Short answer: you can only reach Leticia by air (or by river from Peru or Brazil). Fly into Bogotá, then take a direct domestic flight of about two hours to Leticia’s Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport (LET). There is no road connecting Leticia to the rest of Colombia.
Leticia is the capital of Colombia’s Amazonas department and the gateway to Puerto Nariño, the Tarapoto Lakes and the Indigenous communities along the Amazon River. Because it sits at the triple border with Brazil and Peru, getting there is simpler than most travelers expect — as long as you plan the flight connection and a few entry details.
Step 1: Fly to Bogotá
Almost every international itinerary to Leticia connects through Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG). From the United States there are direct flights to Bogotá from several hubs, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Houston, Atlanta and New York. From Europe, direct routes run from Madrid and other major hubs.
Give yourself a comfortable connection. International arrivals clear immigration in Bogotá, and domestic flights can depart from a different area of the terminal. We usually recommend at least three hours between flights, or an overnight in Bogotá if you arrive late.
Step 2: Take the domestic flight Bogotá – Leticia
The Bogotá–Leticia route is operated by Colombian airlines — historically Avianca and LATAM — with flights of roughly one hour and fifty minutes. Schedules and the number of daily flights change by season, so check current options when you book. Prices rise sharply around Christmas, New Year and Easter; booking several weeks ahead usually makes a real difference.
- Flight time: about 2 hours
- Airport: Alfredo Vásquez Cobo (LET), a short drive from Leticia’s town center
- Baggage: check your fare’s allowance — basic fares often include only a carry-on
Step 3: Arrival in Leticia
On arrival, visitors to Leticia pay a local tourism fee used for environmental and tourism programs in the Amazonas department. The amount is updated every year, so bring some Colombian pesos in cash. After that you are in the Amazon: humid air, river breeze and, if you travel with us, a private pickup waiting outside the terminal.
All of our expeditions include airport pickup and drop-off in Leticia, so you don’t need to arrange taxis or hotel transfers on your first day.
Entry requirements for Colombia
- Passport: valid for your whole stay. Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK and the EU do not need a tourist visa for short stays.
- Check-MIG: Colombia’s immigration authority requires an online pre-registration form before international arrival. Complete it on the official Migración Colombia website shortly before your trip.
- Yellow fever vaccine: recommended for travel to the Amazon region, and some protected areas ask for the certificate. Get it at least 10 days before departure and carry the card.
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended for any remote expedition.
Requirements can change, so confirm them with official sources before you fly.
Can you reach Leticia overland or by river?
Not overland from inside Colombia — there is no road. The alternatives are river journeys from neighboring countries: slow and fast boats run between Leticia and Iquitos (Peru), and between Tabatinga (Brazil, right next to Leticia) and Manaus. These trips take from several hours to several days and suit travelers with plenty of time. If you cross borders, make sure you get the right entry and exit stamps.
From Leticia to Puerto Nariño and the lakes
Most of what makes this region special lies upriver. Puerto Nariño, Colombia’s car-free town next to the Tarapoto Lakes, is about two hours from Leticia by fast boat. On our expeditions the river transfers are private and included, so the journey becomes part of the trip rather than a logistics problem. See our Puerto Nariño Explorer or the Amazon Nature Tour.
How many days should you plan?
Count one travel day to reach Leticia and one to return, and at least three nights in the region. Our programs run four days and three nights. For day-by-day ideas, read How many days in Leticia?, and for timing, the best time to visit the Colombian Amazon.
FAQ
Are there direct international flights to Leticia?
No regular ones. International travelers connect through Bogotá.
How long is the flight from Bogotá to Leticia?
About two hours.
Can I drive to Leticia?
No. There is no road from the rest of Colombia; you arrive by plane or by river from Peru or Brazil.
Is Leticia safe for travelers?
Leticia is one of the calmer tourist destinations in Colombia. Read our full guide: Is it safe to travel to the Colombian Amazon?
Is there a bus from Bogotá to Leticia?
No. There is no road between Bogotá and Leticia, so there are no buses. You can only fly, or arrive by river from Peru or Brazil.
Which airlines fly from Bogotá to Leticia?
The route is operated by Colombian airlines — historically Avianca and LATAM. Check current schedules when you book.
Ready to experience it yourself?
All expeditions are private, max 6 travelers, and depart from Leticia year-round. WhatsApp Eliceo to check availability and dates.