Navigating the Amazon River for Travel from Colombia to Peru by Boat
Traveling from Leticia, Colombia to Peru by Boat: A Journey Through the Amazon
Leticia, a town located in Colombia's bottom right corner and sharing borders with Brazil and Peru, offers an unique travel experience for those seeking adventure and cultural immersion. One of the most interesting ways to reach Peru from Leticia is by boat, a journey that takes you through the heart of the Amazon region.
The Boat Journey
There are two options for traveling by boat from Leticia to Peru: the slow boat and the rapido/speed boat. The slow boat takes two to three days and is often overcrowded with passengers sharing space with cargo and animals like pigs and sheep. On the other hand, the rapido is a narrow motor boat with about 30 seats. Although it doesn't offer much leg room, it covers the journey in eight to ten hours, depending on current and weather conditions.
The rapido leaves every day except Monday at around 3/4 am. For those looking for a more comfortable journey, meals are provided by Transtur: breakfast about 7am (coffee and a roll/sandwich), and a hot lunch at around midday (meat with rice, fizzy drinks). However, it is advisable to take fruit or salad with you for the journey to maintain a healthy diet.
Immigration and Border Crossing
Upon arrival at the airport in Leticia, you need to get your passport stamped with an exit stamp for Colombia before traveling further. As for entering Peru, head to the immigration office right by the small port at Santa Rosa in Peru. The immigration office will ask how long you plan to be in Peru. Always say more than you really plan, in case you run over.
Remember to keep your immigration card given by the immigration office, as it is important for avoiding additional taxes in hotels/hostels and complications when trying to leave the country.
Exploring Peru
Once in Peru, travelers often explore local attractions, including enjoying Peruvian cuisine such as ceviche. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, multi-day river expeditions are available, starting from Leticia or nearby Tabatinga (Brazil) and including traveling along Amazon tributaries to Peruvian villages like those described in jungle tours. These excursions combine river travel with jungle hikes, wildlife spotting, and visits to indigenous communities.
Important Information
It is essential to check visa requirements based on your citizenship before crossing. Colombia and Peru generally allow visa-free entry for many nationalities, including up to 183 days for Peru for many travelers. However, it is always best to confirm this information before your trip.
For more up-to-date information, check out the official Peru tourist board website. If you need further clarification, contact the tourist board advice centre by both WhatsApp and email.
This provides a practical and immersive way to travel from Leticia to Peru by boat, blending short transfers with optional multi-day Amazonian adventures. Whether you choose the slow boat or the rapido, your journey will be an unforgettable experience.
- After arriving in Peru, travelers can savor the local Peruvian cuisine, such as ceviche, or embark on multi-day river expeditions that include traveling along Amazon tributaries to indigenous communities, combining river travel, jungle hikes, wildlife spotting, and visits to local villages, as described in jungle tours.
- To ensure seamless travel, it is advisable to carry fruit or salad for the boat journey to maintain a healthy diet, and it is important to remember the immigration card given by the immigration office, as it is crucial for avoiding additional taxes in hotels/hostels and complications when trying to leave the country.
- For those planning to travel by boat from Leticia, Colombia to Peru, there are two options: the slow boat, which may be overcrowded, or the rapido (speed boat), a faster alternative with meal services provided by Transtur (breakfast about 7am and a hot lunch around midday).
