Located at the meeting point of three major Amazon rivers, this Colombian city serves as a gateway to the rainforest, with air and river connections to Peru and Brazil.
In Leticia, Colombia's southernmost city, you can watch parakeets fill the evening sky above Santander Park, spot pink dolphins swimming in the Amazon River, and learn basket weaving from Hitoma artisans. This Amazon port town, where Colombia meets Peru and Brazil, puts you in the heart of a rainforest with 6,800 plant species. Walk through the market to find fresh piranha, dragon fruit, and copoazú, or take a morning boat ride to see toucans and squirrel monkeys in the canopy.
Getting to Leticia
You can reach Leticia only by air or river, as no roads connect it to the rest of Colombia. Daily flights from Bogotá land at Vásquez Cobo International Airport, taking about two hours. The airport also connects with Medellín and Cartagena, though these routes often require layovers.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Temperatures in Leticia stay around 27°C (80.6°F) year-round. March sees the heaviest rainfall, while July tends to be the driest month. Plan your visit between June and October during the dry season, when you can walk forest trails more easily and encounter fewer mosquitoes.
Amazon River Wildlife
Take an early morning boat trip to see pink and grey river dolphins swimming in the main channel and Tarapoto Lake near Puerto Nariño. You might spot giant river otters catching fish, howler monkeys swinging through trees, and some of the 860 bird species that live in this section of the Amazon, including harpy eagles and macaws.
Indigenous Communities
The Hitoma, Yagua, and Macedonia communities live along the riverbank and share their daily customs with visitors. In their workshops, you can watch artisans weave baskets from palm fibers and create jewelry using seeds, tree bark, feathers, and pirarucú fish scales. Find their crafts in the riverside markets.
Local Food and Markets
At the port market, sample freshwater fish like gamitana and pirarucú, try fariña (a cassava porridge), or taste mojojoy - indigenous white worms eaten raw, grilled, or fried. Browse stalls filled with tropical fruits like cupuaçu, açaí, and aguaje, or watch fishermen bring in their morning catch from the Amazon.
Essential Tips
Get your yellow fever vaccination at least 15 days before arrival. Pack light, breathable clothing with long sleeves and pants for protection from insects. Bring non-spray insect repellent to protect the environment, and carry a flashlight and extra clothes. Drink only bottled water.
Day Trips from Leticia
Take a boat to Puerto Nariño, where no cars are allowed on the streets. Visit Monkey Island to see several primate species up close, or walk the trails in Amacayacu National Park. Cross the open border to Tabatinga, Brazil, or Santa Rosa, Peru - no passport needed for day visits.
Cultural Events
In July, the Amazon Fellowship Festival fills the streets with sports competitions, live music, and food stalls. During the Pirarucú de Oro festival in late November, musicians perform Amazon rhythms on traditional instruments. Holy Week brings religious parades and food fairs to the town center.
