Short answer: in Leticia, watch thousands of parakeets arrive at Parque Santander at dusk, cross the triple border into Brazil and Peru, and use the town as your base. The best experiences are upriver: Puerto Nariño, the Tarapoto Lakes with pink dolphins, night walks in the forest and time with Indigenous communities.
Things to do in Leticia
1. Parakeets at Parque Santander
Every evening, huge flocks of parakeets fly into the trees of Leticia’s main park to roost. Be there before sunset; it is loud, chaotic and unforgettable.
2. Walk into Brazil and cross to Peru
Leticia and Tabatinga (Brazil) are one continuous town — you can walk across the border. Santa Rosa (Peru) sits on an island across the river, a short boat ride away. Carry your passport and check stamp rules if you go further than the border towns.
3. The riverfront and market
Early morning at the port and market shows how the region lives: fish from the river, fruit you won’t find elsewhere, and boats leaving for communities upriver.
4. Canopy platforms and a tree house night
Along the road toward Tarapacá, private reserves offer tree houses, canopy platforms around 40 meters high and zip lines — plus night walks to find insects and bioluminescent fungi. It is day one of our Amazon Nature Tour.
Things to do in Puerto Nariño
5. See pink and grey dolphins on the Tarapoto Lakes
The lakes near Puerto Nariño are among the best places in Colombia to see river dolphins, especially early in the morning. Read where to see pink river dolphins in Colombia.
6. Victoria amazonica water lilies
The giant water lilies of the Tarapoto system can grow leaves over a meter wide. Visiting them by canoe is one of the calmest moments of the trip.
7. Walk a car-free town
Puerto Nariño has no cars: paths, gardens and a mirador with views over the river at sunset. It is known for its environmental commitment and slow pace.
8. Visit Ticuna communities
Communities such as San Martín de Amacayacu welcome visitors to learn about crafts, manioc cultivation and forest knowledge. Go with a guide who has a real relationship with the community.
Nature and adventure around the region
9. Night walks and caiman spotting
After dark the forest changes completely. See what Matapi healers taught us about the jungle at night.
10. Marasha Reserve (Peru)
A reserve across the river with forest hikes, canoeing, kayaking, birding and piranha fishing.
11. Birdwatching
River islands, flooded forest and terra firme forest mean a huge diversity of species. See the Amazon Birdwatching Tour.
12. Learn survival skills from Indigenous experts
Shelter building, fire-making and navigation on the Amazon Survival Experience.
How to fit it all in
Most of these experiences are one to two hours from Leticia by boat. Four days covers the essentials: see our 4-day itinerary. New to the region? Start with the Colombian Amazon travel guide.
FAQ
Is Leticia worth visiting?
Yes, as the gateway to the Colombian Amazon. Plan to spend most of your time upriver.
How far is Puerto Nariño from Leticia?
About two hours by fast boat.
Can I swim in the Amazon?
Only where your guide says it is safe; conditions change with the season and the river.
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.