Gen. A.V. Cobo Airport

General Alfredo Vásquez Cobo Airport is not merely an air hub, but a true gateway to the heart of the Colombian Amazon. Located in a unique spot where the borders of three countries meet — Colombia, Brazil, and Peru — it serves as the starting point for the most incredible journeys through the planet's greatest rainforest. It is from here that expeditions into the jungle, Amazon cruises, and introductions to the fascinating culture of indigenous peoples begin. This is the largest and most significant airport in the south of Colombia, playing a key role in the development of eco-tourism in the region.

Despite its modest size, the airport in Leticia possesses everything necessary for travelers arriving in this remote corner of the world. It is equipped with one runway and a compact passenger terminal housing check-in counters, waiting lounges, and cafes. The main advantage of this airport is its strategic location. Thanks to regular flights from Bogota, it ensures a reliable connection between the region and the rest of the country. For many tourists, landing here becomes the first step into an unforgettable Amazon adventure.

Below is the essential contact information for General Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport (LET). Please note that this is a regional airport, and some data may only be available through central authorities or airlines.

• Official Website: The airport does not have a separate official website. Information about its operations is published on the Civil Aviation Authority of Colombia (Aerocivil) portal and on the websites of airlines flying to Leticia.
• Help Desk Phone: +57 8 592 7341. Please consider that international calling rates will apply when calling from abroad.
• Airport Address: Km 1.5, Vía a Tarapacá, Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia.
• Email: There is no direct public email address for passengers. It is recommended to use the phone for inquiries.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain its own social media pages. Official updates can be found on Aerocivil accounts.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact your airline representative directly. The airport service does not handle lost property searches.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries, you can call the number listed above. If your question concerns tickets, schedules, or flight check-in, please contact your airline.

Getting to General A.V. Cobo Airport (LET) from the city center of Leticia is a simple and quick task, as it is located just a couple of kilometers from the main hotels and attractions. Due to the short distance, the trip rarely takes much time, and the choice of transport, while not including the metro or high-speed trains familiar to metropolises, fully meets the needs of travelers in this corner of Colombia.

The most popular, authentic, and budget-friendly way to move around Leticia is by mototaxi. These agile motorcycles will deliver you to the terminal in literally 5–7 minutes. This is an ideal option for solo travelers with a small backpack. A slightly more spacious alternative is the tuk-tuk (known here as a motocarro), a three-wheeled motorcycle with a passenger cabin that can accommodate a couple of suitcases. The cost of a trip on both types of transport is very low.

If you prefer more comfort or are traveling with bulky luggage, regular taxis are at your service. They can be found on the city streets or called by phone. A taxi ride will cost slightly more than a mototaxi but remains quite affordable. Additionally, many hotels and guest houses in Leticia offer their guests an airport transfer service, which is the most convenient and hassle-free option. It is recommended to arrange the transfer in advance.

In Leticia, there is practically no public transport system in the form of city buses running on a schedule to the airport. Car rental is also not a common practice among tourists, as main movements in the Amazon region occur via rivers. For those who still decide to arrive in their own or rented vehicle, a small parking lot is provided at the airport. And for the most active tourists with light luggage, there is the option to walk to the airport on foot — the walk will take about 20–30 minutes.

In summary, the trip from the city center to the airport will take you no more than 10 minutes by motorized transport. The main advice is to always agree on the price with the mototaxi or tuk-tuk driver before starting the trip to avoid misunderstandings. The choice of transport depends entirely on your preferences: mototaxi for speed and savings, tuk-tuk or taxi for comfort and luggage transport.

General A.V. Cobo Airport (LET) is a compact and easy-to-navigate air hub serving as the main gateway to the city of Leticia and the Amazon region in Colombia. The airport consists of just one small terminal that handles both domestic and rare international flights. Thanks to its simplicity, orienting yourself here is very easy, and getting lost is practically impossible.

All airport infrastructure is located in a single building. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the main hall, where the check-in counters of several airlines are located. The departure and arrival zones are separated but are in close proximity to each other. After check-in, passengers proceed to a small waiting hall with several boarding gates. The arrival zone consists of a small hall with a baggage claim belt. Important feature: it is in the arrival hall that all tourists who are not residents of the Amazonas department must pay the tourist tax (tarjeta de turismo).

Check-in and security procedures at Leticia airport usually proceed very quickly due to the low passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time will be more than sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing.

Navigating the terminal requires no special effort. All key areas — check-in counters, security screening, waiting lounge, and the exit to the baggage belt — are within sight and just a few steps from each other. Signs are simple and clear. Since there is only one terminal, you won't have to worry about transfers or finding the right building — everything happens in one small and cozy space, making the start and end of your journey to the Amazon as comfortable as possible.

The history of General Alfredo Vásquez Cobo Airport is inextricably linked to the history of the city of Leticia itself and its strategic importance for Colombia. An airfield at this location was established in the 1930s during the Colombia-Peru conflict, known as the "Leticia Incident." In those years, it served as a vital airbase ensuring supply and support for Colombian forces in the remote Amazon region.

The airport received its name in honor of General Alfredo Vásquez Cobo, who was a key figure in resolving this territorial dispute and commanded the Colombian forces. After the conflict ended, the airfield gradually began to acquire civil significance, becoming the main air gateway to the Amazonas department and the only reliable means of connecting this isolated region with the rest of the country.

Over the decades, the airport has been modernized multiple times, but the most significant stage of its development occurred in the 2010s. As part of a large-scale reconstruction completed between 2015 and 2017, a completely new, modern passenger terminal was built, along with a new control tower and administrative buildings, and the runway was updated. This allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A320, and significantly increase passenger flow, giving a powerful boost to tourism development in the region.

Interesting fact: the airport in Leticia is one of the most unique in the world due to its geographical location. It is situated at the point where the borders of three countries meet — Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. Today, it not only functions as an important transport hub but also serves as a base for scientific expeditions, eco-tourism, and acts as a true "lifeline" for local residents, ensuring the delivery of food, medicine, and other necessary goods to the heart of the Amazon jungle.

General A.V. Cobo Airport in Leticia is a compact but vital transport hub serving as the gateway to the Colombian Amazon. Despite its modest size, it offers passengers a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable start or end to their journey.

Dining and Shopping. In the terminal, you will find several small cafes where you can drink Colombian coffee and have a snack with sandwiches or local pastries before departure. Souvenir shops are also available, offering handmade items from local indigenous communities, hammocks, T-shirts, and other memorabilia. The selection here is not as extensive as in capital airports, but quite sufficient for buying last-minute gifts.

Lounges and Amenities. The airport features a general waiting hall for all passengers. There are no specialized VIP lounges or business class lounges here. For travelers' convenience, free Wi-Fi and charging stations for electronic devices are available throughout the terminal, although the number of power outlets may be limited.

Financial Services. There are ATMs on the airport premises where you can withdraw cash. A currency exchange office (casa de cambio) also operates, which is particularly convenient for tourists arriving from Brazil or Peru, as Leticia is located at the junction of three borders.

Additional Services. The airport has a first aid station. Ramps and specially equipped toilets are provided for passengers with reduced mobility. Families with small children can use changing tables in the restrooms. There are no specialized play areas or conference halls at the airport.

Accommodation. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds. However, the city of Leticia is very close, and a taxi or mototaxi ride to most hotels and hostels takes just 5-10 minutes.

General A.V. Cobo Airport (LET) in Leticia is a compact regional airport serving as the gateway to the Amazon jungles of Colombia. Dining options here correspond to its size: they are modest but allow travelers to satisfy their hunger before a flight and experience local flavor.

Most dining establishments are concentrated in the main hall of the terminal, in the public zone (landside), meaning before passing security and passport control. Typically, these are a few small cafes and kiosks offering beverages, snacks, and simple hot dishes. After passing control, in the departure zone (airside), the selection is extremely limited, so it is better to eat or buy something substantial in advance.

While here, it is worth paying attention to local cuisine. In one of the cafes, you will likely be able to order a plato del día (dish of the day), which often includes fried fish (for example, mojarra), rice, salad, and patacones (fried plantains). This is an excellent option for a full lunch and is generally suitable for those preferring seafood options. For a quick snack, traditional empanadas (pastries with meat or cheese) or fresh juices made from exotic Amazonian fruits are ideal.

The price range at the airport is moderate, but as everywhere, slightly higher than in the city itself. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last plane leaves. Specialized vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menus are unlikely to be found here. However, standard side dishes such as rice, beans, potatoes, and salads are almost always available.

Traveling through General A.V. Cobo Airport, the gateway to the Colombian Amazon, can be easy and pleasant if you know a few nuances. Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your flight from or to the city of Leticia.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Although the airport is small, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to check in, drop off luggage, and pass control without rushing, especially during the tourist season.

Check-in and Security Control. Whenever possible, use online check-in to save time. Security control is standard, but be prepared for possible additional luggage checks related to the protection of the unique Amazon ecosystem. All liquids in hand luggage must be in containers up to 100 ml.

Seat Selection on the Plane. If you are flying to or from Leticia, choose a window seat. Views of the boundless jungle and the winding Amazon River from a bird's-eye view are an unforgettable spectacle that will be a great start or end to your adventure.

Hand Luggage. Be sure to pack insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and a light rain jacket in your hand luggage. It is strictly prohibited to take unprocessed seeds, plants, animals, and certain local handicraft items out of the region without a special permit. Check the rules in advance to avoid problems.

Connecting Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, ensure your luggage is checked through to your final destination. The airport in Leticia is compact, so navigation will not be difficult, but always check the boarding gate information on the screens.

Customs Control. Upon entering the Amazonas department through Leticia airport, all tourists who are not residents are required to pay a tourist tax (Tarjeta de Turismo). Payment is usually made in cash upon arrival, so have Colombian pesos with you. This fee goes towards supporting tourism and preserving the region's nature.

Saving Time and Money. Exchange some money for local currency in advance to pay the tourist tax and for small expenses. Prices for food and beverages at the airport may be higher, so you can bring a small bottle for water (which can be filled after security) and a light snack.

Flight Delays. Weather in the Amazon can be unpredictable and may cause delays. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and your rights regarding meals or accommodation. Keep a portable charger and a book or downloaded movies with you to pass the waiting time.