Puerto Nariño is the only town in Colombia where cars are not allowed. This quiet village sits in the middle of the Colombian Amazon and is easiest to reach from Leticia. The trip is special because it mixes natural beauty with care for nature. This article explains how you can travel from Leticia to Puerto Nariño by boat and shares some great tours you can enjoy on the way. Whether you love nature or just want a calm break, this trip is good choice.
How to get from Leticia to Puerto Nariño
Traveling from Leticia to Puerto Nariño is an exciting trip through the middle of the Amazon. One of the easiest ways to get there is by the express boat run by Expressos Unidos Tres Fronteras.
This lively ride not only takes you across the river but also shows you the amazing plants and animals of the rainforest. Located between Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, these rivers are an adventure on their own, letting you see unique animals and the different communities along the banks.
There are 3 departure times each day:
- 7 am
- 10 am
- 1:30 pm
Tickets cost 38,000 pesos (10 USD) per person and you need to show your passport or a phone photo.
| Tips: 🛶 The 7 am boat can sell out, so it’s best to buy your ticket a day before. 💵 Bring enough cash for your whole trip, as there’s no ATM in Puerto Nariño and cards are not accepted. |
Departure of the boat
As the boat leaves the busy dock, excitement fills the warm air, mixing with the sounds of the Amazon River. Passengers get on the small boat, looking at the green riverbanks that slowly move away, showing the lively life in Puerto Nariño.
The trip changes with the seasons. In the wet season, the river rises, giving a different experience as it winds through the rainforest, while in the dry season, hidden paths and calm shores appear.
| Tip: Meet at the ticket office 30 minutes before your boat. You can bring coffee or snacks while you wait. |
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Ride time and Comfort
The boat ride from Leticia to Puerto Nariño is more than just a way to travel, it’s a full experience that takes you into the heart of the Amazon. Think about moving along calm waters, with the green trees showing on the river, as you leave the busy town of Leticia behind.
Our boat from Leticia to Puerto Nariño had hard plastic seats.
The boat company on this route makes sure you are comfortable, with soft seats and plenty of space, making the trip enjoyable. The ride takes about two hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Amazon.
| Tip: If you can, ask if the boat has padded seats. But most likely, you will have to take the boat available that day. |
Our boat back from Puerto Nariño to Leticia was much more comfortable.
Where to buy your Return Tickets
Buying return tickets for your trip between Leticia and Puerto Nariño can make your travel easier. The easiest way to get your tickets is by going to local ticket offices in Leticia, where the staff can give you the latest boat times and choices that fit your schedule.
The easiest way is to ask the people at Puerto Nariño’s entrance who collect the tourist tax. They will show you where to go. Visiting these local offices not only helps with your travel plans but also lets you see the local culture.
Pay 15,000 pesos (4 USD) for the tourist tax when you arrive in Puerto Nariño.
In dry season, the boat uses this port, in wet season, it leaves from a bridge.
What to pack for Puerto Nariño
- Mosquito Repellent : A must for the Amazon. Spray works best, and covering your skin helps, but exposed areas will get bitten.
- Lightweight clothes: help protect from the sun and mosquitoes. Shorts and a t-shirt work, and you’ll need less sunscreen and repellent.
- Sunscreen and a hat: the sun is very strong in the Amazon. Use them to protect any skin that is exposed.
- Washable sneakers: regular running shoes worked for us. Our guide provided boots for jungle tours.
- Refillable water bottle: all places we stayed gave free cold water refills.
- Camera, GoPro, or phone: you’ll want to take photos.
Pack light clothes with long sleeves to protect from sun and bugs.
Where to stay in Puerto Nariño
Sitting along the beautiful banks of the Amazon, Puerto Nariño offers a mix of simple charm and lively wildlife experiences. For a full experience, try staying at Cabañas Alto del Aguila, where comfortable rooms blend with the green surroundings.
From your balcony, you might see playful monkeys in the trees or hear colorful macaws flying above. This close setting keeps you near nature all the time.
What to do in Puerto Nariño
There are many fun things to do in Puerto Nariño! We explain them all in our travel guide below.
- Climb the viewpoint for a great view
- Eat at a street BBQ in the evening
- Take a tour to Peru and see sloths
- Go on a boat ride and look for pink dolphins
- Try piranha fishing (we caught 3 types!)
- Go kayaking on the Amazon River
- Visit the Wochine fish farm
- Go on a night jungle tour
- See the Amazon Underwater Museum
- Visit or stay at Cabañas Alto del Aguila to see monkeys
- Take photos with all the monuments
Enjoy the boat ride from Leticia to Puerto Nariño – we saw dolphins
When the boat moved along the Amazon River from Leticia to Puerto Nariño, the excitement in the air was clear. This trip, often missed for more popular places in Colombia, shows the real beauty of the Amazon.
With each ripple in the water, we saw green trees, lots of wildlife, and surprises along the way. Suddenly, playful dolphins jumped from the water, their shapes shining in the morning light, a stunning reminder that nature is still wild here.
Final Thoughts
At the end of our trip from Leticia to Puerto Nariño, we saw dolphins swimming smoothly through the water. The mix of nature and adventure made the boat ride a trip we will never forget. The playful dolphins made our time in the Amazon even more exciting. From green landscapes to active wildlife, every moment was full of wonder. Don’t miss this amazing adventure.
FAQS
Q1. How do I get from Leticia to Puerto Nariño?
Ans. The easiest way to get from Leticia to Puerto Nariño is by boat. Boats leave several times a day from the main dock in Leticia, and the trip takes about 1.5–2 hours. You can buy tickets at the ticket office or in Puerto Nariño.
Q2. Is Leticia worth visiting?
Ans. Yes! Leticia is the main hub for exploring the Colombian Amazon. From here, you can visit Puerto Nariño, take boat rides, see wildlife, and explore local markets and culture.
Q3. Is it safe to see dolphins during the ride?
Ans. Yes, it’s generally safe to see dolphins in their natural home. Always watch them from a safe distance to respect wildlife.
Q4. Can I book the boat ride in advance?
Ans. Yes, many tour operators let you book your boat ride from Leticia to Puerto Nariño ahead of time for convenience.
Q5. What is the best time to spot dolphins?
Ans. The best times to see dolphins are early morning or late afternoon, when they are most active during the Amazon boat ride.