My tips to enjoy the Amazon rainforest from Leticia

Here are my top tips and things you need to know to discover the Amazon in Colombia from Leticia. This will help you decide if you want to discover the world’s most famous forest and how to proceed.

What kind of tours from Leticia?

There are several options depending on your preferences, your budget, and the time you have available.

Stay in an ecolodge in the heart of the Amazonian rainforest

Marasha Ecolodge Amazon Colombia

If you are looking for a memorable adventure in Colombia’s Amazon rainforest, the ecolodges of the Leticia region are a great option.

These ecolodges are hidden treasures set in the heart of a lush natural environment. Imagine waking up to a symphony of tropical birds, rustling leaves, and the magic of the rainforest. Yes, you’re in your room.

Why choose an ecolodge?

Palmari Ecolodge - all center - Amazon
©Ecolodge partenaire
  • Awaking in the middle of the forest: Eco-lodges offer a unique opportunity to discover the wonders of the rainforest right in the heart of the Amazon.
  • Abundant wildlife: Choose an eco-lodge away from urban centers such as Leticia or Puerto Nariño for a better chance of seeing wildlife in an environment with little human impact.
  • Sustainability: In the Amazon, eco-lodges are designed with respect for nature. They follow environmentally friendly practices to minimize their impact on a fragile ecosystem.
  • Flexibility and freedom: Eco-lodges offer the flexibility you need to organize your adventure as you wish, without the constraints of the usual tourist circuit schedules and overcrowded tours.
  • No more worries about the weather: The weather is unpredictable in the jungle. Is it raining? Wait comfortably until the rain stops, and explore the Amazon whenever you like.
  • Simple organization and logistics: Do you suddenly feel like taking an excursion on the Amazon or a nature hike with a guide? Once you’re there, organizing your activities is child’s play. There’s no need to plan far in advance.
  • All-inclusive experience: Ecolodges often offer packages that include meals, activities, and even private guides. Plan your Amazon adventure without worrying about the smallest details—everything is taken care of as it should be.
  • One or multi-day jungle treks: Some ecolodges offer this option if you fancy an overnight jungle experience or a longer expedition. This is the case of the ecolodge we recommend.

Organize your excursion or your tour in the Amazon with an agency from Leticia

Amazon - Leticia - Night camp in the jungle

Choose your travel agency in Colombia carefully. Choose an agency with an established reputation to ensure you have a safe, authentic, and unforgettable trip.

Avoid the cheapest agencies, as they may not offer you the expected experience.

Why choose a Leticia agency?

Leticia Amazon Colombia - bird watching
  • Observing particular animals: an experienced agency knows the best places to observe specific animals, from elusive spiders to vibrant pink river dolphins. They can guide you to the right spots.
  • Endless Exploration: With an agency, your journey isn’t limited to just one place. You’ll traverse diverse landscapes, from dense jungles to winding rivers. Every day brings a new backdrop, ensuring you’re forever captivated by the Amazon’s ever-changing scenery.
  • Personalized experiences: Agencies cater to your specific interests. Whether it’s extended birdwatching sessions or thrilling night hikes, they can customize your schedule to make every moment resonate with your personal interests.
  • Knowledge of nature and culture: a good agency doesn’t just guide you. They share their knowledge of the mysteries of the Amazon rainforest and the culture, traditions, and folklore of the native communities.
  • Treks of one or more days in the Amazon rainforest: an option for the more intrepid or curious. A night in the jungle can easily be incorporated into a multi-day excursion. A longer expedition is also possible.

Stay in one of the Indigenous Communities near Leticia

San Martin Amazon Colombia (2)

Staying in an indigenous community is the best option for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Amazonian culture.

Depending on the community, the accommodation will be more or less basic, and the experience will be more or less authentic.

Why stay in a native community?

Amazon - Puerto Nariño - Laguna Tarapoto - Indigenous community
  • Authenticity at an affordable price: Staying with Indigenous communities is often cheaper. You might not have an English guide, and the organization will be a little improvised, but this approach allows you to discover real life without needing a big budget.
  • Cultural immersion: These communities offer invaluable opportunities to engage with locals. Spend time conversing, learning about their traditions, and sharing stories – a genuine way to understand their way of life.
  • Immersive learning: Staying with these communities lets you see the world differently. You can see how they connect with nature, learn old skills, learn about medicinal plants, and discover old traditions.
  • Real, local knowledge: who better to guide you through the Amazon than those who have lived in harmony with it for generations? The information and knowledge they share with you go beyond what a travel guide who is not from these communities can offer you.
  • Supporting sustainable tourism: By staying in these communities, you contribute to their economy, help preserve their unique way of life, and foster sustainable tourism practices.

Amazon rainforest tours you can do alone

Pointview Puerto Nariño Amazon Colombia (1)

You won’t be able to hike alone in the Amazon rainforest. However, you can organize a few day tours on your own.

In Leticia, the road is less than 30 km long. Use it to go to Mundo Amazonico to discover Amazonian culture or to Tanimboca to admire nature and take a zip-line ride above the trees. You can also eat ceviche in Peru and have a caipirinha at La Komara in Brazil. You’ll be crossing three borders in a single day!

In Puerto Nariño, you can plan an excursion to the Laguna Tarapoto to see pink and grey dolphins (only during the high-water season) and visit the Peruvian community of San Antonio to see sloths.

As I said earlier, you can also decide to stay in one of the many Indigenous communities.

Don’t choose the cheapest tour

Marasha Ecolodge Amazon

While it might be tempting to go for the lowest-priced option, there are important reasons to be cautious.

Some cheap tours might be run by illegal and uninsured operators, posing potential dangers to participants.

Some agencies may promise big discounts but cancel or change your itinerary, disappointing you.

Cheaper tours often keep you close to Leticia without venturing deeper into the Amazon.

These budget-friendly choices might involve crowded groups, impacting the quality of your experience.

It’s crucial to prioritize your safety, satisfaction, and the authenticity of your Amazon adventure over simply saving a few dollars.

Group or private tours?

Ceiba - Marasha ecolodge - Leticia - Amazon - Colombia

If possible, choose private tours you can adapt to your preferences. Private tours offer a quieter, more personalized experience and increase your chances of spotting wildlife.

For solo travelers, this expert‘s option offers a quality formula, including a private guide that is unbeatable for the location. You just have to be willing to sleep in a hammock dormitory or on a mattress.

Group tours are more conventional, catering to diverse interests and limiting individual experiences.

What you need to know before you leave: wildlife, activities, weather, seasonality

All the important information you need to know before you explore this green ocean.

Examples of experiences in the Amazon

Here are the main experiences offered by our favorite agencies and ecolodges. The quality depends on the location and the local guide:

  • Kayaking on the Amazon, another river, or the flooded jungle: Navigate through lush vegetation, weaving between trees and vines. When the river is in flood, it’s an exciting ride that takes you to the heart of the jungle.
  • Dolphin watching: Hop aboard a small boat to meet charming pink and gray dolphins. The famous Tarapoto Lake, near Puerto Nariño, is a favorite spot for these graceful creatures.
  • Piranha fishing: Try to catch your own dinner with a traditional fishing line.
  • Sleeping in an indigenous community: Prepare for a simple but authentic experience. Thanks to the kindness of the local population, you’ll discover a whole new way of life. It’s best to go with a guide who can introduce you to the community.
  • Bird watching: Around 5:30 AM, head out with your guide and a pair of binoculars to observe the numerous bird species that inhabit the Amazon.
  • Seeing the Ceibas: Go and admire these majestic trees that reign over the canopy.
  • Night walks: Take night excursions to discover the magical side of the Amazon. You’ll see phosphorescent mushrooms and tarantulas, making you feel you’re in another world.
  • Parks and nature reserves: Many protected areas cover the Amazon territory. The Marasha Nature Reserve, the Reserva Natura Park, the Maikuchiga Foundation (which rescues monkeys), the Flor de Loto Reserve, and the Amacayacu Park are all gems where you can spend nights or days immersed in nature.
  • One or multiple-night jungle treks: For a grand adventure, head into the Amazon with a guide for several days. You can hike through nature, spot rare animals, sleep in hammocks under the stars, and make campfires. It’s an extraordinary and demanding experience you won’t soon forget.

Wildlife

Maikuchiga Mocagua Amazon Colombia

Watching animals in the Amazon is a fun adventure, but don’t forget that some animals are hard to find.

Don’t hope to see big animals like jaguars. You’ll have to venture deep into the Amazon for the best chances of encounters. 

  • If observing a harpy eagle piques your curiosity and multi-day jungle expeditions or sport fishing appeal to you, this local partner offers these kinds of experiences.
  • Bird Watching
  • Monkeys, Tarantulas, Caimans, and Dolphins: While jaguars might hide, spotting monkeys, tarantulas, caimans, and dolphins is more achievable.

Water levels and weather in the Amazon

Mocagua Amazon Colombia

Before venturing into the Amazon, it’s important to understand the fluctuation of water levels and weather conditions, as they significantly impact your tour:

River levels and tours: From November to June, when the river levels are high, the Amazon overflows, creating a vast aquatic landscape. This is the ideal time for kayaking and boat excursions, as navigating the green expanses is easier. However, from July to October, when water levels are low, you can explore inaccessible hiking trails during high water periods.

Seasons: The time of year also influences your trip. From November to April, there are many insects, with mosquitoes particularly abundant from November to January. From July to October, it’s the dry season with less rain but intense sun heat.

Peak Season: If you plan to visit the Amazon in January, Easter, July, or August, it’s advisable to book in advance.

How many days in the Amazon, Colombia

Komara Amazon Colombia

It’s worth taking your time to discover the wonders of the Amazon. That’s why a 5 to 7-day trip is ideal:

Plenty of time on the water: The Amazon River is an essential component of your adventure. A stay of at least 5 days allows you to venture away from Leticia without spending most of your time on a boat.

Adapt to the weather: It’s the Amazon, so expect heavy rains that might pause your activities. Early mornings and evenings offer cooler and more pleasant activity conditions, ensuring a more comfortable adventure.

Savor every moment: The Amazon is a place to explore in-depth, not just glance at. Arriving in Leticia a day earlier lets you start your adventure in a cool way.

Packing list for exploring the Amazon

Marasha Leticia Amazon Colombia

Here’s your essential packing checklist to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:

1. Small Binoculars: A compact pair of binoculars enhances your chances of animal watching.

2. Rubber Boots: Sturdy rubber boots are essential with mud and moisture aplenty. Your agency can often arrange these for you.

3. Technical Clothing: Choose clothes that are light and dry quickly. This will help you avoid getting that “jungle smell.” Long-sleeve T-shirts and pants are recommended. In the evening, I like to walk around in light jogging pants and flip-flops + socks—German style.

4. Travel Light: Select a small, efficient backpack. Minimalism is key. Pack only the essentials to keep your load manageable.

5. Quality Repellent: Mosquitoes abound in the Amazon.

6. Sun Protection: Don’t forget to take sunscreen and a hat. Shield yourself from the intense equatorial sun during your outdoor explorations.

7. Rain Jacket: Be prepared for rain. A quality rain jacket keeps you dry during unexpected downpours.

Is the Amazon jungle of Colombia for you?

Often fantasized about, the Amazon won’t suit everyone.

You must enjoy pushing yourself, stepping out of your comfort zone, and not being afraid of little critters.

Be patient during your treks in the Amazon jungle

Sunset boat Tarapoto Amazonas

The Amazon isn’t your local zoo. It’s a remote place with limited networks and animals that dislike the scent of bipeds in pants, meaning humans.

You’ll spend many hours on a boat, gazing at similar landscapes, hoping to catch a glimpse of wild animals.

If it rains, you’ll need patience and wait for a break in the weather.

In short, the Amazon is to be savored.

Wild animals of the Amazon

Tucan Bird - Palmari Natural reserve - Amazon

Most of the animals you’ll see are mosquitoes. No need to look for them; they’ll be wherever you are. By protecting yourself well, you can avoid many attacks.

To observe wildlife in the Amazon, you must be patient, stay away from inhabited areas, and listen carefully to your guide’s advice.

Consider your adventure as an experience of living in the Amazon. The animals are just a bonus.

You will get wet during your jungle tour

It is difficult to walk for several days when there is 92% humidity, torrential rains, and rivers to cross.

If you decide to go on a multi-day Amazon jungle tour, prepare yourself mentally. There’s no turning back.

Accommodation is often basic in the Amazon

San Martin Amazon Colombia

There are some comfortable hotels in Leticia. This will not be the case when you venture into the jungle. You’ll be in the middle of the jungle. You can’t hope for A/C & Netflix.

The ecolodges are wooden cabins with a bed and a mosquito net.

You pay for the surroundings and the experiences that go with it.

TOM’S ADVICE

You’re not sure yet if you want to organize a trip to the Amazon from Leticia? Find more inspiration on our page for the best trips in the Colombian Amazon.