4-Day Itinerary Leticia & Amazon Rainforest: Colombian & Peruvian Rungle Adventures

We took a flight from Bogotá to Leticia. It was approximately a two-hour journey.

Leticia is a small city located about 300 km deep inside the Amazon rainforest . It is the capital of Colombia’s Amazonas region. Leticia is famous for being situated on the Amazon River, the largest river in the world by volume, with direct access to the river. It is also well known for its unique geographical location. Leticia sits at the Tres Fronteras (Three Frontiers), the meeting point where Colombia, Brazil, and Peru come together.

At the “triple frontier,” where Colombia, Brazil, and Peru meet, Leticia acts as a remote but major river port. As the capital of Colombia’s Amazonas department, it is inaccessible by road and requires travel by air or water. It serves as a primary gateway to the Amazon rainforest.

The Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical forest on our planet spreading across several countries – Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, but more than 50% of it lies in Brazil.

We were extremely excited to be in the Amazon rainforest and couldn’t wait to sail on the largest river in the world, the Amazon River.

Leticia, Colombia, is the perfect base to explore the Amazon rainforest. From here, you can experience both the Colombian and Peruvian rainforests, navigating rivers, trekking through dense forest, and discovering local wildlife and culture. This 4-day itinerary combines river tours, rainforest adventures, wildlife spotting, and unique cultural experiences on both sides of the border.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Hotel Amazon Bed and Breakfast, which we absolutely loved for its location, it was just a few minutes away from Santander Park and some restaurents.

This beautifully maintained boutique sits right in the heart of the Amazon. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Breakfast was a real treat, a generous spread with so many options, mostly prepared fresh and served right at our table.

Located close to Santander Park, lots of parrots visit the resort early in the morning, a beautiful way to wake up surrounded by nature.

If it’s fully booked, you can also check other options in Leticia: Explore Leticia on Booking.com

Day 1: Arrival in Leticia, Parakeets and Colombian Rainforest

Arrive in Leticia and get acquainted with the town. Explore local streets, markets, and the riverfront.

Highlights:

• Arrive in Leticia (from Bogota)
• Watch Parakeet Murmurations (tens of thousands of Parakeets arrive here)
• Tarantulas and Nocturnal walk through Colombian Amazon rainforest.

Full guide: Day 1 in Leticia

Day 2: Sail the Amazon River – Colombian & Peruvian Amazon River Tour

Embark on a boat tour along the Amazon River that takes you through both the Colombian and Peruvian rainforests.

Highlights:

• Discover the giant leaves of Victoria Amazonica water lilies, and experience the thrill as monkeys actually jump on you at Monkey Island!
• Visit Puerto Nariño in the Peruvian Amazon.
• Spot wildlife including pink dolphins, parrots, and monkeys.

Detailed experience: Day 2: Amazon River & rainforest

Day 3: Deep Rainforest Adventure in Peruvian Amazon

Spend a full day trekking deep into the rainforest on the Peruvian Amazon.

Highlights:

Guided day rainforest treks through untouched forest in Peru.

• Kayak the river wading through floating plants.
• Nocturnal hunt for Aligators
• Out of the World experience in the darkest skies of the world

See the full adventure: Day 3 in the Amazon rainforest

Day 4: Tri-Border Adventure -Tres Fronteras

End your trip at the Tres Fronteras, where Colombia, Peru, and Brazil meet.

Highlights:

• Return back from Peruvian Rainforest sailing the Amazon river
• Be at three countries (Colombia, Brazil and Peru) at once from one spot.
• Walk the towns at the three country border
• Walk Leticia’s streets one last time, noticing fruit trees and local foods like Moy/Mojojoy that make the town special.
• Reflect on a journey that covered two countries rainforests and diverse Amazonian experiences.

Full details: Day 4 in Leticia

Leticia – Amazon Rainforest Travel Tips & FAQs

Tour We Booked

You cannot explore the Amazon on your own, a guide is required. We booked a guided Tour here

• Book the 3-day guided Amazon tour we used
• See more Amazon tours in Leticia

The tour included Amazon river transport, guided excursions, meals on select days, and accommodation in the Peruvian Amazon.

Best Time to Visit Leticia

July to November is the dry season to visit Leticia when the temperatures are high at 37C and humid. The High Water or Flood Season is between December to late June During these months, the Amazon witnesses significant rainfall, flooding vast areas known as Varzeas. The temperatures remain in 20-25C.

We went in late December during the holiday season, and the rains hadn’t fully started. It rained only one night while we stayed in the rainforest cabins in Peru, otherwise, it was sunny and bright. So if you have limited vacation time, December could be a good borderline season to visit. The Amazon Rainforest had some puddles that were slippery but still manageable for trekking.

During the rainy season, much of the rainforest becomes flooded, transforming the landscape entirely. Trails that are normally walkable may be submerged, but tours often adapt by taking you through the forest by boat. Experiencing the Amazon from the water offers a completely different perspective. It’s a unique adventure that’s equally thrilling, just in a different way.

Vaccination

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory in most regions. Although we weren’t asked for proof here and didn’t encounter many mosquitoes, it’s still recommended.

What to Wear and Bring

Full-sleeved shirts and pants are comfortable in the Amazon. You’ll be walking through bushes and just trying to stay clear of insects and mosquitoes. We went in December and were lucky, not many mosquitoes at all, as the rainy season was just starting!

Carry a lightweight rain jacket suitable for both summer and rainy seasons.

Bring insect repellent and sunscreen, and some towels. The cabins didnt have any towels.

Waterproof boots are provided by the tour companies and are useful for walking in shallow water or transferring between boats.

Amazon Rainforest Cabins & Rules

No soaps or perfumes are allowed in the Amazon Rainforest, especially when staying in cabins.

The cabins are built on stilts as during the rainy season, the cabins can turn into floating cabins.

Be Prepared for Cold Showers

Showers are often cold here, so be ready to freshen up without warm water.

Cash

Sometimes, even when the tour includes boots, you might be asked to pay $10 for a pair. You may need cash at the lodge for the boots and for tipping.

Electricity

Electricity supply is limited as this is a low-light restriction area of the Amazon Rainforest, meant to help preserve nature. As a result, all lights are automatically turned off at 9:00 pm. Where we stayed, there were no plug points inside the cabins, and only one charging point was available in the dining area.

Food

Vegetarian food options are very limited. Carry your own food if needed.

Carry a Torch or Flashlight

Carry a torch or flashlight for walking in the Amazon rainforest at night. Some tours may provide head torch. Even if your tour doesn’t officially include a night walk, you may still get the opportunity to experience the rainforest after dark.