Leticia isn’t your typical Colombian town; it’s humid, chaotic, wildly green, and completely disconnected from the rest of the country. Set deep in the Amazon Basin, this border-town gem is where Colombia, Brazil, and Peru kiss, and where concrete gives way to jungle paths and riverbanks.
We didn’t just visit Leticia, we let it swallow us whole.
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Getting to Leticia: No Roads, Just Sky
Let’s start with the basics: you can’t drive to Leticia. There are no roads linking it to the rest of Colombia. The only way in is by flying from Bogotá, with daily flights offered by LATAM, Avianca, and occasionally Viva Air. It’s a 2-hour flight, and you’ll know you’re close when clouds part and you see nothing but endless green stretching in every direction.
Once you land, prepare for a mini shock to the senses. The air is thick, the heat hits fast, and everything feels slightly disordered. It’s the gateway to the jungle—and it lets you know immediately.
Welcome to the Jungle Town: Tuk-Tuks, Bumps & Borderlines
Leticia itself is small, dusty, and alive with energy. Tuk-tuks (the local taxis) buzz around in every direction like swarms of bees, weaving around potholes, chickens, and kids playing football. The streets are uneven and often bumpy, but it all just adds to the wild character of the place.
You’ll hear Spanish, Portuguese, and Amazonian dialects as you walk past brightly painted houses, street stalls selling grilled fish, and wandering dogs. On one side of town is Tabatinga, Brazil, and on the other, the Amazon River heads toward Santa Rosa, Peru. You could technically have coffee in Colombia, a beer in Brazil, and dinner in Peru, all in the same afternoon.
Booking Amazon Tours: Cheaper, Better in Person
Here’s our biggest advice: don’t book Amazon tours online. Leticia is built for jungle excursions, and prices are almost always better—and more flexible—when booked on the ground.
Along the main street and near Parque Santander (where parrots fill the sky each evening), you’ll find dozens of local guides and agencies offering:
1-day river trips to monkey islands and indigenous villages
2–5 day jungle treks with rustic camping
Wildlife safaris, piranha fishing, ayahuasca ceremonies, and birdwatching
We booked with ‘George of the Jungle’ on a 4-day, 3-night tour, and it was one of the best experiences we’ve had! Check out our adventure here.
What to Pack for Leticia and the Amazon Rainforest
Packing for Leticia means preparing for heat, humidity, and the wonderfully unpredictable chaos of the jungle. Think lightweight, breathable clothing, long sleeves to keep the mosquitos at bay, waterproof footwear, and essentials like insect repellent, a dry bag, and a flashlight. But don’t worry—we’ve broken it all down in detail. For a full Amazon Rainforest packing checklist (including what not to bring), check out our dedicated post: [What to Pack for the Amazon Rainforest: The Ultimate Gear Guide]. Trust us, it’ll save you a few itchy mosquito bites!
Best Hostel in Leticia: Casa de las Palmas
If you’re heading to Leticia, Casa de las Palmas is hands down the place to stay. We based ourselves here for our Amazon tour and couldn’t have picked better. The hostel feels more like a laid-back jungle lodge than a typical backpacker spot, lush gardens, palm trees swaying, and a small pool to cool off after a sweaty jungle day.
What really sets it apart, though, is the warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s social without being a party hostel, making it easy to meet other travellers heading into the rainforest. The staff are super helpful with local tips, and there’s a big kitchen if you want to cook up your own meals (though honestly, the nearby local restaurants are cheap and delicious).
With comfy dorms and private rooms, hammock chill zones, and a great location walking distance from the centre, Casa de las Palmas hits the sweet spot between comfort and adventure.
How Long to Stay?
You’ll want at least 3–6 days to make the most of Leticia. Day one is for getting your bearings, settling in, and exploring the border triangle. Days 2-4 could be jungle tours and river adventures. With more time, you can travel further upriver to remote villages or stay overnight in a lodge deeper in the rainforest.
Final Thoughts: Leticia is Wild, and That’s the Point
Leticia isn’t polished, and that’s what makes it incredible. It’s raw, unpredictable, a bit chaotic—and completely unforgettable. Tuk-tuks roar past squawking parrots and jungle vines. Roads turn to trails. Time slows down.
You’re not just visiting Colombia anymore, you’re visiting the Amazon. A place where three countries blur, and the rainforest stretches endlessly in every direction.
Don’t overplan. Just go. Let Leticia do its thing.