Pre-Trip Checklist: Leticia

Planning Chronology

A phased approach to your planning supports a methodical preparation process.

Preparation Milestones

Breaking down your pre-trip actions into a timeline makes the process more manageable.

Months Ahead

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity for six months past your return. Research and begin visa applications if needed.

Flight Bookings

Secure international flights to Bogotá and domestic flights to Leticia.

Health Consultation

Schedule a travel doctor appointment for vaccinations and antimalarial medication.

Month Ahead

Vaccinations & Insurance

Complete all recommended vaccinations (Yellow Fever 10 days prior). Purchase comprehensive travel insurance. World Nomads is an option.

Tour & Day Trip Booking

Book any specific day trips or internal transfers (e.g., to Puerto Nariño).

Gear & Bank Notification

Start buying essential gear. Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.

Week Ahead

Confirmations

Double-check all flights, accommodation, and tour reservations.

Packing & Documents

Start packing. Organize physical and digital copies of all documents.

Offline Resources & Cash

Download offline maps and translation apps. Withdraw some local currency or US dollars.

Important Bookings

Some reservations warrant early attention for a hassle-free trip.

Advance Reservations

Flights to Leticia: Domestic flights from Bogotá frequently sell out.
Eco-lodges & Tours: Multi-day Amazon experiences have limited capacity.
Accommodation: Booking your first night in Leticia is good, especially for late arrivals.
Peak Season Travel: Early booking is critical during busy times.

Research & Home Prep

Thoughtful prior research and home arrangements contribute to a carefree trip.

Prioritize Your Research

Safety Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with tropical region safety tips.
Responsible Travel: Understand how to minimize your environmental footprint.
Local Benefit: Consider how your visit benefits local communities.
Home Management: Arrange for mail collection or redirection.

Further Insight & Home Security

Expanding your knowledge and securing your home are thoughtful steps.

Safety Essentials

Insect protection strategies.
Sun exposure prevention.
Water-borne illness prevention.
Basic first-aid kit readiness.

Responsible Tourism

Minimizing environmental footprint.
Supporting local communities ethically.
Proper waste disposal practices.
Wildlife observation from a respectful distance.

Home Security Measures

Arrange for pet care during your absence.
Organize plant watering schedules.
Lock all doors and windows securely.
Inform a trusted neighbor of your absence.

Bank Notification

Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to Colombia. This helps prevent them from flagging your transactions as suspicious and blocking your cards.

Arrival Checklist

Your first steps upon arriving in Leticia are important for a smooth start to your journey.

Initial Steps Upon Arrival

1
Tourist Tax:
Upon landing at Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport (LET), pay the Leticia tourist tax (in COP cash) at the designated counter.
2
Immigration/Customs:
For domestic flights, a local checkpoint issues your TAM card. For international arrivals, clear immigration in Bogotá.
3
Luggage Collection:
Retrieve your checked bags from the carousel.

On-Site Orientation & Essentials

Familiarization:
At your lodging, take time to understand the immediate neighborhood.
Locate Points:
Identify Parque Santander, the port, nearest ATM, and Migración Colombia office.
Seek Guidance:
Do not hesitate to ask hotel staff for directions or local recommendations.

Currency & Immediate Needs

Local Currency

Find a reliable ATM in Leticia to withdraw Colombian Pesos. Exchanging any USD you brought is an option.

ATMs in Leticia can be unreliable, so planning for cash needs is wise.

Essential Services

Consider purchasing a local SIM card to establish communication upon arrival.

Buy bottled water and any other immediate necessities for your first day.

Airport Transport

Taxis (cars) and motorcycle taxis (motocarros) are available outside the airport terminal.

They offer quick and inexpensive rides to town from Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport (LET).

Document Readiness

Keep your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate and passport (or copies) easily accessible for arrival procedures.

Departure Preparation

Plan your departure effectively to reduce last-minute stress.

Souvenir & Luggage Considerations

Pack souvenirs carefully, observing luggage weight limits.
Be aware of customs rules for natural materials or animal products.
Choose locally crafted items for authentic keepsakes.
Ensure fragile items are well-protected for transit.

Return Trip Details

Passport Stamps: Double-check that all passport stamps are accurate.
Confirm Flights: Reconfirm your flight times from Leticia and any connections.
Onward Journey: Plan your onward travel from Bogotá to your home country.
Final Checks: Perform one last check of your itinerary and documents.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allocating sufficient time for departure procedures is wise.

Departure Recommendations

Airport Departure (Domestic):1.5 to 2 hours before flight.
Airport Departure (International):2 to 3 hours before flight.
River Departure (International):Complete exit stamp Before heading to port.
Port Arrival:Well in advance of boat's departure time.

Final Checks

Verify all passport stamps are correct for your onward journey.
Reconfirm your flight times for departure from Leticia.
Ensure your luggage complies with airline weight limits.
Have your travel documents accessible on your phone.

Buffer Time Advice

Always leave a buffer of time for unforeseen delays, especially with flights or boat departures in the Amazon.

Pre-Trip Checklist