Leticia, the capital of Colombia's Amazonas department, is a hidden gem in the rainforest that offers a deep immersion in nature, indigenous culture, and biodiversity. Located in the heart of the Amazon and on the border with Brazil and Peru, Leticia is an ideal destination for those looking to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the natural environment. If you are lucky enough to spend a weekend in this corner of Colombia, here is a guide on what to do in Leticia, Amazonas.
Day 1: Exploring Leticia and its surroundings
Morning: Walk around the city and visit to the Ethnographic Museum
The first day in Leticia can begin with a leisurely tour of the city center. Despite its small size, Leticia has a vibrant mix of Colombian, Peruvian and Brazilian cultures due to its strategic location on the border. Stroll through Santander Park, a local landmark famous for the presence of thousands of parrots that return to the trees every evening to sleep, offering a spectacle of colors and sounds.
Near the park is the Museo Etnográfico del Hombre Amazónico (Ethnographic Museum of Amazonian Man), a must-see to learn more about the indigenous communities that inhabit the region, such as the Ticuna, Yagua and Huitoto. The museum has a collection of traditional artifacts and an exhibition on the customs, worldview and history of these peoples. It is an excellent way to understand the cultural context of the Amazon before venturing into the jungle.
Afternoon: Puerto Nariño and the Amazon River
After a quick lunch at one of the local restaurants (where you can try typical dishes such as river fish accompanied by yuca or plantain), it's time for an essential experience: sailing down the Amazon River. The best way to do this is by taking a boat to Puerto Nariño, a small eco-village located about two hours from Leticia.
The journey down the Amazon is an experience in itself, offering the chance to spot pink dolphins (Inia geoffrensis), exotic birds and the stunning riverside vegetation. Puerto Nariño is known as the "manger of Colombia" for its tranquility and lack of motorized vehicles. Once there, you can walk along its nature trails or climb to the lookout point for panoramic views of the river and the jungle.
Night: Sunset in Santander Park
Back in Leticia, one of the most iconic experiences is the sunset at Santander Park. As we mentioned before, the parrots arrive in large numbers to perch in the trees, turning the sky into an explosion of colors and sounds. It is a unique and free spectacle that you cannot miss.
If hunger starts to call, you can enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants, where Amazonian and border influences blend into unique dishes, such as tacacho (mashed plantain) with cecina or the famous palm heart salads.
Day 2: Jungle Adventures and Indigenous Encounters
Morning: Visit to Monkey Island
For your second day, prepare for a deeper adventure into the jungle. A popular excursion from Leticia is Monkey Island, located about 30 kilometers from the city. The island is famous for its population of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus), small and curious, who interact closely with visitors. The experience is ideal for wildlife lovers, since in addition to the monkeys, it is possible to observe a wide variety of native birds and plants.
Afternoon: Tanimboca Natural Reserve or Amacayacu National Park
After Monkey Island, you have two options to continue exploring the Amazon rainforest:
Tanimboca Nature Reserve: Located just a few kilometers from Leticia, Tanimboca is an accessible option for those who want to experience the jungle in a sustainable way. Here you can do activities such as zip-lining, jungle walks, and artisanal fishing. It is also possible to stay in tree houses, which adds a special touch to your Amazon experience.
Amacayacu National Natural Park: If you prefer a more in-depth experience, you can head to Amacayacu National Park, one of the most important parks in the Colombian Amazon. Amacayacu, whose name means "River of Hammocks" in the Quechua language, is home to an incredible diversity of fauna, including jaguars, alligators, manatees and more than 400 species of birds. Here you can go on guided hikes with indigenous people who know the flora and fauna of the region.
Both options will offer you an unforgettable immersion in the Amazon rainforest, but be sure to bring insect repellent, light clothing and plenty of water.
Night: Meeting with Indigenous Communities
To end the day with a unique cultural experience, you can organize a visit to one of the indigenous communities near Leticia, such as the Ticuna, Yagua or Huitoto. Many communities open their doors to tourists to share their customs, traditions and ancestral knowledge. You may be invited to participate in dance rituals, try traditional food or learn about the use of medicinal plants in the jungle.
These meetings are not only a way to support local communities through responsible tourism, but also to understand the deep bond between indigenous peoples and Amazonian nature.
Day 3: Farewell and Last Stop at the Border Clover
Tomorrow: Visit to Tabatinga, Brazil and Santa Rosa, Peru
On your last day in Leticia, take advantage of the opportunity to visit two more countries without even having to fly. Leticia is right on the border with Brazil and Peru, and it's very easy to cross over to the towns of Tabatinga (Brazil) and Santa Rosa (Peru).
Tabatinga is just a few minutes by motorbike taxi from the centre of Leticia. Here you can stroll through the local market, where you will find Brazilian products and typical foods such as açaí and tapioca. Santa Rosa, on the other hand, is just across the Amazon River from Leticia by boat. Although small, this Peruvian town will offer you a new perspective on life in the Amazon region.
Afternoon: Shopping and farewell
After exploring Tabatinga and Santa Rosa, head back to Leticia for a final tour of the local market. Here you can buy indigenous handicrafts such as necklaces, bracelets and carved wooden figures, which are perfect souvenirs of your visit to the Amazon.
With this, your weekend in Leticia comes to an end. A trip that will undoubtedly connect you with nature and leave you with unforgettable memories of the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous cultures.
A weekend in Leticia is just a small sample of all that the Amazon has to offer. Although two or three days may not seem like much time, the intensity of the experiences here make every moment count.