Colombian Amazon Itinerary: How Many Days in Leticia? (4-Day Plan)

Short answer: plan at least four days and three nights in the Colombian Amazon. One day goes to arriving in Leticia and one to returning; the two days in between are where the jungle, the Tarapoto Lakes and the Indigenous communities happen. Five or six days let you go deeper without rushing.

Leticia itself is a small river town. The experiences travelers come for — pink dolphins at sunrise, night walks, canoe trips through flooded forest, time with Ticuna, Matapi and Yucuna families — are one to two hours away by boat. That is why a well-planned itinerary matters more here than in most destinations.

How many days do you need in Leticia?

• 2–3 days: possible, but you will mostly see Leticia and one day trip. Good only as an add-on to a longer Colombia trip.
• 4 days / 3 nights (recommended): enough to reach Puerto Nariño and the Tarapoto Lakes, spend a night in the forest and meet local communities.
• 5–7 days: adds a second reserve, more wildlife time and slower days — ideal for birders and photographers.

A 4-day Colombian Amazon itinerary

This is how our signature Amazon Nature Tour is structured. Every day is private, with an Indigenous bilingual guide.

Day 1 – Arrival and the tree house reserve

Airport welcome in Leticia, then a drive along the road toward Tarapacá to a natural reserve with a towering tree house. Lunch, a forest walk and, after dark, a night hike to find insects and bioluminescent fungi. At dawn, climb to the canopy platforms 40 meters up.

Day 2 – Marasha Nature Reserve (Peru)

A short crossing by taxi and boat to the Marasha reserve on the Peruvian side. A hike of about an hour and forty-five minutes teaches you to recognize timber and medicinal trees. Afternoon options: piranha fishing, birdwatching, canoeing or kayaking. At night, a canoe outing to look for caimans.

Day 3 – Puerto Nariño and the Tarapoto Lakes

Boat to Puerto Nariño, Colombia’s car-free town. In the afternoon, the Tarapoto Lakes: pink and grey river dolphins, birds, and time on the water. Read more in Where to see pink river dolphins in Colombia.

Day 4 – Return to Leticia

Early breakfast and a two-hour boat ride back to Leticia, with drop-off at your hotel or the airport.

Alternative 4-day focuses

• Wildlife first: the Amazon Wildlife Adventure adds the Wayruru Indigenous community, night safaris and a visit to a squirrel monkey reserve.
• Puerto Nariño in depth: the Puerto Nariño Explorer spends more time on the lakes, the giant Victoria amazonica water lilies and the Ticuna community of San Martín de Amacayacu.
• Birding: the Amazon Birdwatching Tour is built around habitat diversity, from river islands to terra firme forest.
• Adventure: the Amazon Survival Experience teaches shelter building, fire-making and navigation with Indigenous experts.

Extending to 5–7 days

With more time, combine two programs or add slower days: a second night on the lakes, extra birding at dawn, or a day to explore Leticia and the triple border — walking into Tabatinga (Brazil) or crossing by boat to Santa Rosa (Peru). If you are combining the Amazon with the rest of Colombia, see our 10-day Colombia Full Adventure.

Tips for planning your days

• Arrive on a morning flight if possible, so day one isn’t lost.
• Keep a buffer day before international flights — river and weather can shift schedules.
• Water levels change the experience across the year. Check the best time to visit.
• Getting there: How to get to Leticia.

FAQ

Is Leticia worth visiting?

Yes — as the base for the Colombian Amazon. The town itself is small; the value is in the river, the lakes and the communities around it.

Can I visit the Amazon in a day trip from Leticia?

Short trips are possible, but Puerto Nariño and the lakes are two hours away each direction. Plan at least one night upriver.

What is the best number of days for a first trip?

Four days and three nights covers the essentials without rushing.

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