Short answer: the Colombian Amazon is home to dozens of Indigenous peoples. Around Leticia and Puerto Nariño the largest group is the Ticuna, alongside Cocama, Yagua, Uitoto and others; families from the Matapi and Yucuna peoples also live along the river. Communities that welcome visitors are friendly and safe to visit with a local guide. Some isolated peoples live deep in protected areas and must never be contacted.
Who lives in the Colombian Amazon?
The Amazonas department is one of the most culturally diverse regions of Colombia, with many peoples, languages and traditions. Most live in resguardos — collectively owned Indigenous territories — and combine fishing, farming in chagras (forest gardens) and, increasingly, community tourism.
The Ticuna
The Ticuna live across the borders of Colombia, Peru and Brazil and are one of the largest Indigenous peoples of the Amazon. Communities such as San Martín de Amacayacu, near Puerto Nariño, welcome visitors to learn about crafts, cassava cultivation and forest knowledge.
The Matapi and Yucuna
The Matapi and Yucuna are peoples of the Colombian Amazon with a deep knowledge of plants, rivers and the forest at night. Colombia Remote Adventures was founded by Matapi and Yucuna families, who have guided travelers since 2014.
Other peoples
Cocama, Yagua, Uitoto and several other peoples also live in the region, each with their own language, stories and ceremonies.
Are there uncontacted tribes in Colombia?
Yes. Colombia protects peoples in voluntary isolation, notably in the Río Puré National Park, far from tourist areas. They must not be approached: contact can bring diseases to which they have no immunity. No legitimate tour visits them.
Are Amazon tribes dangerous?
No. The communities you can visit around Leticia are welcoming, and visits happen by agreement, with local guides. The question to ask is the opposite: is your visit good for the community? Choose operators that pay communities fairly and let them decide what they share.
How to visit respectfully
- Go with a local guide who has a real relationship with the community.
- Ask before taking photos of people, especially children and ceremonies.
- Buy crafts directly from the artisans.
- Don’t bring alcohol or hand out sweets or money to children.
- Dress modestly and follow your hosts’ lead.
- Listen more than you ask — stories are shared when there is trust.
What daily life looks like
Life follows the river. Families fish, tend their chagras, make cassava bread and fariña, and use forest plants for food, building and medicine. Many young people study in town and return to their communities; tourism, when well managed, helps them stay.
Visiting communities with us
Our programs include visits to Indigenous communities and are guided by Indigenous hosts: the Amazon Nature Tour, the Amazon Wildlife Adventure (with a visit to the Wayruru community) and the Puerto Nariño Explorer (Ticuna community of San Martín de Amacayacu). Read also what Matapi healers taught us about the jungle at night.
FAQ
Do people still live in the Amazon jungle?
Yes — millions of people live in the Amazon, including hundreds of Indigenous peoples across the basin.
What do Amazon Indigenous communities eat?
Fish from the rivers, cassava and its products, plantains, forest fruits and, in some places, game. Cassava is at the center of many meals.
Where do the Ticuna live?
Along the Amazon River in Colombia, Peru and Brazil, including communities near Leticia and Puerto Nariño.
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.