If you’re anything like me, the thought of the Amazon rainforest probably fills your mind with images of heat, rain, humidity, and all those creepy-crawly critters. snakes, spiders, and bugs galore! Welcome to the wild and wonderful Amazon!
Spanning over six countries in South America, visiting this incredible place is likely on your travel bucket list, and Colombia is the perfect launchpad for your journey.
Many travelers head to Leticia, Colombia, to dive into the Amazon with thrilling expeditions that let you encounter anacondas, playful monkeys, and even tarantulas (yikes!).
If your adventure doesn’t stop there and you’re planning to make your way to Iquitos, Peru, I’ve got your back! I’ve put together this fun and handy guide filled with all the tips, tricks, and info you need to navigate your boat journey safely from Colombia to Peru.
- Why Travel from Colombia to Peru by Boat?
- Visa and Passport Stamps
- Travel by Slow Boat/Cargo Boat
- Travel by Speed Boat
- Colombia to Peru by Boat – My Adventure
- Where to Stay in Leticia
- Where to stay in Iquitos
- Colombia to Peru by Boat – Final Words
Why Travel from Colombia to Peru by Boat?
Is it a silly question? Maybe, but hear me out! There are tons of reasons why some folks choose to take the boat instead of just hopping on a quick flight with Latam Airlines from Leticia to Peru. Sure, Leticia has an airport—it’s how you get there in the first place! So convenience isn’t exactly the draw here. Are you scared of flying? Looking for a more eco-friendly way to travel? Or maybe you’re just trying to stick to a budget? All totally valid! But for me, it was all about the adventure!
Imagine this: you board a cargo ship and find yourself on a three-day journey down the Amazon. Just you, your pals, some locals, and a mix of cows, sheep, chickens, and supplies bound for rural villages in the rainforest. If that doesn’t scream awesome adventure, I don’t know what does!
Visa and Passport Stamps
First things first, let’s tackle the most important stuff: getting your passport stamped. Without those, you’re not going anywhere—at least not legally. Leticia is part of the Amazon tri-border, where Colombia, Peru, and Brazil collide. You can hop around Leticia, Santa Rosa, and the Brazilian town of Tabatinga totally without border crossing, no checks, no visas, nothing. You can stroll between those three cities like you own the place. But if you’re itching to explore beyond that, just make sure to sort out your visa regulations and passport stamps.
How to get your Passport Stamps and Visa
If you’re ready to get your legal documents sorted, start your journey by making your way to Leticia Airport. Right next to the entrance, there’s a little office where you can stroll up and let the staff know you want to go to Iquitos in Peru. They’ll exit stamp you out of Colombia, and just like that, you’ve officially left!
Once you’re done, hop into a tuk-tuk and tell the driver you’re off to Santa Rosa. They’ll drop you off at a small port by the river, where you’ll catch a small boat to cross the river (which you’ll have to do to get to Santa Rosa)to the Peruvian side. It’ll only set you back about $1, and the locals are super friendly.
When you get off the boat, walk down the road heading away from the dock until you reach the first big junction. Take a right, and keep walking until you spot the immigration office for Peru on your left. Here’s where you’ll fill out a few forms. The lovely staff will give you your Peruvian entry stamp and hand you a little white ticket—don’t lose it! This ticket is your golden pass for leaving Peru legally.
When they ask how long you want to stay, just say two months—even if you’re planning to stay for just 14 days. The people will only grant you a visa for the number of days you tell them you’re planning on staying, so better to be safe than sorry, right? Once that’s all sorted and you got all your immigration stamps, you’re all set to legally sail from Leticia to Iquitos.
Travel by Slow Boat/Cargo Boat
I might have already mentioned this, but when it comes to getting from Colombia to Peru, you’ve got two options: the slow boat (which is basically a cargo boat) or the speedboat. Personally, I chose the slow boat because, for me, it’s all about the journey and the adventure. Why take the speedboat when I could just fly straight to Lima, right?
The slow boat takes about 3 to 4 days to cruise down the Amazon River from Leticia to Iquitos. And let me tell you, it’s quite the experience! You’ll be sharing the boat for three days with all sorts of cargo. Up on the upper deck and middle deck, you’ve got passengers and the canteen area, and down on the lower deck, that’s where all the supplies and cargo are—everything from rice and tinned foods to livestock like cows and chickens. I know, it sounds a bit wild, but this boat is a lifeline for all those small villages in the Amazon.
The slow boat is fairly affordable, and you can get a boat ticket for around $25 when you arrive.
Getting Ready for the Adventure
Before you set off on this epic journey, there are a few things you’ll want to prepare to ensure you have the best time on the boat.
First up, you’ll be on this boat for at least three days, and unfortunately, there are no cabins. That means everyone sleeps together in hammocks. This means that you’ll need to bring your own hammock, which you can get for about $15 at one of the shops by the dock. And don’t forget to also buy a couple of ropes to tie it up to the ceiling!
Now, let’s talk food. The ticket price covers three meals a day, which sounds awesome, but let’s be honest, it’s not exactly gourmet cuisine. Breakfast is often some stale bread paired with a sweet milky drink—definitely not quite up my alley! For lunch and dinner, you’ll be served a small portion of rice with a bit of chicken. My advice is to pack some extra snacks! Bring along fruits, dried goodies, or anything else that’ll keep you fueled for three days.
Also important: don’t forget to charge all your cameras and phones beforehand, and if you can, bring a power bank. Spoiler alert: there’s no Wi-Fi or power on the boat. But don’t worry, the scenery is absolutely stunning! Just make sure to pack some card games, and books, or download a few Netflix series to keep the good vibes going during downtime.
Travel by Speed Boat
If you’re planning to take the speed boat, get ready for a journey that’ll take about eight to ten hours, depending on the current weather. These small boats leave every day except Monday, usually around 3 or 4 am.
Once you land in Leticia, it’s time for a quick hop over the border into Brazil to buy your boat tickets. You can catch a taxi or hop on a tuk-tuk—it’s super easy since the Brazilian town of Tabatinga is right next door to Leticia, and there’s no border control, so no passport fuss! In Tabatinga, you’ll find two boat companies selling tickets: Transtur and Golphino. They alternate days for departures, so just choose the one that fits your schedule.
The ticket for the speedboat will cost you about $60, but it’s way more convenient and comfortable. So, if you’re not looking for the adventure of a cargo ship, this is definitely worth it.
Colombia to Peru by Boat – My Adventure
Alright, to give you a proper insight into what the journey is like, let me share a little glimpse into my personal experience. I hopped on the slow boat from Colombia to Peru, and wow, it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
The three-day ride on the cargo ship wasn’t exactly a luxury cruise, but it was packed with adventure and new friendships. I got to soak in the Amazon River in all its stunning glory—you get to see all kinds of colorful birds soaring above, pink dolphins splashing around in the river, and monkeys swinging through the trees along the shore. It was like a scene straight out of a nature documentary!
I had some amazing chats with locals and fellow travelers on board (I made some really good friends here who I continued to travel with after the boat trip), diving into different cultures and lifestyles. Visiting the rural villages in the Amazon and seeing the indigenous communities living alongside the river was such a fascinating and humbling experience. You really get a taste of their way of life, and it’s something I’ll never forget.
However, I won’t sugarcoat it—the boat journey was pretty exhausting, and it’s definitely not for everyone. The Amazon is super humid, so during the day, you’ll be sweaty, and at night, it gets cold and damp. The food is not great and barely enough for a grown adult, but I’m glad I brought plenty of snacks. After those three days, the only thing you want is a shower and a comfortable bed. Plus, that engine noise is insane, so if you can, bring some earplugs to save your ears!
Oh, and here’s a tip: making this journey with fellow travelers really amps up the experience. Going solo would definitely be a challenge, but having a crew makes it so much more fun!
Where to Stay in Leticia
If you’re taking the boat from Leticia to Iquitos, chances are you’ll be hanging out in Leticia for a bit beforehand. Leticia isn’t the most exciting city out there, so a day is probably all you need to explore. however, Leticia is super popular for amazing multi-day or even just one-day rainforest expeditions where you’ll meet some incredible animals and tribes living in the heart of the Amazon.
Here are some recommendations on where to stay in Leticia.
Hostel Casa de Las Palmas
This hostel was where I stayed at the beginning, and the staff was incredibly helpful when it came to joining Amazon rainforest expeditions and organizing tours. They also assist with the boat journey from Leticia to Iquitos if you’re feeling unsure. It’s always great to have genuine support at your hostel!
Click here for more information & bookings
Hotel Amazon Bed & Breakfast
This bed and breakfast offers a more comfortable option for those who prefer their own space. The rooms are spacious and clean, with free Wi-Fi and a delicious breakfast included. It’s also located in the heart of Leticia, making it easy to explore the city on foot.
Click here for more information & bookings
Where to stay in Iquitos
Iquitos is quite similar to Leticia in that it primarily serves as a launching pad for travelers eager to explore the Amazon and embark on adventures. However, Iquitos is significantly larger and more vibrant than Leticia. It reminded me of a bustling city in Asia, with thousands of bikes and tuk-tuks zipping around the streets. There’s definitely more action in Iquitos than in Leticia. I’ve got some great recommendations on where to stay in Iquitos for your visit.
Casa Morey
Casa Morey is probably my absolute favorite hotel in Iquitos. It’s a stunning colonial-style mansion that has been converted into a boutique hotel. The rooms are beautifully decorated, with colorful tiles and local artwork adorning the walls. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, and they even have an on-site restaurant serving up delicious Peruvian cuisine.
Click here for more information & bookings
Moicca Youth Hostel
If you’re on a budget, Moicca Youth Hostel is a fantastic option in Iquitos. It’s located right in the heart of the city and offers both private and dormitory-style rooms. The hostel has a great social atmosphere, with plenty of common areas to hang out and meet other travelers. They also organize tours to various parts of the Amazon, making it convenient for those seeking adventure.
Click here for more information & bookings
Colombia to Peru by Boat – Final Words
I hope this guide has given you a good overview of how to travel from Colombia to Peru by boat. It’s definitely an adventure worth considering, as it offers a unique and immersive experience in the Amazon rainforest. From super busy cities to calm indigenous villages, there’s so much diversity and beauty to be found along the way.
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of South America!
