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Leticia, Colombia - Things to Do in Leticia

Things to Do in Leticia

Leticia, Colombia - Complete Travel Guide

Leticia, Colombia's southernmost city, serves as the gateway to the Colombian Amazon and sits at the fascinating tri-border point where Colombia, Peru, and Brazil meet. This remote jungle town of about 50,000 people offers visitors an authentic Amazonian experience, with indigenous communities, incredible biodiversity, and the mighty Amazon River as its backdrop. The city itself maintains a frontier atmosphere with wooden houses, bustling markets selling exotic fruits and traditional crafts, and a laid-back pace that reflects its deep jungle setting. As the capital of Amazonas department, Leticia provides the perfect base for exploring one of the world's most biodiverse regions. Visitors can embark on jungle expeditions, spot pink river dolphins, visit indigenous villages, and experience the unique culture that emerges from the meeting of three nations. The city's location on Monkey Island and its proximity to Tabatinga (Brazil) and Santa Rosa (Peru) creates a truly international Amazonian experience where multiple languages, currencies, and cultures blend seamlessly.

Top Things to Do in Leticia

Amazon Jungle Expeditions

Venture deep into the Amazon rainforest on multi-day expeditions to spot wildlife, learn about medicinal plants, and experience the world's largest tropical rainforest. These tours typically include jungle walks, canoe trips, and overnight stays in eco-lodges or hammock camping under the forest canopy.

Booking Tip: Book through established local operators in Leticia for $80-200 per day including meals and accommodation. Dry season (June-September) offers better wildlife viewing, while wet season provides lush scenery and easier river navigation.

Pink River Dolphin Watching

Take boat trips on the Amazon River to observe the famous pink river dolphins in their natural habitat. These intelligent creatures are often seen playing and jumping near the confluence of rivers, and some tours offer the opportunity to swim with them in designated areas.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $40-80 per person, with early morning or late afternoon being optimal times for dolphin activity. Choose operators with small boats for better maneuverability and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Indigenous Community Visits

Experience authentic Amazonian culture by visiting indigenous communities such as the Tikuna, Yagua, or Huitoto peoples. Learn about traditional customs, crafts, music, and sustainable living practices while supporting community-based tourism initiatives.

Booking Tip: Community visits cost $30-60 per person and should be booked through responsible operators who share profits with communities. Always respect photography restrictions and purchase authentic handicrafts directly from artisans.

Monkey Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit this rehabilitation center and sanctuary located on an island in the Amazon River, home to rescued monkeys, sloths, and other Amazonian wildlife. The facility focuses on animal rescue, rehabilitation, and environmental education while providing close encounters with native species.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $15-25 including boat transport, with tours lasting 2-3 hours. Visit in the morning when animals are most active, and book through local operators who support the sanctuary's conservation efforts.

Tri-Border Cultural Experience

Explore the unique tri-border region where Colombia, Peru, and Brazil meet by visiting Tabatinga (Brazil) and Santa Rosa (Peru) in a single day. Experience different cultures, try varied cuisines, and shop for goods from three countries while learning about cross-border Amazonian life.

Booking Tip: Bring your passport for border crossings and have small bills in Colombian pesos, Brazilian reais, and Peruvian soles. Guided tours cost $40-70 per person, or explore independently using local moto-taxis and boats.

Getting There

Leticia is only accessible by air or river due to its remote jungle location, with no road connections to other Colombian cities. Avianca and LATAM operate daily flights from Bogotá (1.5 hours, $150-300) with some connections from Medellín. The Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport is located about 2km from the city center. Alternatively, adventurous travelers can reach Leticia by boat from Manaus, Brazil (3-4 days) or Iquitos, Peru (2-3 days), though these river journeys require advance planning and are subject to seasonal water levels.

Getting Around

Leticia is a compact city easily explored on foot, with most attractions, restaurants, and accommodations within walking distance of the city center. Moto-taxis are the primary local transport, costing $1-3 for short trips within the city, while regular taxis charge slightly more. For jungle excursions and river trips, boats are essential and typically arranged through tour operators. Bicycle rentals are available for around $10 per day, and some hotels provide complimentary bikes for exploring the immediate area.

Where to Stay

City Center
Malecón Riverside
Airport Area
Tabatinga Border
Jungle Lodges
Monkey Island Area

Food & Dining

Leticia's dining scene celebrates Amazonian ingredients and international influences from its tri-border location. Try exotic fish like tucumã, surubí, and pirarucu at riverside restaurants, along with tropical fruits you've never heard of at the central market. Brazilian influence brings excellent grilled meats and açaí, while Peruvian touches add ceviche and spiced preparations. Local specialties include casabe (cassava bread), fried plantains with fresh fish, and exotic fruit juices. The Malecón offers several restaurants with river views, while the central market provides authentic, budget-friendly local meals. Don't miss trying caju, cacao fruit, and other unique Amazonian flavors available nowhere else in Colombia.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Colombia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Vapiano Colombia Restaurante Italiano

4.7 /5
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Storia D'Amore zona T

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Trattoria de la Plaza | 7 de agosto Bogotá

4.6 /5
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Osaka Bogotá

4.7 /5
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Piazza by Storia D'Amore Calle 93 Bogotá

4.7 /5
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Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Leticia depends on your priorities, as the Amazon has distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season (June-September) offers easier jungle trekking, better wildlife spotting opportunities, and more comfortable camping conditions, though temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F). The wet season (December-May) brings lush, green scenery, higher river levels for boat navigation, and slightly cooler temperatures, but expect daily rain showers and muddy trails. The transition months of October-November and April-May offer a good balance of manageable weather and reasonable prices, with fewer crowds than peak dry season.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in small denominations as ATMs are limited and many jungle lodges and indigenous communities only accept cash payments
Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing in neutral colors, waterproof bags for electronics, and biodegradable toiletries to minimize environmental impact
Learn basic Spanish phrases as English is rarely spoken outside of established tour operators, and download offline maps since internet connectivity can be unreliable in the jungle

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