundo Amazónico Ecological Park — guided tours on the ecology and indigenous cultures of the Amazon, with interactive activities like archery or visiting the aquarium.
• Pink dolphin watching — Puerto Nariño is one of the best places to enjoy this natural spectacle.
• Night hike in the rainforest — spot nocturnal species like caimans and listen to the unique sounds of the jungle after sunset.
• Visiting indigenous communities — immerse yourself in the traditions of the Ticuna and Huitoto people by visiting their malokas, learning about their customs, rituals, and cuisine.
• Leticia's local market — enjoy local flavors, tasting exotic fruits like copoazú and Amazonian dishes such as fried pirarucú crackling or casabe, a kind of cassava-based flatbread.

When is the best time to visit the Amazon?

Leticia, Amazonas, located in the heart of the world's largest tropical rainforest, draws tourists eager to experience its beauty and wonders. Just like the rainforest itself, Leticia offers two main seasons for a unique visit.

High-water season (November to April)

The Peruvian Andes' rainy season transforms the Amazon into a watery landscape. The Amazon River overflows, flooding areas known as "várzeas." Exploring the rainforest during this time becomes a river experience, using kayaks and boats. It is a period of rebirth for the rainforest, ideal for those seeking to connect with nature at its purest.

• River navigation — take the chance to navigate the vast flooded "várzeas," watching the ecosystem transform.
• Wildlife abundance — the rainy season draws a wide variety of animals into the flooded areas, making them easier to spot.
• Limited access — some rainforest areas may become inaccessible to hikers due to flooding.

Dry season (July to November)

The sun replaces the rain as the star of the show during the dry season in Leticia, Amazonas. Temperatures can reach 37°C (99°F) and water levels drop, revealing a new face of the rainforest.

• Hiking — take advantage of firm ground to venture into the rainforest and explore it on foot, on hikes guided by local experts.
• Sport fishing — cast your line and test your skills on the Amazon's mighty rivers; this season is ideal for fishing species like piranha.
• River beaches — falling water levels reveal beautiful white sand beaches along the Amazon River, ideal for relaxing or taking a refreshing swim.
• Heat and humidity — the dry season brings high temperatures and humidity, so light clothing and constant hydration are recommended.

Recommended tour

If you are looking for an authentic Amazon adventure, Amazonas Jungle Tours is your best option. They stand out for their meticulous organization and commitment to a genuine experience. With expert local guides and activities that immerse you in the essence of the Amazon, they are the ideal choice for your trip.

• Amazonas Jungle Tours

Here is a sample itinerary for the tour:

• Day one — discovering Amazonian life: start in Puerto Nariño, a model of sustainability, where you can spot pink and gray dolphins and take a walk through the rainforest.
• Day two — connecting with community and nature: visit the Peruvian community of San Antonio, hike through the rainforest, spot wildlife, and try local cuisine; sail the Tarapoto lakes and try traditional piranha fishing.
• Day three — kayaking in the flooded forest: finish your adventure with activities like kayaking and enjoy stunning views from the Puerto Nariño lookout point; then relax in comfortable lodging in Leticia, Amazonas.

No matter how long you choose to stay in the Amazon, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. The Amazon rainforest is a truly magical place, one that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.