Leticia
Leticia is a city in the Amazonas department of Colombia. It is part of a contiguous settlement that includes Tabatinga in Brazil. On a nearby island in the river is Santa Rosa, which is part of Peru. [edit] UnderstandLeticia is a small town of approximately 37,000 inhabitants situated on the north bank of the Amazon River. It is the capital of the state of Amazonas, Colombia’s southernmost town (4.09° south 69.57° west) as well as its only major port on the river. It has an elevation of 96 meters above the sea-level and an average temperature of 27 centigrade (80.6°F). Leticia’s public facilities include a hospital with 3 levels, an airport, and good telephone communication nationally and internationally with internet access capabilities. Water and energy services are acceptable. [edit] Get in[edit] ImmigrationMovement between all three countries' border towns is unrestricted; but of course, make sure you're stamped into the correct country if leaving the border area. Try to minimize the amount of times you go through immigration: i.e. if entering the region from one country and leaving from another, just get one exit and one entry stamp - even if you visit all three towns in this area. Anything more seems to annoy the immigration officers. The Colombian immigration office is at the airport, so if you're flying in and moving on to a different country you may as well get an exit stamp when you land. Don't wait several days between getting your exit stamp and the next entry stamp; however leaving it one day doesn't cause any problems. The Brazilian immigration office is located some way down Tabatinga's main avenue, Avenida da Amizade. The Peruvian immigration office in Santa Rosa is fairly central and easy to find, just ask someone. [edit] By planeYou can only get into this spectacular, tropical and adventurous town from Colombia by plane or boat. The only place connected to Leticia by a commercial airline is Bogota, there are daily flights with companies Aerorepublica (now Copa), Aires and Satena. The flight lasts two hours. On arrival to Leticia, non-Colombian citizens are directed to a different entry door to the airport, and the police will ask them for name, nationality and signature. In addition, non-Colombian tourist have to pay an entrance fee (Impuesto al turismo). The fee paper is colorful and it may seem that the representative is trying to sell you something if you don't understand Spanish. None of the officials may be able to speak English. Entrance fee was COP19000 in April 2012 and it's valid for one year. Tabatinga has flights to Manaus. [edit] By boatFrom Santa Rosa, across the river in Peru, you can take a fast (10hr, US$ 75 or 200 PEN) or slow (2-3 days, ~US$20-25, bring a hammock, plate and spoon - food is provided) boat to Iquitos [1]. Boats downstream towards Manaus, leave from Tabatinga. [edit] Get aroundMototaxis abound. It should be about 1000 COP from the center to the border with Brazil, more if you're going to the port. There are also motocarros, covered tricycle-type vehicles in which you're more protected from the elements. You can rent a moto or a bicycle in various points around town. [edit][add listing] See
[edit][add listing] DoBecause of its privileged position as a triple frontier and being very close to a tributary river Yavarí, Leticia can serve as the perfect base for eco-tourism activities as well as for the studies of wildlife and flora in the Amazon region. It can also be the perfect starting point for visiting indigenous tribes such as the Tikunas, Yaguas, Huitotos and Boras in the Amazonas [2] [3]. On the Yavarí river you can find the Yaguas and Mayorunas. Close to Leticia you can also find Amacayacu National Park which is on Colombian territory. On the Yavarí River there is also a natural Reserve. The ribera peruana is also a zone with virgin tropical forest. Amongst others in the ribera peruana, the Cayaru river can be found. Leticia also greets 2 or 3 tourist cruises in the season between March and April such as the MV World Explorer, MV Bremen, MV Le Levant. Celebrity guests also include the famous Mr. Bill Gates. Don't forget to have your yellow fever certificate ready, showing vaccination at least 10 days earlier. It is required and usually the check will be performed.
[edit] LearnAmazon Spanish College [5]. Learn Spanish, Amazon studies or participate in volunteer projects. Here international students from all over the world meet. Spanish courses include social and cultural activities. The Amazon Spanish College also arrange Eco-adventure excursions up the river and to the rainforest. Accommodation in bungalows at campus or in host family. [edit][add listing] BuyColombian, Brazilian and Peruvian money are all freely traded in all three towns. If getting the best rate matters, check out the rates at the money changers. [edit][add listing] EatLeticia is a melting pot for food even thought they commonly eat the same things each week each region of Colombia's delicacy are made here. For example, many people make Sancocho, a hearty soup, in different regions of Colombia. Each family will have its own variation. Common staples are meats baked together with potatoes, and sometimes vegetables, usually cooked over a stovetop in a pan. A usual Sunday meal might consist of grilled meats, cooked in makeshift charcoal grillers, served with rice and plantains.
[edit][add listing] Drink[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Get outSlow and fast boats leave from Santa Rosa to Iquitos. The fast boat (el rapido) leaves around 3 in the morning and the slow boat (la lancha) at 6 or 8 in the evening. Go to the port in Tabatinga for travel towards Manaus and Belém. Make sure to get your exit stamp at the DAS office in the airport, and your Peruvian enterance stamp at the office in Santa Rosa. It costs 3 Reais or 3,000 COP to make the trip in "bote" from Leticia's port to Santa Rosa (May 2012). There is a fast boat to Benjamin Constant that leaves around every half hour, or whenever it's full, from the port in Tabatinga, and it costs 20,000 COP.
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