Leticia & Puerto Nariño Amazon Guide: Wildlife, Tours, Indigenous Culture & Top Travel Tips
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Why Visit Puerto Nariño? Your Gateway to the Colombian Amazon
Puerto Nariño is an amazing low-cost solution for those who want to visit the Amazon on a budget. Located 85 km from Colombia’s Amazon capital, Leticia, Puerto Nariño is an authentic village and a perfect base to explore the Amazon basin. Thanks to its position on the Amazon River, it offers easy access to both the Peruvian and Brazilian sides of the Amazonian Rainforest. This indigenous town is car-free, making it an ideal place to relax.
Puerto Nariño vs Leticia: Which is the Best Base to Explore the Amazonas in Colombia?
You will arrive in Leticia, the capital of Colombia’s Amazon region. It is a somewhat busy city and offers a wide range of luxury and budget accommodation options. If you are a bit picky about where you stay, you may prefer to make Leticia your base and take daily trips into the Amazon Rainforest. However, this option can be a bit costlier and will require spending several hours on a boat each day, which may lead to exhaustion. Additionally, you won’t fully experience nature, as the city center can be quite noisy and dirty.
A much better option is to choose your base in an indigenous town that offers basic tourist services, like Puerto Nariño. There are other smaller villages near Puerto Nariño, but the limited options for daily tours may make your experience more expensive. Puerto Nariño is the best option—not only economically, but also for getting in touch with the indigenous people who rely on tourism for their livelihood and are dedicated to preserving the environment. The town is car-free, with a strong emphasis on sustainable energy options like solar power and responsible waste management practices.
Must-See Experience: Leticia's Famous Parrot Gathering
To reach Puerto Nariño, you must fly to Leticia, the capital of Colombia’s Amazon Region. You will probably stay one night there.
While Leticia is a small city with limited attractions, one must-see experience is the parrot gathering show at sunset.
This spectacular natural event takes place every day at 6 p.m. in Santander Park, where thousands of colorful parrots gather to find a place to spend the night and interact with each other. It’s not a staged show but a remarkable wildlife phenomenon that happens without fail. If you’re visiting the Colombian Amazon, don’t miss this unique birdwatching experience in Leticia! When we were waiting there, we thought it wouldn’t happen, but after 6:10 p.m., all of a sudden, the rumble of thousands of parrots passing over our heads surprised us. We will never forget this experience, and I strongly recommend it.
Where to Stay in Leticia
Of course, you mustn’t miss the parrot gathering in Santander Park, a breathtaking natural spectacle in Leticia. Keep in mind that no boats depart for Puerto Nariño in the evening after sunset, meaning you’ll need to spend one night in Leticia before continuing your journey into the Amazon.
Leticia is a small city, but the center can be a bit noisy. There are many hotel options—both budget and high-end—but you don’t have to stay in the city center or near the port. Transportation in Leticia is easy, with tuk-tuks readily available and Uber also working in the area. So, my recommendation is to choose a peaceful setting to relax, even outside the city.
During our visit, we chose to stay a little outside the town center in a peaceful retreat nestled within the jungle—Madreselva. This hidden gem in Leticia offered a tranquil escape with comfortable accommodations, excellent service, and an unbeatable price-quality ratio. Surrounded by lush nature, it’s the perfect place to unwind and prepare for your Amazon adventure. We highly recommend it for travelers seeking a quiet and authentic experience near Leticia!
How to Get to Puerto Nariño from Leticia
Puerto Nariño is a car-free town. From Leticia, the only way to reach Puerto Nariño is by boat.
- Public Boats: Depart from Leticia’s main port daily. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and costs around $10–$15 USD.
- Private Speedboats: Faster and more flexible, but costier ($50+ USD).
- Tour Packages: Some agencies offer multi-day packages that include transportation, lodging, and excursions.
Best Daily Excursions in Puerto Nariño: How to Organize Your Tours
Most of the tourists get their excursions once they arrive in Puerto Nariño. Unless you are not staying in a lodge, you get to organize your excursions. Especially if you arrive early in Puerto Nariño, you wouldn’t want to waste your first day. Below, is how you can find tours and organize your excursions during your stay:
How to find an excursion in Puerto Nariño
Look for Local Tour Signs Pay attention to the signboards in front of houses. Many locals offer canoe tours for tourists. With a little negotiation, you can often find a great deal for a private tour.
Ask Your Guesthouse Host You can always ask the owner of your guesthouse about arranging a tour. However, it depends on how well-connected your host is. While this can be convenient, it might cost a bit more since your host may take a commission for the arrangement.
Hire a professional travel agent: If you are willing to get a full experience and do not want to miss any details, then you need to pay a little more and get a professional travel agent. We were lucky enough to find Sebastian, who is well-known in town—everyone will point you in his direction if you ask. His travel agency is located just in front of the Puerto Nariño Police Station. Additionally, he can personalize tours based on your schedule.
Top Amazon Tours & Excursions from Puerto Nariño
1- Tarapoto Lakes (Lagos de Tarapoto)
Tarapoto Lakes (Lagos de Tarapoto) is one of the favorite destinations for daily tours in Puerto Nariño. These interconnected lakes have ecological importance, as they sustain diverse species and are an internationally protected wetland area known as a RAMSAR site. This ecosystem supports Ticuna, Cocama, and Yagua indigenous communities and attracts Amazonian wildlife such as pink river dolphins, pirarucu fish, crocodiles, piranhas, anacondas, and numerous bird species.
Surprisingly, swimming in these waters is safe, although our guide told us after we swam in the lake that there are also anacondas! The tour also includes a visit to the Santa Clara Tarapoto Community. Along the Loretoyacu River, you will experience extraordinary views. The tour offers a stop at the indigenous Santa Clara Tarapoto Community, where snacks are provided.
- Cost: $20 USD (group) | 90,000 COP (private)
- Duration: 4 hours (If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, it can be done in 3 hours.)
2- Mocagua Village & Monkey Sanctuary (Maikuchiga Foundation)
While Puerto Nariño is the main tourist hub, its neighbor Mocagua offers a quieter alternative with a few guesthouses, the most famous being La Ceiba.
The highlight of the village is the Maikuchiga Foundation, a renowned monkey rehabilitation center. This sanctuary rescues monkeys from illegal wildlife trafficking, with a strong focus on the endangered woolly monkey.
These monkeys are incredibly cheeky and affectionate. The sanctuary itself is a small hut in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Once rehabilitated, most monkeys return to the wild and live in the surrounding forest. However, they can’t resist stopping by the sanctuary for lunch! 🙂 If you visit around 1 PM, you’ll witness the spectacular sight of monkeys swinging through the trees, using their strong arms to reach their much-anticipated meal.
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering the chance to interact with free-roaming monkeys while learning about vital wildlife conservation efforts. During the rainy season, the sanctuary is accessible by canoe. A local guide will provide fascinating insights along the way, and upon arrival, the foundation’s manager will give a short 10-minute presentation.
I thought I was prepared, but my husband got swarmed by mosquitoes the moment we arrived! 😅 Our guide reminded us that chemical repellents are harmful to the monkeys, so we had to be careful. Lesson learned: apply a natural mosquito repellent before coming! You’ll enjoy the monkeys without becoming a feast yourself. 😉
- Cost: $45 USD (group) | 180,000 COP (private) (includes lunch and sanctuary fee)
- Duration: 8 hours (5 hours if private). If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 5 hours.
If you want to visit this sanctuary independently, then you can contact La Ceiba Guesthouse to arrange a local guide. - PRO -TIP: Bring your insect repeller with you!
3- Cacao Island (Peru), San Antonio Village and Sloths
A 20-minute boat ride from Puerto Nariño will take you to Cacao Island, located in Peruvian territory. As soon as you arrive, you can capture a memorable photo with the Peruvian flag and pay the entrance tax.
Your jungle adventure begins with a trek leading to one of the world’s largest trees before reaching San Antonio Village. Depending on the season, your journey will either be a 3-hour hike during the dry season or a canoe ride through flooded forests in the rainy season.
A visit to San Antonio Village is truly fascinating, as the community practices sustainable agriculture. You’ll see raised vegetable gardens and a variety of fruit trees, introduced by a local woman who traveled abroad and brought back valuable agricultural knowledge.
One of the most magical experiences in San Antonio is spotting sloths high up in the trees, right in the backyards of indigenous homes. As you explore the Amazon River, you may also witness the graceful pink and grey river dolphins, a breathtaking sight unique to this region.
- Cost: $20 USD (group) | 120,000 COP (private)
Duration: 4 hours – If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 3 hours.
4- Jungle Trekking Day or Night
With almost every tour, you’ll have the chance to walk through the jungle during the daylight hours. But a night walk in the Amazon rainforest is a completely different experience! 🌙✨
Guided by a local expert wielding a machete, you’ll venture into the wilderness, spotting nocturnal creatures that will send chills down your spine. 🦉🕷️🐍
This thrilling night tour costs $18 USD (50,000 COP) per person in a group setting or 95,000 COP for a private tour.
The experience lasts around 3 hours for group tours. If you choose a private tour and need to fit other activities into your schedule, the walk can be shortened to 1.5–2 hours.
5- Maloca Moruapu Tour
Maloca Moruapu is a truly special place—one of the most spiritual centers in the region, where ancestral wisdom is passed down through ceremonies and rituals led by the community’s elders. Here, you won’t just observe their traditions—you’ll be part of them. From taking part in a painting workshop to playing traditional games, you’ll get a glimpse into their unique way of seeing the universe. The experience also includes a short, easy jungle walk, adding to the immersion in their natural surroundings.
Visiting as part of a group might feel a bit touristy at first, but it’s the only real way to connect with these Indigenous people who continue to live by the traditions of their ancestors. The experience costs $20 USD (60,000 COP) per person in a group or 80,000 COP for a private tour. Group tours last about 3 hours, but if you’re short on time and opt for a private visit, it can be done in two hours.
6- Santa Teresa Community
This tour takes you deep into the Amazon rainforest, to a community barely touched by modernity. The journey begins with a scenic boat ride along the Loretoyacu River, followed by a short walk through the jungle, surrounded by towering trees and lush vegetation.
Once in the village, the community members will welcome you and share their way of life. You’ll see firsthand their traditional farming techniques, learn about their agricultural solutions, and hear stories passed down through generations. Through their explanations and daily activities, you’ll gain a rare insight into a culture deeply connected to the rainforest.
This is more than a tour—it’s a chance to experience the Amazon through the eyes of those who have called it home for centuries.
This tour costs 24USD/70.000COP if you are in a group and 100.000 COP if you want privately.
The duration is around 8 hours in groups. If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 5 hours
7- San Martin de Amacayacu
San Martin de Amacayacu is a community of about 500 Tikuna indigenous inhabitants located in the jungle of the Amacayacu National Park, on the shores of the Amacayacu River and at about 8km from Puerto Nariño. The tour includes a trail to cross the jungle on a 7km wooden bridge and encounter indigenous people and their traditions. Additionally a lunch in the local community and boat tour for about an hour. During the boat trip dolphin spotting is possible.
This tour costs 24USD/70.000COP if you are in a group and 100.000 COP if you want privately.
The duration is around 8 hours in groups. If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 5 hours.
Where to Stay in Puerto Nariño
If you’re looking for luxury accommodations, it’s best to stay in Leticia, as Puerto Nariño and its surrounding communities mainly offer modest stays. Here, simplicity is part of the experience, allowing you to fully embrace the Amazon’s natural environment.
- 💰 Budget ($10–$20 USD per night) – A few hostels and guesthouses offer affordable stays, sometimes with hammock options or basic rooms with shared bathrooms.
- 🌿 Standard ($30–$60 USD per night) – The most common option, these eco-lodges and small guesthouses provide private rooms, usually with a fan and simple amenities. Some may have shared bathrooms.
Accommodations here focus on sustainability and integration with nature, so expect basic comforts rather than luxury. Adapting to the jungle lifestyle is part of the adventure—and a great way to respect and protect this incredible ecosystem. We stayed at Maiku in Puerto Nariño—simple yet charming! The lush garden was a peaceful retreat, and the panoramic terrace offered stunning views of the jungle.
Local Cuisine & Dining
The best places to eat? Simply the ones you see! We loved exploring hidden family-run eateries, often packed with locals, which felt way more authentic than the more touristy options.
If you’re here, definitely try some traditional Amazonian dishes like pirarucu fish, crispy cassava bread, and a variety of exotic jungle fruits you won’t find anywhere else.
Sometimes, the best meals are the ones you stumble upon—so don’t be afraid to wander and try something new.
Packing List for Puerto Nariño – What You Really Need
Packing for Puerto Nariño is all about comfort, protection, and practicality—you’re heading deep into the jungle, where humidity, rain, and mosquitoes are all part of the adventure. Here’s what you shouldn’t leave behind:
✅ Insect Repellent (High DEET or Natural Alternative) – Mosquitoes are relentless here, so a strong repellent is a must. If you prefer a natural option, citronella or eucalyptus-based sprays work too.
👕 Light, Breathable Clothing – The Amazon is hot and humid, so stick to loose, quick-drying clothes. Long sleeves and pants help protect against insects.
🌧 Waterproof Bag & Rain Gear – Sudden downpours are common, so a light rain jacket or poncho is essential. A dry bag will keep your phone, camera, and essentials safe from unexpected rain or boat splashes.
🥾 Comfortable Hiking Shoes or Sandals – Jungle paths can be muddy and uneven, so sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes are best. If you’re moving between boats and trails, a good pair of hiking sandals also works.
🔦 Headlamp or Flashlight (for Night Treks) – Electricity is limited in some places, and night walks in the jungle are an incredible experience—just make sure you can see where you’re going!
💦 Reusable Water Bottle & Purification Tablets – Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste by bringing a refillable bottle. Water purification tablets or a portable filter are useful if you need to drink from natural sources.
🧢 Hat & Sunglasses – The sun can be intense, especially on boat rides. A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses help protect from the glare.
📷 Camera or Binoculars – Wildlife sightings are incredible here. A camera with good zoom or a pair of binoculars will make spotting monkeys, birds, and pink dolphins even more exciting.
🎒 Small Daypack – A lightweight, comfortable backpack is great for carrying essentials on jungle walks and boat trips.
The key is to pack light but smart—you don’t need much, but having the right gear will make your experience way more comfortable! 🌿🎒
