Territory capital · Colombia
Leticia
Go for 3 nights as an Amazon base: fly in, do one river day, one jungle lodge night, then leave. No road in or out.
Leticia is Colombia's southernmost town, on the north bank of the Amazon at the three-country border with Brazil (Tabatinga) and Peru (Santa Rosa island). There are no highways: you arrive by plane or boat, and the town is the region's hub for hospital, airport and river transport. Three nights covers the town, a river day to Puerto Nariño or a lake, and one jungle lodge night. Add nights only for a lodge stay or a slow boat onward.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- COP
- Best months
- Jun–Sep (lower water, more beach and easier fishing); Dec–Mar also workable
- avoid Apr–May (heaviest rain); check river levels for boat routes
- Airport
- LET
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Colombia ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Migración Colombia or a Colombian consulate; some travellers must complete an online migration form before arrival.
- Colombia ↗Security advice lists specific departments and border areas: check your own government's advice for every place on your route, including coastal roads.
- Colombia ↗Never accept drinks, food or cigarettes from strangers, and be careful with people met on dating apps: drugging (including with scopolamine) followed by robbery is a known risk.
- Colombia ↗Fill in Check-MIG only on the official Migración Colombia site; it is free, and lookalike sites charge a fee.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Leticia123 ▾
- Police, ambulance and fire123
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Leticia, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Colombian peso (COP, $).Colombia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckClaro (best coverage), Movistar and Tigo SIMs in malls and at airports; passport required and IMEI registration may apply for longer stays — check.Colombia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Bogotá and Medellín; drink bottled on the coast and in rural areas.Colombia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% propina voluntaria offered on the bill.Colombia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Colombia-wide
- SafetyLeticia is a small, busy border town and generally calm in the centre by day.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin in most places; bring tissues for bus stations.Colombia-wide
- Emergency numbers123 police, ambulance and fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; Monday holidays (puentes) move almost half of public holidays.Colombia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLET Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International (About 1.5 km (0.9 mi) north of the centre; taxi to Parque Santander about COP$6,000–8,000.LET Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International (About 0.9 mi (1.5 km) north of the centre; taxi to Parque Santander about COP$6,000–8,000.
- Getting aroundMototaxis (motorcycle taxis) and motocarros (covered tuk-tuks) cover the town; short hops were around COP$2,000 in 2021.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or juice in the centreCOP$3,000–8,000
- Street or quick mealStreet skewer or fried rice ballFrom COP$1,000
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Mototaxi, short hop in townCOP$2,000–3,000
- Budget bedHostel or hammock bed, a night, per personCOP 30,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room, guesthouse or hotel, a night, per roomCOP 160,000
- High-end bedDouble room, guesthouse or hotel, a night, per roomCOP 350,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget COP 90,000 · Mid COP 180,000 · High COP 350,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LET Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International (About 1.5 km (0.9 mi) north of the centre; taxi to Parque Santander about COP$6,000–8,000. Non-Colombian arrivals pay a tourism entrance fee in cash at the airport; no ATM there.)LET Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International (About 0.9 mi (1.5 km) north of the centre; taxi to Parque Santander about COP$6,000–8,000. Non-Colombian arrivals pay a tourism entrance fee in cash at the airport; no ATM there.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Dec
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar. Avoid: Apr–May. Month by month →
Warmest Sep (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C) low), wettest Apr (24 rain days), driest Aug (18). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Leticia: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
22 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
20 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
23 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
24 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
24 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
21 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
19 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
18 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
19 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
21 rd
Nov
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
22 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
22 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Mototaxis (motorcycle taxis) and motocarros (covered tuk-tuks) cover the town; short hops were around COP$2,000 in 2021. Bicycles and motorcycles can be rented by the day. Walking works in the centre. Boats from the port serve Puerto Nariño, Santa Rosa and river lodges; when the river is very low the port shifts and you may need a short walk or a small boat to the new departure point.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Puerto Nariño
goDoor to door: About 2–2.5 h each way
Public boat from Leticia port, about 2 h; three departures a day in the morning and early afternoon
Car-free village with a watch tower; reserve the return seat when you arrive. Last boat back is early afternoon, not late.
Tarapoto Lake
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min from Puerto Nariño
Boat from Puerto Nariño with a local guide
Pink and grey river dolphins; combine with the Puerto Nariño day.
Tabatinga, Brazil
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Mototaxi or bicycle across the border, about 10 min
Same time zone as Leticia. Free-trade zone for electronics; get your stamp at the federal police if you are leaving the border area.
Santa Rosa, Peru
goDoor to door: About 10–15 min
Small boat across the river from the port
Island town with Peruvian immigration; useful if you continue to Iquitos.
Mundo Amazónico
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Bus toward Tarapacá, about 20–30 min; ask the driver to stop at Km 7.7
Ethno-botanical garden with guided tours of plants, medicinal plants, culture and aquatic life; book tours at the entrance or your hotel.
Amacayacu National Park
cautionDoor to door: About 2–3 h
Boat upriver, then arrange local transport
Check current access and park status before committing; it is not a casual day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro / Parque Santander
Walkable core: banks, ATMs, agencies, street food, the parrot show at dusk. Best for a short first visit.
Near the port (Carrera 9–11)
Closest to boats for Puerto Nariño and Peru; a few minutes' walk to the market and waterfront.
Road to Tarapacá (Km 7–10)
Quieter, greener, near Mundo Amazónico; you need a mototaxi or bus into town.
Jungle lodges upriver
Marasha, Tucuchira and similar on the Colombian or Peruvian side; reached by boat, sometimes with a walk. Book ahead.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- COP$90,000–160,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- COP$160,000–300,000 excl. bed
- High
- COP$300,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, guesthouse or hotel1 × 3 nights × COP 160,000 | COP 480,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × COP 180,000 | COP 1,080,000 |
| Airport tourism entrance fee (non-Colombian arrivals, cash)2 × COP 35,000 | COP 70,000 |
| Full-day river tour (water lilies, monkey island, Puerto Nariño, Tarapoto)2 × COP 150,000 | COP 300,000 |
| Public boat Leticia–Puerto Nariño, one way2 × COP 25,000 | COP 50,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × COP 25,000 | COP 50,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | COP 203,000 |
| Trip total≈ COP 372,200 per person per day, bed included | COP 2,233,000 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Street skewer or fried rice ball | From COP$1,000 |
| Mototaxi, short hop in town | COP$2,000–3,000 |
| Bicycle rental, one day | COP$30,000–50,000 |
| Motorcycle rental, one day | About COP$50,000 |
| Full-day river tour | About COP$150,000 |
| Multi-day river trip with food and lodging | From about COP$700,000 |
| Coffee or juice in the centre | COP$3,000–8,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the Amazonas area and must be done at least 10 days before travel; carry the certificate.
- Bring cash: the airport has no ATM and the tourism entrance fee is cash only. Some ATMs cap withdrawals at COP$300,000 per day.
- Border movement between Leticia, Tabatinga and Santa Rosa is unrestricted, but get stamped in the right country if you leave the border zone; the Brazilian federal police post in Tabatinga closes at midday.
- The port immigration office has been reported closed; confirm current entry and exit stamp points before you rely on them.
- Internet and mobile data are slow; download offline maps and tickets.
- Reserve your return boat seat from Puerto Nariño in advance; the last boat back is early afternoon and you can be stranded.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance and fire
- 123
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
LeticiaLeticia
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance and fire123
Embassy
Colombia handles most consular matters from Bogotá; the US, UK and Canada have no consulate in Leticia. Check your embassy's Bogotá page for Amazonas coverage.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → centre, taxi: COP$6,000–8,000
- Mototaxi, centre hop: About COP$2,000
- Boat Leticia → Puerto Nariño: About COP$25,000 one way, 2 h
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- ¿Dónde está el puerto? — Where is the port? (DON-de es-TA el PWER-to)
- Quiero ir a Puerto Nariño — I want to go to Puerto Nariño (KYE-ro ir a PWER-to na-REE-nyo)
- ¿Tiene pasaje de regreso? — Do you have a return ticket? (TYE-ne pa-SA-he de re-GRE-so)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWE-do pa-GAR kon tar-HE-ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (DON-de es-TA el BA-nyo)
Cash is king in the border zone: carry pesos, and small notes for boats, mototaxis and street food.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Leticia. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep (lower water, more beach and easier fishing); Dec–Mar also workable · avoid Apr–May (heaviest rain); check river levels for boat routes · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LET: taxi band, cash-only entrance fee, ATM fallback, first-night area.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Parque Santander, the port and market, Calle 7–9 food streets, the Tarapacá road.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Mundo Amazónico, Parque Santander parrot tower, port boats) and eat pages with last orders.
- Boat and border fixtures so gates A–D can go green: Puerto Nariño returns, Tabatinga stamps, Santa Rosa crossings.
Meanwhile