The Natural Parrot Spectacle at Santander Park in Leticia, Amazonas

Leticia is the capital of the Amazonas department and the starting point for exploring the Amazon rainforest. It is a small city, but full of life, blending Colombian, Brazilian, and Peruvian cultures. If you visit Leticia, there is one must-do plan you can't miss: the parrot spectacle at Santander Park, a natural show unlike any other in Colombia.

Santander Park: the heart of Leticia

Located in the heart of the city, Santander Park is the meeting point for locals and tourists. It is Leticia's main park and a perfect place to relax, walk, or simply sit and watch daily life go by.

But what truly makes this park special happens every day at 5:00 p.m., when thousands of parrots return in flocks to rest in the trees. The natural spectacle is stunning: the sky fills with green parrots flying over the park, their deafening calls marking the end of the day in the city.

The parrot spectacle: a show unlike any other in the country

For decades, parrots have made Santander Park their nighttime home. During the day, these birds scatter across the Amazon rainforest in search of food, but as evening falls, they return to the park to sleep.

The best time to see this phenomenon is between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. You can simply sit on a park bench and enjoy the show without paying a single peso, since it is a completely free spectacle, available every day of the year.

Tips for enjoying the parrot show

• Comfortable, light clothing — Leticia has a warm, humid climate.
• Bring a poncho or raincoat, since rain can appear at any moment.
• Hydration — don't worry, there are shops and vendors nearby where you can buy water and drinks.
• Arrive early if you want to get a good spot to watch the show.
• Be careful crossing Av. Vásquez Cobo — it is a three-lane road with heavy traffic.

How to get to Santander Park?

The park sits right in downtown Leticia, so getting there is very easy. Google Maps works perfectly in the city and will help you find your way without trouble.

• On foot — if you are staying downtown, it is just a 10-minute walk.
• Motorcarts or tuk-tuks — a cheap and quick way to get around.
• Taxis — a comfortable option if you prefer to avoid the heat.

The cathedral lookout: the best view of the Amazon

Inside the park you will also find the Nuestra Señora de la Paz Cathedral, whose tower holds a lookout point offering a spectacular panoramic view.

• The Amazon River in all its immensity.
• The city of Leticia and its connection to Tabatinga (Brazil).
• The rainforests of Peru and Colombia.

Admission price: just $5,000 COP. Hours: open every day. Climbing up to the lookout is the perfect complement after watching the parrot spectacle.

Why do the parrots choose Santander Park in Leticia, Amazonas?

The story behind this phenomenon is as surprising as the spectacle itself. It is said that between the 1940s and 1960s, illegal wildlife trafficking was a common practice in the region. A trader had thousands of parrots ready for export, but when wildlife protection law came into force in the 1970s, he was forced to release them.

The parrots, searching for a safe place to sleep away from predators, found the perfect spot in Santander Park: large trees right in the heart of the city. Ever since, this routine has continued, becoming a natural tradition and a spectacle unlike any other in Colombia.

A must-do plan in Leticia, Amazonas

If you're traveling to Leticia, this is one plan you cannot skip. It is free, accessible, and unique — a natural spectacle that happens every single day, regardless of season. Set aside an afternoon to enjoy the parrot show, climb up to the cathedral lookout, and feel the magic of the Amazon from the heart of Leticia.