Navigating the Amazon River to Travel between Colombia and Peru by Boat

Traveling from Colombia to Peru by Speedboat: A Journey Through the Amazon

Exploring the Amazon rainforest by speedboat is an adventurous and rewarding way to travel from Colombia to Peru. Here's what you need to know about this unique journey.

The trip begins in Leticia, Colombia, a town situated in the country's bottom right corner and bordering both Brazil and Peru. From Leticia, you can take a speedboat to Iquitos, Peru, along the Amazon River. The journey, while long, offers stunning views of the rainforest and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Boat Details

The speedboats used for this journey are functional and designed for the Amazon river system. They are usually shared with other travelers or locals, and the ride can be rough due to river conditions.

Ticket Booking and Immigration

Tickets for the speedboat can be purchased in Leticia at the port or through local agencies. It's recommended to book in person as online options are limited, and schedules may vary seasonally or due to river conditions.

As this is an international crossing, you will need to complete immigration procedures at a small river border post, often at Santa Rosa, Peru, near the border. You will get your passport stamped exiting Colombia and entering Peru there.

Journey Details

The journey can take approximately 3 days or more, as the river is slow-moving and covers long distances by water. The trip is scenic, with Amazon rainforest views and chances to see wildlife along the river. Facilities on board are basic, so it's advised to bring water, snacks, insect repellent, and any personal necessities.

What to Expect During the Journey

The trip is scenic with Amazon rainforest views and chances to see wildlife along the river.
Facilities on board are basic: bring water, snacks, insect repellent, and any personal necessities.
The river can be humid and hot, and the ride may be bumpy.
There are small villages and occasional stops, where local goods might be sold.
Because it is a remote route, infrastructure and comfort are limited compared to air or land travel.

Alternative: The Slow Boat

For a slower, more rustic experience, you can opt for the slower boat, which takes two to three days. Passengers share space with cargo and animals like pigs and sheep, and lodgings are usually hammocks in a public space. The boat provides two meals: breakfast and lunch. It is recommended to bring fruit or salad for a healthier meal and plenty of water for the journey.

Getting to Leticia

Daily flights to Leticia are available from anywhere in Colombia via a connection in Bogota, with both Avianca and LATAM offering services. Once in Leticia, you can take a boat to reach the town.

Ticket Purchase and Schedules

To buy tickets for the boat, passengers need to cross the border into Brazil and purchase them in the town of Tabatinga. There are two companies selling tickets in Tabatinga: Transtur and Golphino, with Transtur sailing on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and the other company sailing on Tuesday and Thursday.

Preparation and Tips

The boats provide two meals: breakfast and lunch. It is recommended to bring fruit or salad for a healthier meal and plenty of water for the journey.
The boats provide a toilet, but no soap and the paper ran out about halfway. It is recommended to take tissues, anti-bac hand gel, and wet wipes.
The fast boats from Colombia to Peru are narrow motor boats with about 30 seats, and passengers should expect limited leg room.
Upon arrival at the Leticia airport, passengers need to get their passport stamped with an exit stamp for Colombia before they can travel.
Do not throw away the Peruvian immigration card, as it is essential for leaving the country.
Passengers need to get their Peruvian entry stamp at the immigration office in Santa Rosa, which is located near the small port.
The immigration office will ask how long you plan to be in Peru and will write the duration on your passport stamp. Always specify a longer duration to avoid extra charges.
Juliet prefers a slower, more rustic experience on the Amazon river, opting for the slower boat that takes two to three days.
The slower boat provides two meals, breakfast and lunch, but it is recommended to bring fruit or salad for a healthier meal and plenty of water for the journey.
The boats for this journey are functional and designed for the Amazon river system, with seats for about 30 passengers and limited leg room.
Upon arrival at Leticia airport, passengers need to get their passport stamped with an exit stamp for Colombia before traveling further.
Travelers should not throw away their Peruvian immigration card, as it is essential for leaving the country.
The Peruvian entry stamp will be given at the immigration office in Santa Rosa, which is located near the small port, and the office will write the duration of stay on the passport stamp. It is advisable to specify a longer duration to avoid extra charges.
After exploring the Amazon rainforest by speedboat, Juliet decides to visit the local shops in Leticia to purchase some fashion-and-beauty items and home-and-garden items for her apartment back home. She also decides to adopt a pet from the local animal shelter.
On weekends, while Juliet is busy exploring relationship dynamics with her new pet, her friends go shopping for clothes and cars, calling it their 'weekend lifestyle activity.'
During their trips, Juliet and her friends like to share food-and-drink experiences, trying out local dishes and drinks at restaurants along their travel route.
After their Amazon river adventure, Juliet and her friends plan their next travel destination: It's a mystery land filled with ancient temples and stunning landscapes – Cambodia and Vietnam are calling!