Colombian Amazon
One of the Amazon's least visited corners
Covering almost a third of the country, the foothills of the Amazon basin run eastwards from the high Andean peaks down towards the Japura River that slowly meanders into Brazil and connects up with the mighty Amazon River. While there are many other countries in South America that boast an Amazonian experience, there are few that are still as untouched and interesting as visiting from the Colombian side.
Situated right in the very south eastern tip of the country is the main town of Leticia. As with many places in Colombia, the town was principally a stronghold for drug lords and gang members who were looking to use the jungle as a means of transporting their wares across the borders into Peru and Brazil. However, since the 1980s there has been a strong police presence in the town and, as such, it has become one of the many excellent destinations to tempt those that venture to Colombia.
As any good adventurer knows, the best way to see the jungle is via the many waterways that run as arteries into its depths. Leticia is the largest port in the region and so is the usual starting point for any itinerary. Until only recently it was still in the hands of the Peru and there is a very strong feeling when you visit this area that this is a region without the specific borders between Brazil, Peru and Colombia, a fact that is reflected in the manner in which your passport is not necessary to travel on an itinerary between the three areas.
The Amazon is still one of the greatest wonders in the world and never fails to impress with its myriad of colours, noises, animals and activities. Most of the itineraries to the area take in the region of 4 to 6 days and it is well worth making the journey to get here!