Day 4 in Leticia – Being in Three Countries at Once –
Tres Fronteras in the Amazon
Today was Day 4 of our Amazon journey, and it was especially exciting because we were visiting three countries in a single day. We were heading to Tres Fronteras, the meeting point of Colombia, Brazil, and Peru.
Planning this trip? We’ve included details about where we stayed in Leticia and the Amazon tour we took, with FAQ, at the bottom of this post.
Look for our 4 Day Leticia Itinerary here.
Morning in the Peruvian Jungle
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Peruvian Amazon Forest
Our day began with a short morning walk through the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. After breakfast, we carefully made our way down a muddy slope to reach the boats, making sure we didn’t slip straight into the river.
We sailed along a tributary of the Amazon River, passing the same floating plants we had seen on our arrival. After about an hour, we reached the point where the tributary merges with the Amazon River.
Rain, River, and a Thrilling Ride
As soon as we entered the Amazon River, dark clouds gathered quickly. We covered our cameras and phones just in time before heavy rain began pouring down. The tour company handed out raincoats, they are well prepared for Amazon rains and had enough for everyone.
The rain was so intense that we couldn’t see or hear anything around us. Still, getting drenched in the middle of the Amazon River on a small boat was a thrilling experience, and we were actually enjoying it. Our native tour guide continued paddling confidently despite almost zero visibility. We were amazed by his skill.
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Sailing back through the river full of floating plants
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Rain clouds over Amazon River
After a while, he stopped paddling. We weren’t sure why, until we turned back and saw our larger boat, capable of navigating the Amazon, waiting for us. To this day, we’re still surprised at how perfectly coordinated this was, how they communicated, shared coordinates, and managed to spot our tiny boat in such heavy rain.
Tres Fronteras: The Three-Country Border
We transferred to the larger boat and sailed downstream toward Leticia. By then, the rain had stopped, and we saw beautiful rainbows forming over the river.
After about an hour, we reached the highlight of the day: Flutuante Tres Fronteras – Floating Border of three countries where Colombia, Brazil, and Peru meet. Boats stop briefly, and there was an immigration office, though no one asked for IDs. There were no fences or visible borders. Locals move freely between the three towns, trade using Colombian Peso, Peruvian Sol, or Brazilian Real, and speak both Spanish and Portuguese.
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At the Floating Border of three Coutnries
The feeling of being at a place where three countries meet on a river was unforgettable. We took photos and soaked in the moment.
Visiting Border Towns
From Tres Fronteras, boats can head to Tabatinga (Brazil), Leticia (Colombia), or Santa Rosa (Peru). Although the countries meet on the river, Santa Rosa is an island town on the Amazon river, that gets fully submerged during the rainy season. Our first stop was Santa Rosa. Since it remains underwater for much of the year, it’s mostly uninhabited, except for a handful of houses and shops. We walked around, saw parrots, vultures, and lush greenery everywhere. The town was muddy and slippery, but the sun was shining brightly.
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At Santa Rosa, Peru (Peru shows on top)
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Vultures in Santa Rosa
Next, we sailed to Tabatinga, Brazil, marking the end of our Amazon River boating experience. A large welcome sign greeted us. Tabatinga was much more populated and busier than Santa Rosa and Leticia. The roads were lively, and we passed schools, a university, and several official buildings. One thing that stood out was the large open drainage systems across the town, which made us extremely careful while walking.
Welcome to Tabatinga
Walking the streets of Brazil
After a short walk, we saw a sign that read Welcome to Leticia, and just like that, we were back in Colombia. Leticia felt noticeably cleaner and more organized than the other towns and serves as the main gateway to nearby destinations in the Amazon Basin. We walked back to our resort, realizing this was our first international border crossing on foot.
Crossing International borders by foot
Typical street in Leticia
In the evening, we visited Santander Park again to watch the Parakeet Murmuration, a spectacular natural show. With an early flight the next morning, we wrapped up the day with dinner and started packing.
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
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
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 30-35C 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.
Pack Protective and Weather -Appropriate Clothing
Waterproof clothing and good mosquito repellent are highly recommended.
What About Luggage During Amazon Tour Packages?
Most Amazon tours involve spending one or more nights in the Peruvian rainforest, and reaching the jungle requires traveling by boat from Leticia.
These boats do not accommodate large luggage, and bringing it on board is not allowed. For this reason, you should leave your main luggage at your hotel in Leticia and carry only a backpack with the essentials you’ll need for your stay in the rainforest.
If your tour is just a day trip, no special luggage arrangements are necessary.
Where do Tres Fronteras tours start from?
All Tres Fronteras tours start from Leticia, Colombia, which serves as the main gateway to nearby Amazon destinations and border towns.
Do you need passports or border checks at Tres Fronteras?
At the floating border, there is an immigration office, but in most cases passports or IDs are not checked. There are no fences or strict borders, and locals move freely between the three towns.
What currency is used at the three-country border?
Trade around Tres Fronteras is done using multiple currencies: Colombian Peso, Peruvian Sol, Brazilian Real.
Locals are familiar with all three, and people in the region commonly speak Spanish and Portuguese.
You may notice that Tres Fronteiras is Portuguese, while Tres Fronteras is Spanish for Three Frontiers.
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