The 11 essential things to do in Leticia

Are you dreaming of losing yourself at the edge of the Amazon forest? Head to the capital of Amazonas and our secrets to visit Leticia, the authentic Colombian!

Leticia is similar to a city from the end of the world. Lost in the middle of nowhere in the Amazon forest, this city is full of unusual places and hidden natural treasures. Ideally located along the Amazon river, visiting Leticia is also a cultural shock. Indeed, the city is located on the border of Peru and Brazil and Colombia, with a mix of these three countries and a strong indigenous influence from Amazonia.

You don't know what to do in Leticia? No panic, nature lovers and wild animals will be filled, just like lovers of sensations, not to mention the fans of cuisine!

1. The island of monkeys or Isla de los Micos

Located forty-five minutes by boat, the island of monkeys collects a population of more than five thousand specimens. If you are looking for what to do in Leticia, a day in this place is the perfect idea! Employed to the human presence on the scene, the squirrel monkeys will be delighted to come and see you and eat in your hands. Therefore, plan for proper business because they are likely to find themselves covered in the traces of your new friends!

2. The Amazon River

This is one of the main reasons to visit Leticia! Many options are available to you and it is possible for you to embark on boat or kayak excursions. Some agencies offer you the opportunity to do some treks to meet indigenous communities and the most temeral of you will be able to try to fish piranhas. If you are wondering that doing in Leticia, a visit to the Amazon is a must and this city is the ideal starting point!

3. Puerto Narino

If you are looking for tranquility when you come to visit Leticia, Puerto Narino is the ideal place to evade the time of a day or a few days. It is a small indigenous village located two hours from Leticia boat. Not far from there is also Lake Tarapoto where the concentration of pink dolphins is among the most important in Amazonia! If you wonder what to do and what to see in Laeticia, a trip to these places will delight your expectations!

4. The Tanimboca Nature Reserve

Although this park is gradually caught up in civilization, it offers you the opportunity to lose yourself in nature. All kinds of activities will be offered to you, such as waterproofing, kayaking or hiking, but not just! It is also possible for you to organize a meeting with a local shaman from the indigenous community, organize night safaris or visits to the jungle in search of the caimans, iguanas and other species that populate it.

5. The ecological park Mundo Amazonico

If you are still wondering what to do in Leticia, we recommend visiting the ecological park. This park was created to reforestate this part of the forest and seeks to sensitize visitors on this subject. Many activities are offered to you that will satisfy small and large! Without a doubt the ideal place if you come to visit Leticia with family.

6. Local food

Located on the border of three countries, Leticia deserves you to start exploring local cuisine. It’s a must-see when you’re looking for something to do in Leticia. The typical dish of the city is called casabe , and get close to the pizza. But instead of our traditional flours, the paste used here is made from yuca. There are also many ceviche or other Peruvian and Brazilian specialities.

The toughest of you will be able to try to taste the mojojoy , which is a rather large worm from the surrounding jungle.

7. Indigenous villages

The Leticia region is the land of different indigenous communities such as Huitoto, Tikuna and Yagua. If you come to visit Leticia, a visit to one of these communities must be at the top of your list. For a real immersion, you will be able to use the help of a community guide and discover the way of life of these peoples who are connected with nature.

8. A kayak session on Yahuarcaca Lake

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Julian Torres

With an exceptional biodiversity, travelling on Yahuarcaca Lake by kayak is a perfect excursion if you are looking for something to do in Leticia. It will be possible for you to admire a multitude of species such as eagles or fishermen in action, various reptiles or even pink dolphins, all in a wild and idyllic setting ready to make you forget the daily life.

9. Omagua Park

If you ask that you do in Leticia and look for a little adrenaline, Omagua Park is for you! Let yourself be tempted by the various routes of archway through the Amazon forest. You will cross the largest canopy in the region and be able to get to the zipline. An activity not to be missed when you come to visit Leticia.

10. The Brazilian or Peruvian border

The advantage of being located on three frontiers is that you can get from one country to another without waiting! If you are looking to discover another culture or to test a new dish, don’t hesitate to visit Tabatinga! This neighbouring Brazilian city does not really have a physical border and it would be a shame to deprive itself of its visit.

If you let yourself be tempted by a ceviche, you can take the boat and go to a third country. Indeed, at a crossing of only ten minutes through the Amazon is Isla Santa Rosa. Much less developed than these neighbors, this small fishing hamlet is a Peruvian enclave. You now understand why Leticia is known as the three borders zone!

11. A trip to the jungle

Last suggestion of our list, but not least, it would be a shame not to visit the jungle when you come to visit Leticia. The options are legit and it will be easy for you to find one that matches you. Many agencies will offer you day trips or even several days depending on your desires! In any case, we advise you to use guides before you venture into the jungle.

How to get to Leticia?

Unlike many places in the world, visiting Leticia can only be done by air. Indeed, being located at the edge of the Amazon, it will be difficult for you to do otherwise.

To begin with, if you leave from France, you will have to opt for a flight to Bogota (on average 11 hours). Indeed, there is no flight from the Hexagon to Leticia, but almost all provincial airports in Colombia serve the destination. However, flights from Bogota or Medellin are more regular. To find the flight at the best price, whatever your departure city, head to a flight comparison. Like Ulysses , they will allow you to gauge the best prices according to your dates of stay.

To move to Leticia, opt for the bus or taxi.

Where to stay in Leticia?

When you come to visit Leticia, though remote from the world, you will have no difficulty finding a shoe at your foot. Many hotels and bed and breakfasts have emerged over the past decade. We advise you to visit a site Compare hotels to select the ground foot of your choice. As far as the price is concerned, there are about 30€ per night for a five-star hotel.

Another option: that of the Airbnb , and you would be wrong to deprive yourself of it! In fact, what better than sleeping at home to imbue you with places when you come to visit Leticia?