Getting There & Away: Leticia

Air Travel

Major Airport & Airlines

Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport (LET) is the main and only airport serving Leticia and the entire Colombian Amazon region. It does not handle direct international flights.

Flight Information

Avianca and LATAM Airlines fly direct from Bogotá (BOG) to Leticia (LET).
Flights are almost exclusively from Bogotá; no direct international flights to Leticia.
Book flights 2-3 months in advance for better fares, especially for peak seasons.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

LET airport is relatively small, with limited services. Be prepared for the tourist tax upon arrival.

Arrival & Departures

Tourist tax is payable in cash (Colombian Pesos) upon arrival at the airport.
Small cafes, souvenir shops, and restrooms are available within the terminal.
Taxis and motorcycle taxis are readily available outside the terminal; agree on fare beforehand.

Seasonal Availability

Flights to Leticia are available year-round, ensuring access regardless of the Amazon's wet or dry season.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices are higher during Colombian national holidays, peak tourist seasons (June-August), and around Christmas and New Year.

Hotel Transfers

Many hotels and tour operators in Leticia offer pre-arranged airport pickup services, for convenient transfer.

Departure Information

Airport Departure LET

Arrive at Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your domestic flight to Bogotá.
Airlines often close check-in earlier for flights to Leticia due to the specific nature of the route.
No specific exit fees or taxes apply for international tourists departing Colombia from Leticia.
Airport facilities for departing travelers are limited; no extensive duty-free shops or lounges.

River Departure International

If departing by river internationally, complete your official exit stamp at the Migración Colombia office in Leticia BEFORE boarding your boat.
Do this on the same day of departure, or the day before if the office has limited hours.
Arrive at the port well in advance of your boat's departure time; boats can sometimes depart early.
You are responsible for getting your passport stamped; your boat captain might not remind you.

Travel Planning Resources

Flight Search

Skyscanner and Dollar Flight Club are helpful for finding affordable airfares to Colombia and Leticia.

Visa Services

IVisa and VisaHQ provide consumer visa application services if your nationality needs one.

Travel Insurance

World Nomads and SafetyWing are options for comprehensive travel insurance, including medical and adventure activities.

Land Transportation

Land Connections

Leticia's location deep within the Amazon Basin means land transportation connections to the rest of Colombia do not exist.

Roads & Driving

No long-distance bus or train services operate to Leticia from other Colombian cities.
Self-driving to Leticia is not possible from other parts of Colombia.
Major car rental agencies are not present in Leticia.

Border Crossing Land/River

Leticia's unique position as a tri-border city with Brazil (Tabatinga) and Peru (Santa Rosa) means frequent land and river crossings.

Border Formalities

There is no formal border post or physical barrier between Leticia and Tabatinga.
International visitors MUST complete formal immigration procedures for each country.
You cross the Amazon River by boat from Leticia to Santa Rosa (Peru), located on an island.

Road Conditions

Local roads in Leticia are generally paved but can have potholes or uneven surfaces. Side streets might be unpaved and muddy, especially after rain.

Local Traffic

Safety concerns for local driving are minimal, as traffic is generally light. However, be aware of the abundance of motorcycle taxis (motocarros) and regular motorcycles, which dart around frequently.

Pedestrian Caution

Pedestrians should exercise caution. Always be aware of your surroundings and the movement of local vehicles.

Sea/River Arrivals

River Transportation

River transportation offers a distinct way to arrive in Leticia, connecting it to other Amazonian cities in Brazil and Peru. No major international cruise ports exist for large ocean liners.

River Routes

From Iquitos (Peru): Irregular cargo/passenger boats take approximately 3-5 days; sleep in hammocks on deck.
From Manaus (Brazil): Speedboats take about 36 hours; slower cargo boats take 4-5 days to Tabatinga.
Check schedules locally in Manaus or Tabatinga, as they are not fixed.

Immigration & Connections

For arrivals from Brazil or Peru by river, immigration procedures must be completed at the respective offices. Do not skip this step to avoid future issues.

Arrival Process

Complete immigration at Migración Colombia (Leticia), Polícia Federal (Tabatinga), or Migraciones (Santa Rosa).
You are responsible for getting your passport stamped; your boat captain might not remind you.
River ports in Leticia are centrally located, with easy access to motorcycle taxis and regular taxis.

River as Highway

If you are on a multi-day jungle tour, your main mode of transport will be a boat. Embrace the river as your highway. These journeys offer deep immersion into Amazonian life.

Getting There & Away