History of Leticia

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Leticia began on 25 April 1867. The city was founded by the Peruvian captain Benigno Bustamante and was originally named San Antonio. Soon after, the settlement received its modern name. According to one version, it was named in honour of Leticia Smith, a resident of the city of Iquitos, whose beauty inspired the engineer Manuel Charón, who participated in the development of the port.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small river post into an important urban centre was driven by several factors:

• Geography: Its location on the left bank of the great Amazon River at the "Tres Fronteras" point (the junction of the borders of Colombia, Brazil, and Peru) made the city a strategically important hub.
• Trade: Leticia quickly became a key port for river navigation, ensuring the connection of deep jungle regions with the outside world.
• Political Significance: The transfer of the city to Colombian jurisdiction in the early 20th century provided the country with direct access to the Amazon, which stimulated state investment in infrastructure.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early stages, life in Leticia was distinguished by a specific character formed under conditions of isolation from the central regions:

• Rubber Boom: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region's economy relied on the extraction and export of rubber, which attracted traders and adventurers here.
• Multicultural Environment: Since its foundation, the traditions of settlers, neighbouring Brazilian and Peruvian communities, as well as the indigenous peoples of the Amazon (such as the Tikuna and Yagua), have been closely intertwined here, creating a unique borderland atmosphere.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of Leticia is a journey from a small river post to the most important tourism and administrative centre of the Colombian Amazon. Below are the key dates in the development of the city.

• 1867 (25 April): Foundation of the settlement under the initial name San Antonio by the Peruvian captain Benigno Bustamante.
• 1867 (December): The port receives its modern name — Leticia, in honour of a resident of Iquitos.
• 1922: Signing of the Salomón-Lozano Treaty, which legally defined the borders and ownership of the territory.
• 1930: Official beginning of the Colombian administration in the city, ensuring the country's access to the Amazon.
• 1934: Signing of the Rio de Janeiro Protocol, finally consolidating the peaceful status of the city and borders in the region.
• 1950s: Opening of the Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport, which provided regular air service to Bogotá for the first time.
• 1964: A branch of the National University of Colombia begins operations in the city, becoming an important centre for Amazonian scientific research.
• 1980s: The beginning of the active development of tourism infrastructure and the growth of interest in the region from international travellers.
• 1991: In accordance with the new constitution of Colombia, the territory of Amazonas receives the status of a Department, and Leticia becomes its official capital.
• 2019: The city hosts a summit of regional leaders, where the "Leticia Pact" for the protection of the Amazon forests is signed.
• Present day: Leticia has established itself as a major centre for ecotourism and the "gateway" to the Amazon for travellers from all over the world.

Stages of the City's Transformation

The development of Leticia is a story of the transformation of a remote river outpost into a modern, civilised centre of the Amazon. Here are the key moments that defined the modern appearance, economy, and atmosphere of the city:

• Opening of the Air Gateway: The launch and subsequent modernisation of the international airport Alfredo Vásquez Cobo (mid-20th century) was a turning point. This ended the region's centuries-old isolation, allowing for the rapid delivery of goods and opening the way for mass tourism.
• Creation of a Scientific Cluster: The opening of the National University of Colombia campus turned the city into an important centre for the study of the Amazon. This attracted scientists, biologists, and students to the region, enriching the cultural environment and stimulating research into unique biodiversity.
• Administrative Elevation: Securing the status of the capital of the Amazonas Department for Leticia (after the adoption of the 1991 Constitution) ensured the city's administrative autonomy. This attracted government investment in urban infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
• Integration of the "Triple Frontier": The actual urban merger with the Brazilian city of Tabatinga created a unique zone of free movement. This formed a special bi-cultural economy where residents freely cross the border for work, trade, and socialising.
• Transition to Ecotourism: In recent decades, the economic focus has shifted from resource extraction to sustainable tourism. The development of a network of hotels and agencies has made Leticia the main, safe, and comfortable "entry point" into the jungle for travellers from around the globe.
• Waterfront Improvement: The reconstruction of the city embankment (Malecon) and the port not only improved river logistics but also created the main public space of the city, becoming a centre of attraction for walks and cultural events.

Urban Development and Architectural Appearance

The architecture of Leticia differs significantly from the old colonial cities of Colombia. Since the city was founded only in the second half of the 19th century, there are no buildings of the Baroque era or classical colonial style here. The appearance of the city was formed under the influence of the humid tropical climate, geographical isolation, and the need for rapid adaptation to jungle conditions. The urban structure represents a relatively simple grid of streets oriented towards the Amazon River, which emphasises the role of the water artery in the life of the region.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Leticia's built environment is eclectic and functional, reflecting the stages of growth from a small port to an administrative centre:

• Vernacular Architecture of the Amazon: The use of local materials and traditions of indigenous peoples. Characterised by wide pitched roofs for protection against heavy rains, open terraces for ventilation, and the use of wood. This style is often stylised in modern tourist lodges and hotels (malokas).
• Administrative Functionalism (Mid — Late 20th Century): With the growth of the city's political importance, substantial concrete and brick structures appeared. These are buildings of government institutions, schools, and hospitals, devoid of excessive decoration but reliable and practical.
• Modern Tropical Architecture: New public spaces and cultural centres are built taking into account the principles of bioclimatic design, combining modern technologies with natural ventilation and integration into the landscape.

Iconic Buildings and Public Spaces

Despite its modest size, Leticia has several objects that define its visual code:

• Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace (Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz): The main architectural dominant of the city. It is a modern building with a high tower offering a panoramic view of the city and the jungle. Its architecture is concise but expressive.
• Bank of the Republic Library: A striking example of modern Colombian architecture. The building is designed as a cultural centre with spacious halls, inner courtyards, and elements referencing the culture of indigenous peoples.
• Santander Park: The heart of city life. Although it is a landscape object, it is a city-forming centre around which social activity is concentrated. It is famous for the thousands of parrots that fly here at sunset.
• Leticia Market: The market building with its characteristic roof is an example of utilitarian architecture that plays a key role in the economy and culture of everyday life, connecting the city with the river.

Distinguished Personalities of Leticia

The history and modern appearance of Leticia have been shaped by the efforts of explorers, military personnel, and figures of culture and science. Below are key figures whose names are inextricably linked with this Amazonian city.

• Benigno Bustamante
  Role: City Founder, Captain.
  A Peruvian military officer and explorer who founded the river port of San Antonio on 25 April 1867, later renamed Leticia. His initiative to create a permanent settlement at the strategic "Tres Fronteras" point marked the beginning of the region's urban history.
• Alfredo Vásquez Cobo
  Role: General, Diplomat, and Statesman.
  A key figure in the history of the integration of the Amazon into Colombia in the first half of the 20th century. He led operations to strengthen the country's sovereignty in the region. The international airport of Leticia — the main air gateway of the Amazonas Department — is named in his honour.
• Manuel Elkin Patarroyo
  Role: Immunologist, Vaccine Creator.
  A world-renowned Colombian scientist who chose Leticia as a base for his research on tropical diseases. He founded a branch of the Institute of Immunology (FIDIC) here, where an important part of the work on the first synthetic vaccine against malaria was conducted. His activities turned the city into a significant scientific centre.
• Antonio Bolívar
  Role: Indigenous Elder, Actor, and Tradition Keeper.
  One of the last elders of the Huitoto and Ocaina peoples. He gained worldwide fame by playing a leading role in the Oscar-nominated film "Embrace of the Serpent" (El abrazo de la serpiente). He lived in Leticia and dedicated his life to preserving the languages and culture of the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, serving as an important cultural ambassador for the region.
• Alberto Lesmes, known as "Kapax"
  Role: Eco-activist, the "Tarzan" of the Colombian Amazon.
  A living legend of Leticia. He became famous in 1976 by swimming 1,700 km along the Magdalena River to draw attention to environmental protection. For many years, he worked as a tourism ambassador in the region, welcoming guests and speaking about the importance of preserving the jungle. His image has become one of the symbols of the city for travellers.
• Ciro Guerra
  Role: Film Director and Screenwriter.
  Although he is not a native of the city, his contribution to popularising the region is immense. By filming "Embrace of the Serpent" in the vicinity of Leticia, he showed the world the deep beauty and mysticism of these places at the highest artistic level for the first time, sparking a surge of interest in the culture and nature of the Colombian Amazon.