Things To Do
in Leticia

Fresh-caught Amazonian fish served whole, grilled or fried, often accompanied by yuca or rice; available at riverside restaurants and market stalls.

Must-Try!

A comforting fish soup with local herbs, yuca and plantains—popular after a morning on the river and commonly found at small eateries.

Traditional fermented drink made from yuca (manioc), prepared by indigenous communities; mildly sour and culturally significant, sometimes offered during community visits.

Warm, polite greetings are important—start with a handshake or one-cheek kiss among acquaintances; a friendly 'buenos días' goes a long way.

Always ask permission before photographing people or entering community areas, follow the guidance of community hosts and avoid buying protected wildlife or artifacts made from endangered species.

Casual, modest dress is appropriate; be mindful of noisy or boisterous behavior in small communities and avoid public displays that might be perceived as disrespectful.

In Leticia 'summer' corresponds to relatively drier months (often June–September) with slightly lower river levels and fewer heavy downpours; still hot and humid—expect afternoon showers occasionally.

Heaviest rains commonly occur in December–May (dates vary) causing higher river levels, more insects and occasional disruptions to short overland travel; river travel remains the primary access and may be faster when water is high.

Transitional months can be unpredictable with variable rain; wildlife viewing can still be excellent and fewer tourists visit during these times.

Accessible by boat, Amacayacu offers guided jungle trails, river habitats and opportunities to see diverse wildlife and giant water lilies—guided walks vary from short to longer treks.

Private conservation area close to Leticia with canopy walkways, short jungle trails and zipline options—good for canopy-level photography and birdwatching.

Small, community-run trails and waterways near Puerto Nariño offer easier walks, wildlife spotting and cultural experiences in a low-impact tourism setting.

Leticia's main airport with domestic flights to Bogotá, Medellín and other Colombian cities—primary entry point for international travelers flying into Colombia.

Small Brazilian airport just across the border from Leticia (reachable by short taxi/boat); can be convenient for cross-border travel and some regional connections—carry ID and check visa requirements.

Regional Peruvian airport serving Iquitos; not extremely close by river but accessible via regional flights or longer river journeys—useful if combining Peruvian Amazon travel.

Significant indigenous populations live in and around Leticia, with distinct languages, crafts and cultural practices—many communities host cultural visits and craft markets.

Colombian settlers and families make up much of the urban population, working in commerce, tourism and public services.

Close border ties mean Brazilians and Peruvians live and work in the area, contributing to a multilingual, multicultural mix.

Most popular sport regionally—local matches and informal games are common in town neighborhoods.

Both a livelihood and recreational activity—sport and subsistence fishing for river species is widespread, with local guides offering fishing trips.

River-based competitions and festivals occasionally feature canoe or motorboat races and are a cultural highlight when they occur.

Vegetarian options are available but limited—expect starchy sides (yuca, plantain), rice and salads; communicate clearly in Spanish and ask for fish-free dishes since fish is prominent.

Vegan choices are more limited; bring snacks and protein options if strict, and ask markets for fruit, beans and cassava-based dishes without dairy or fish.

Cross-contamination is possible and many traditional snacks use cassava (gluten-free) but also wheat in pastries; explain allergies in Spanish and carry any essential medications.