Short trips Colombian Amazon tour

Take a morning flight to Leticia, the gateway to the Colombian Amazon and one of the main ports along the mighty Amazon River. Located at the meeting point of Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, this fascinating region offers a unique blend of cultures, traditions, and extraordinary biodiversity.

Upon arrival in Leticia, your guide will welcome you and begin your Amazon adventure with a journey along the river to Mocagua, a small community surrounded by pristine rainforest. Here, you will visit the Maikuchiga Foundation, a conservation project dedicated to protecting rescued primates and raising awareness about the threats facing Amazon wildlife. During your visit, you will learn about the foundation's work and have the opportunity to observe several monkey species in their natural environment.

After a traditional Amazonian lunch, continue navigating the Amazon River towards the beautiful Tarapoto Lakes, one of the region's most important wildlife sanctuaries. As you explore these tranquil waters, keep an eye out for the famous pink river dolphins, gray dolphins, exotic birds, and other species that thrive in this remarkable ecosystem.

Later, arrive in Puerto Nariño, often considered the most beautiful town in the Colombian Amazon. Home to Indigenous communities such as the Ticuna and Yagua, this peaceful riverside town is famous for being completely free of cars and motorcycles, offering a unique example of sustainable living in harmony with nature. Stroll through its charming streets, learn about local traditions, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before settling in for the night.

Note:

1. We recommend taking an early morning flight.

2. From August to October, water levels may be lower and access to Tarapoto Lakes may be limited. In this case, alternative locations such as the Chinería River will be visited, where there are also excellent opportunities to spot pink river dolphins and other Amazon wildlife.

Overnight: Puerto Nariño Meal Plan: Lunch

Included activities:   Maikuchiga Foundation, Pink Dolphins & Puerto Nariño Tour

Today, after breakfast, continue your adventure through the Colombian Amazon with a visit to Cacao Island, a peaceful wildlife sanctuary known for its sloths, colourful birds, and lush rainforest scenery. As you navigate the surrounding waterways, you'll have the chance to admire the magnificent Victoria Regia, the world's largest water lily and one of the Amazon's most iconic natural wonders.

Later, journey to the Marasha Nature Reserve in Peru, a secluded rainforest retreat accessible by boat during the high-water season or by a scenic jungle walk during the low-water season. Along the way, keep an eye out for monkeys, butterflies, and the incredible biodiversity that makes the Amazon Rainforest one of Earth's richest ecosystems.

After dinner, experience the magic of the jungle after dark on a guided night exploration. As the rainforest awakens, you may encounter colorful tree frogs, giant toads, tarantulas, geckos, and other fascinating nocturnal creatures rarely seen during the day.

Overnight: Marasha Natural Reserve Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included activities:   Amazon Wildlife & Night Jungle Exploration

After breakfast, return to Leticia, the gateway to the Colombian Amazon, for a day of cultural discovery and local traditions. Your first stop will be a Murui Maloca, where you will be welcomed by a local elder and introduced to the ancestral knowledge, customs, and worldview of the Murui people. Learn about the cultural significance of the maloca, traditional foods, medicinal plants, and the preparation of mambe, an important element of Murui identity. This authentic encounter offers a unique opportunity to connect with one of the Amazon's Indigenous cultures and gain a deeper understanding of their relationship with the rainforest.

After some free time for lunch, explore the fascinating tri-border region where Colombia, Brazil, and Peru meet. Visit Tabatinga, the neighboring Brazilian town connected to Leticia by road, and learn about its history while enjoying views of the mighty Amazon River. You will also have the opportunity to sample cachaça, Brazil's traditional sugarcane spirit.

Back in Leticia, stroll along the lively riverfront and discover the unique atmosphere of this Amazonian frontier town. If time permits, you may also visit the Ethnographic Museum, which provides valuable insight into the Indigenous communities and cultures of the Colombian Amazon. The day concludes at Santander Park, where one of the region's most remarkable natural spectacles takes place at dusk as hundreds of parrots and parakeets return from the rainforest to roost, filling the sky and treetops with colour and sound.

Note: The Ethnographic Museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Depending on opening hours and timing, the museum visit may be adjusted or omitted.

Overnight: Leticia Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Included activities:   Murui Indigenous Community and Leticia City Tour

This incredible adventure ends today. You will have free time to enjoy the morning and at the relevant time, we will take you to the airport. 

Note: We recommend booking your return flight to depart after 1 pm

Meal Plan: Breakfast

You can visit the Colombian Amazon year-round, but the experience changes with the season. The high-water season, from December to mid-June, offers lush landscapes and excellent opportunities for river navigation. The low-water season, from July to November, is ideal for exploring jungle trails, riverbank beaches and enjoying alternative activities such as fishing and rainforest walks. Both seasons offer wonderful opportunities to discover the region's wildlife and natural beauty.

Yes. You do not need previous rainforest experience to enjoy this tour. Activities include boat journeys, guided nature walks and wildlife observation, with local guides accompanying you throughout the experience. However, you should be comfortable with walking on uneven forest trails, warm temperatures, humidity and basic facilities in remote rainforest locations.

Yes. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most other dietary requirements. Please inform us in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

No. Domestic flights to and from Leticia are not included in the tour price. We recommend booking an early morning arrival flight on the first day and a return flight departing after 1 pm on the final day to make the most of your experience.

Absolutely. This is a tailor-made tour, and we can adjust activities, accommodation, and dietary needs to suit your preferences.

We recommend lightweight, breathable clothing; comfortable waterproof hiking shoes; a waterproof jacket; insect repellent; sunscreen; a hat; and a reusable water bottle. A torch, binoculars and a camera are also useful for wildlife observation. Because the Amazon is humid and has frequent rainfall, bring waterproof protection for your belongings.

The Colombian Amazon is home to extraordinary biodiversity, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts. During the tour, you may encounter pink and grey river dolphins, woolly monkeys, capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, colourful birds, frogs, tarantulas and many other fascinating rainforest creatures. Wildlife sightings depend on seasonal and environmental conditions and therefore cannot be guaranteed. For travellers whose primary interest is birdwatching, we also offer a specialist Amazon birdwatching tour focused on the region's most sought-after bird species.

Yes. One of the highlights is visiting a Murui Indigenous family and learning about their traditions, ancestral knowledge and relationship with the rainforest. You will discover the importance of cassava, traditional handicrafts and mambe, gaining a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture in the Amazon.

Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to Marasha Nature Reserve, located on the Peruvian side of the Amazon. You will spend one night in this beautiful rainforest setting, surrounded by nature, and enjoy a guided night exploration to discover the fascinating wildlife that becomes active after sunset.

All day tours and transfers included in the itinerary are insured, providing added security and peace of mind during scheduled activities. For complete protection, we strongly recommend arranging suitable international travel insurance for the full duration of your trip.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers.

A yellow fever vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting the Colombian Amazon. While it is not always mandatory, many health authorities advise vaccination when travelling to rainforest regions. If you have specific medical conditions or concerns, please consult your doctor before your trip.

Malaria is present in parts of the Colombian Amazon, although risk varies by area and season. Most travellers choose to take preventive measures such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves in the evenings and sleeping under mosquito nets. Some visitors also opt for antimalarial medication; your doctor or travel clinic can advise on the best option for you based on your health and itinerary.

Before your trip begins, we create a dedicated chat group with our operations team so you can easily reach us beforehand. You will also be accompanied by a bilingual local guide who provides cultural insight and on-the-ground support. 

We take special care of our guests, so you always feel supported, safe, and fully immersed in the local experience.

Colombia has changed significantly over the past decades, and many destinations are now well established for international tourism. As with any destination, travellers should take sensible precautions and follow local advice. Travelling with local guides and pre-arranged private transportation can also make your journey easier and more comfortable.