How to get to Leticia

Leticia is a vibrant city in the southernmost part of Colombia, serving as the primary gateway to the boundless tropical forests of the Amazon. If you have decided to travel to Leticia, be prepared for unique logistics: this region is isolated from the rest of the country, so no roads or railways lead here. When planning how to get to Leticia, travellers usually choose a flight from major cities or a river route from neighbouring countries.

The most convenient and fastest way to reach this corner of the Amazon is by plane. The city is served by Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport (LET). It is located directly within the limits of Leticia, so the transfer to your hotel or the central square will take minimal time.

Regular air services connect the region with the capital of Colombia — Bogotá. The flight takes approximately two hours. This is the main route for tourists, as there are no land roads leading here from the country's interior. The airport possesses the necessary infrastructure to welcome travellers and serves as the region's main transport artery.

It is impossible to get to Leticia by train, as railway infrastructure is completely absent in this remote corner of the Amazon. The dense tropical forests and the region's complex hydrography make the laying of tracks technically unfeasible, so there is no train station in the city.

Railway connections are also undeveloped in the nearest settlements of neighbouring countries. Neither the bordering city of Tabatinga nor the Peruvian city of Iquitos has access to trains, so tourists should exclude this mode of transport when planning a trip to this part of Colombia.

Due to the unique geographical position of Leticia, it is impossible to reach here by a classic intercity bus from the country's major metropolises. The only active land artery connects the city with neighbouring Brazilian Tabatinga: these two settlements effectively form a single urban area, so a trip by local minibus or taxi between their centres will take no more than 20 minutes, covering a distance of just 3–5 kilometres.

If you are planning a journey from other points in the Amazon, such as Eirunepé or Peruvian Iquitos, it is important to note that direct bus routes to Leticia do not exist due to the lack of roads through the jungle. Land transport in this region is used exclusively for local movements within the border zone, so for long distances, travellers combine it with water or air routes.

The only real driving route into this isolated region leads from the neighbouring Brazilian city of Tabatinga. These two settlements effectively form a unified whole, so a trip by taxi or rented car will take just 10–15 minutes, and the distance between the centres is less than 5 kilometres. The border here is purely symbolic, and local drivers move freely between the countries; the cost of such a trip usually does not exceed a few dollars.

Attempts to arrive by car from other Amazonian cities, such as Peruvian Iquitos or Brazilian Eirunepé, are destined to fail due to the complete absence of a road network in the jungle. Although these points are geographically neighbours in the region, they are separated by hundreds of kilometres of impassable forests (the straight-line distance to Iquitos exceeds 370 km), which can only be traversed by river or plane. In this part of the continent, the car remains a strictly local means of transport, unsuitable for intercity travel.

A trip to Leticia is an immersion into the world of the Amazon's wild nature, which requires special preparation and an understanding of local specifics. To ensure your holiday at the junction of three borders is as comfortable and safe as possible, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Gear: In the humid tropical climate, it is best to wear light, breathable clothing in light colours made from quick-drying fabrics. Be sure to bring a high-quality raincoat or poncho, as downpours here can be sudden and heavy. For jungle excursions, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and closed, comfortable shoes are necessary for protection against insects.
2. Transport: The most popular and affordable way to move around the city is by motorcycle taxi (tuk-tuks). Trips on them are inexpensive, and the drivers know all the main locations. Standard car taxis are scarce here. Motorboats are used for travel between riverside settlements; you often need to negotiate the fare in advance.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Colombian Peso. Cash is essential here: cards are accepted only in large hotels and some travel agencies. There are ATMs in the city, but they may be out of service or run out of cash, so it is better to withdraw the necessary amount in Bogotá beforehand.
4. Health and Safety: Before travelling to the Amazon, it is strongly recommended to get a yellow fever vaccination and carry an international certificate. Your main companion on the trip should be a powerful mosquito repellent. There are pharmacies in the city, but it is better to bring specific medicines with you. Drink exclusively bottled water.
5. Communication: The main language of communication is Spanish. Due to the proximity of the border, many locals understand and speak Portuguese ("Portuñol"). English is not widely spoken; it is mainly used by guides and staff at expensive hotels, so an offline translator on your phone will be very useful.
6. Local Etiquette: Residents of the Amazon are distinguished by their calmness and unhurried nature. Be polite and offer greetings when entering small shops. If you visit indigenous communities, show respect for their traditions: always ask for permission before photographing people (especially children) or their homes.
7. What to Avoid: Do not buy souvenirs made from parts of wild animals (parrot feathers, skins, teeth), and do not take photos with animals offered by street touts — this supports poaching and illegal business. Also, avoid swimming in the river in unauthorized places due to strong currents.
8. Additional Tip: Be sure to visit Santander Park at sunset (around 17:30). At this time, thousands of parrots fly in, creating an incredibly loud and spectacular "concert". This is a unique free entertainment that serves as a hallmark of the city.

Observing these simple guidelines will help you avoid everyday inconveniences and fully focus on exploring the unique nature of Colombia. Leticia is a friendly and safe city for those who respect local laws and are ready for adventure.