How to get to Tabatinga

When planning a journey into the heart of the Amazon, many tourists wonder how to reach Tabatinga — a unique city in Brazil, located at the junction of the borders with Colombia and Peru. This colourful corner attracts visitors with its remoteness and authenticity, so deciding to travel to Tabatinga means choosing an unconventional route, which most often involves a flight or a scenic journey along the river. Regardless of the chosen method, the road to this region will be an exciting beginning to your acquaintance with the wild nature and local culture.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach this remote corner of the Amazon is to fly into the Tabatinga International Airport. The air harbour serves regular flights connecting the city with the rest of the country. Most often, travellers arrive here via direct flights from Manaus; such a flight takes about two hours and allows you to enjoy stunning views of the endless jungles from above.

It is also worth keeping in mind an alternative option — the airport in the neighbouring city of Leticia. It is located literally a few kilometres away, on the Colombian side of the border, and you can get from there to the centre of Tabatinga by taxi in a matter of minutes. This route may be convenient for those planning a combined journey across several countries, however, for tourists travelling from other regions of Brazil, the local airport remains the priority choice.

There is no direct railway connection to Tabatinga, as the complex landscape of the Amazon jungle does not allow for the laying of rail tracks here. There is no railway station in the city itself, so it is impossible to get here by train.

Neighbouring cities in the region, such as Leticia or Iquitos, also do not have access to the railway network and are isolated from the continent's main lines. Travellers should give preference to modes of transport more traditional for the Amazon — aeroplanes or river vessels.

Due to its unique location in the heart of the Amazon jungle, it is impossible to reach Tabatinga by a classic intercity bus: the city is isolated from the main road network of Brazil by impassable forests. The only busy road artery connects it with the neighbouring Colombian city of Leticia, where the border is essentially nominal. A trip on a local shuttle bus or taxi between the centres of these twin cities will take just 10–15 minutes, allowing you to quickly move from one culture to another.

Planning a land route from more distant points, such as Peruvian Iquitos or Brazilian Eirunepé, makes no sense, as direct highways simply do not exist in this region. Travellers should remember that bus services here are exclusively local in nature, and river vessels or aviation are used to cover hundreds of kilometres of wilderness.

Given the isolated position in the heart of the jungle, it is impossible to reach Tabatinga by car from the "mainland", however, a trip from neighbouring Leticia will be the shortest international journey of your life. These two cities effectively form a single agglomeration, so the journey by taxi will take only 10–15 minutes, and the distance between the centres is no more than 4–5 kilometres. The border here is nominal, and drivers move freely between the countries, charging a nominal fee for the trip.

As for routes from Peruvian Iquitos or Brazilian Eirunepé, road connections with them do not exist due to the impassable forests of the Amazon, despite their relative geographical proximity. A car in this region is useful exclusively for local trips, as any attempts to plot a land route from neighbouring states or countries, other than the mentioned Colombia, are hindered by the absence of highways.

A trip to Tabatinga is a true adventure on the border of three countries, requiring certain preparation. To ensure your journey to this unique corner of Brazil goes smoothly and comfortably, we have gathered several important practical recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is equatorial, hot and humid all year round. Prefer light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics in light colours. Be sure to bring a high-quality raincoat or umbrella, as tropical downpours can start suddenly, as well as comfortable closed shoes for walking.
2. Transport. The most popular and accessible way to move around the city is the moto-taxi. It is a fast and inexpensive option to reach any point. For trips to neighbouring Colombian Leticia, you can use a regular taxi; there is practically no border between the cities, and transport circulates freely back and forth.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Brazilian Real. Although dollars or Colombian pesos may be accepted in some tourist spots, it is better to always have local cash with you, especially for small purchases and transport payments. Bank cards are accepted in large shops and hotels, but cash is preferred in markets and small cafes.
4. Health and Safety. Since the city is located in a tropical rainforest zone, the use of insect repellents is mandatory. Do not forget sunscreen and drink only bottled water. Regarding safety, standard precautions should be observed: watch your personal belongings in crowded places and avoid unlit streets at night.
5. Communication. The main language is Portuguese, but due to the proximity of borders, many locals understand and speak Spanish well (the local dialect is often called "Portuñol"). English is not widely spoken here, so knowing a few basic phrases in Portuguese or having an offline translator on your phone will be a big plus.
6. Local Etiquette. The residents of the region are very friendly and open. Greetings are usually accompanied by a handshake, and communication takes place in a relaxed manner. Do not hesitate to smile and thank people for their help — politeness is highly valued here and helps to quickly establish contact.
7. What to Avoid. Do not attempt to venture deep into the dense jungle on your own without a certified guide — this can be dangerous due to wild animals and the risk of getting lost. Also, refrain from photographing military facilities and federal police officers at the border without permission.
8. Additional Tip. Be sure to visit the local market in the morning. This is the best place to buy fresh exotic fruits of the Amazon, such as cupuaçu or açaí, and find unique handmade souvenirs from the indigenous peoples of the region.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid unnecessary hassles and fully immerse yourself in the amazing atmosphere of the Amazonian frontier. May your journey be filled with vivid impressions and safe adventures!