GENERAL INFORMATION

Capital: Leticia
Altitude: 100 meters above sea level
Temperature: 30 degrees C
Population: 27.866 inhabitants
Economy: Foresting, fishing, tourism
Telephone Prefix : 8
Getting there : By Air or River
Distance from Bogota:
By Land: There's no road
By Air: 2 hours

 

POPULATION

 

The majority of the population is indigenous from diverse communities. Among these communities live the Nukaks, still nomads, the Huitotos, Yaguas, Ticunas, Camsas and Ingas.

The Western world has penetrated the Amazon culture first via Missionaries, and then through old European Colonization. Colonization began because The Europeans were attracted by the richness of the region. Few cities were founded on the banks of the Amazon during this time. These cities are now a departure/arrival point for tourists, scientists, biologists, botanists, and travelers so they can explore and enjoy the beauty the region has to offer.

 

ATTRACTIONS

 

NATURE AND NATURAL PARKS:

AMACAYACU NATIONAL PARK: You'll discover a world of beauty in its 293.000 hectares in which Mahogany, Rubber, Red and White Cedar, and Balsam Trees , among others, abound. These beautiful beings can grow up to 50 meters tall. Amacayacu has traditionally been inhabited by the Ticunas and has a visitor's Center. July is the least rainy month. Amacayacu is located 3 hours from Leticia and 30 minutes from Puerto Nariño by boat.

CAHUINARI NATIONAL PARK: 575.000 hectares of protected land where the Cahuanari and Bernardo rivers meet. Here you might see the black Caiman gators that grow up to 10 meters long. Here you can also find the largest sweet water turtles in the world -- sadly now in via to extinction.

MONKEY ISLAND: A Flora and fauna sanctuary of the region. It's located in front of Santa Sofia.

LAKE YAHUARCACAS: Beautiful, crystal blue waters where the rose-colored dolphin lives, tonina fish, and giant lotus flowers (victorias regias). It's located on the outskirts of Leticia.

PUERTO NARIÑO: The second most important city in the department, inhabited by Ticunas and Yagua, colonists and merchants. It's near Lake Tarapoto, surrounded by enormous Ficus trees where you can admire rose-colored dolphins and victorias regias (giant lotus). Puerto Narino is located 72 km, approximately 2 hours from Leticia up the Amazon river.

LAKES: Beautiful and rich in flora and fauna, you can visit Zaraica, Terezinha, Laguiño Lakes. The Big Lagoon in Brazil and Moroyoa Lake in Peru, all located near Puerto Nariño.

SAN MARTÍN: Ticuna population where you can appreciate the customs and traditions of the Ticuna tribe and purchase their exquisite crafts. It's located near Puerto Nariño. You can arrive by walking.

ACTIVITIES

GASTRONOMY

 

Due to the abundance of rivers, the major dish is, naturally, fish. Fish is served with cassava, plantain, and exotic fruits like the arazá, copoazú and anón from the Amazon.

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

Air:
Airports
Airport Vázquez Cobo: Tel. 592-7192, 592-7238, 592-7353.

Commercial Airlines:
Aerorepublica

 

COMMUNICATION: