Leticia sits at the southernmost tip of Colombia, right on the banks of the mighty Amazon River. This adventurous frontier city is the main entry point to the Colombian Amazon, and its unique tri-border location—where Colombia meets Brazil and Peru—creates a colorful blend of cultures, languages, and customs you won’t find elsewhere. Leticia is both a hub for jungle explorers and a lively town where rainforest rhythms infuse daily life.
Travelers come to Leticia primarily for its unparalleled access to Amazonian nature and wildlife. Boat tours drift past pink river dolphins, eco-lodges nestle in lush green corridors, and jungle treks reveal rare birds, monkeys, and plant wonders. The vibrant Parque Santander in the heart of town is famous for its evening spectacle, as thousands of parakeets swirl above at sunset. Meanwhile, Malecón Tarapacá offers riverside strolls with views stretching across the jungle into Brazil and Peru.
While Leticia is less about grand monuments and more about atmosphere, its culturescape is fascinating. Locals and visitors mingle in lively markets selling Amazonian fruits, artisanal crafts, and fresh-caught fish. Conversations switch effortlessly among Spanish, Portuguese, and indigenous languages. Authentic Amazonian dishes—such as pirarucú fish and exotic fruits—invite adventurous dining, and the easygoing vibe makes meeting new friends nearly inevitable.
Accommodation ranges from comfortable city hotels to rustic jungle lodges accessed via boat. Getting around is mostly by foot within Leticia, while excursions often use boats or dirt bikes. There’s a regional airport linking Leticia to Bogotá, but much of the adventure is had on water or foot trails. Expect a steamy tropical climate year-round, but the May–July rainy season brings especially lush surroundings and higher water levels for boat trips.
Travelers come to Leticia primarily for its unparalleled access to Amazonian nature and wildlife. Boat tours drift past pink river dolphins, eco-lodges nestle in lush green corridors, and jungle treks reveal rare birds, monkeys, and plant wonders. The vibrant Parque Santander in the heart of town is famous for its evening spectacle, as thousands of parakeets swirl above at sunset. Meanwhile, Malecón Tarapacá offers riverside strolls with views stretching across the jungle into Brazil and Peru.
While Leticia is less about grand monuments and more about atmosphere, its culturescape is fascinating. Locals and visitors mingle in lively markets selling Amazonian fruits, artisanal crafts, and fresh-caught fish. Conversations switch effortlessly among Spanish, Portuguese, and indigenous languages. Authentic Amazonian dishes—such as pirarucú fish and exotic fruits—invite adventurous dining, and the easygoing vibe makes meeting new friends nearly inevitable.
Accommodation ranges from comfortable city hotels to rustic jungle lodges accessed via boat. Getting around is mostly by foot within Leticia, while excursions often use boats or dirt bikes. There’s a regional airport linking Leticia to Bogotá, but much of the adventure is had on water or foot trails. Expect a steamy tropical climate year-round, but the May–July rainy season brings especially lush surroundings and higher water levels for boat trips.
Expected Weekly Budget
$800–$1200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Take a boat tour on the Amazon River to spot pink river dolphins
- Visit Parque Santander at sunset to watch flocks of parakeets
- Explore the indigenous communities and learn about their traditions
- Walk across the border to Tabatinga, Brazil for a cross-cultural experience
- Go on a guided jungle trek in the Amacayacu National Park
- Sample Amazonian cuisine at local restaurants or markets
- Stay overnight in an eco-lodge deep in the rainforest
- Shop for handicrafts and exotic fruits at the Leticia Market
Notable Sites
- Parque Santander
- Amazon River
- Amacayacu National Park
- Malecón Tarapacá
- Museo Etnográfico del Hombre Amazónico
- Reserva Natural Tanimboca
- Isla de los Micos
- Tabatinga International Border
General Advice
Leticia is a small yet vibrant town best experienced at a relaxed pace. Most activities revolve around the river and rainforest, so plan for outdoor adventures and leave room for spontaneous exploration. It’s wise to arrange guided excursions with established operators to maximize safety and access to restricted or indigenous areas. Remember that many sites and lodges can only be reached by boat, so inquire about logistics ahead of time and pack accordingly. Local hospitality is warm and genuine—don’t hesitate to chat with residents or explore across the Brazilian and Peruvian borders for a broader Amazonian perspective.
Security & Safety
Leticia is generally safe for travelers, but as in any border town, it’s prudent to stay aware of your belongings and avoid carrying valuables openly in crowded areas or at night. Use reputable tour guides for jungle excursions and avoid venturing into the rainforest alone, as getting lost is a real risk. Make sure your vaccinations—including yellow fever—are up to date before arrival. Police and military presence is visible, especially close to the borders, but routine travel is hassle-free if you carry proper identification. Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid water-borne illnesses.
Travel Tips
- Bring lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect from sun and insects.
- Carry insect repellent and sunscreen—mosquitoes are abundant year-round.
- Have some Colombian pesos in cash, as most places don’t accept credit cards.
- Book jungle lodges and guided tours in advance, especially in high season.
- If visiting indigenous communities, ask before taking photos and respect local customs.
- Crossing into Brazil or Peru is easy but always carry your passport or official ID.
- Plan for patchy mobile signal—consider downloading offline maps in advance.
- Rain showers can be sudden; pack a dry bag and waterproof jacket.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in May 2024
I’ve never felt so close to the rainforest as I did in Leticia. The boat tour was absolutely magical—seeing pink dolphins in person is something I’ll never forget. Mosquitoes were pretty intense though, so pack repellent!
Traveled here in March 2024
Staying in an eco-lodge upriver really made my trip. Our guide was super knowledgeable and we spotted so many birds and even a sloth. Loved connecting with indigenous families who shared their traditions.
Stayed in December 2023
Leticia’s energy is infectious, especially with all the colors and flavors in the market. I got caught in a crazy downpour one afternoon that flooded the streets, but it was all part of the adventure. Beaches here are river-sand, but the sunsets were beautiful.
Visited in February 2024
Crossing over to Tabatinga and then hopping back into Colombia for dinner was such a unique experience! It’s amazing how three countries come together in one place. The parakeets at Parque Santander were a nightly highlight.
Visited in January 2024
If you’re into wildlife, Leticia is unbeatable. We saw monkeys, caimans, and so many bizarre insects. Local food blew me away—try the fish dishes, especially pirarucú.
Traveled here in April 2024
We visited with our two kids and they absolutely loved Isla de los Micos! It’s not the most luxurious place but the sense of adventure makes up for it. The nights were loud with jungle sounds but we all slept well somehow.
Visited in July 2023
Rainy season meant very high rivers but also incredibly green scenery. The boat to Amacayacu National Park was a bit bumpy, but seeing the giant water lilies was worth every splash.
Visited in June 2024
The warmth of the locals and guides made the trip extra special. I felt safe exploring on both the Colombian and Brazilian sides. Don’t expect fancy coffee shops, but the fresh coconuts were perfect on a hot afternoon.
Traveled here in November 2023
I went solo and met a ton of other travelers. Shared some great hikes through the forest and we were all amazed by the diversity of plants. Nighttime can be a bit noisy with all the nightlife and animal sounds.
Visited in August 2023
Visiting Leticia from Peru was so easy, I just walked across the border after breakfast one day! Exploring the market was a highlight for me, all the fruits were so different from anything I’d tasted.
Stayed in September 2023
We did a night walk and saw tarantulas and glowing fungi—thrilling and a bit scary. The only downside was patchy Wi-Fi everywhere, but it forced us to disconnect, which was actually nice.
Traveled here in October 2023
The visit to Museo Etnográfico was a good intro before the jungle. The border vibe of Leticia is fascinating—Spanish, Portuguese, and several indigenous languages in a single block!
Visited in March 2024
We did a three-day kayak trip and camped on the riverbanks. Stunning stars at night and plenty of wildlife. Bring a dry bag—things got wetter than expected!
Visited in April 2024
If you love photography, Leticia has everything—colorful boats, dramatic skies, and tons of wildlife. Food can be basic, especially out in the lodges, so stock up on snacks before heading into the jungle.
Traveled here in May 2024
Beautiful in many ways, but it’s definitely rough around the edges—power outages, muddy roads, and few English speakers outside the main agencies. Still, the raw rainforest was unforgettable.
Visited in February 2024
Our family loved the wildlife and river trips. Kids were amazed by the monkeys and the enormous fish. Bring plenty of mosquito repellent if you’re coming with children!
Visited in September 2023
I joined a small-group trek and appreciated how much effort the guides put into explaining local ecology. Access to some places was tricky due to rain, but that’s the jungle experience.
Traveled here in December 2023
I went primarily for birdwatching and was not disappointed. Spotted five species I’d never seen before within the first day! The humidity can be intense, but it comes with the territory.
Traveled here in October 2023
Best part was taking the public ferry with locals along the Amazon, just people-watching and soaking up the scenery. Don’t expect luxury but everything is very genuine.
Stayed in May 2024
My partner and I wanted something adventurous and different—Leticia delivered. The nightly parakeet show is surprisingly moving and so is watching the river change colors at dusk. Wi-Fi was a challenge, but disconnecting felt good.
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