Puerto Nariño Amazon Guide: Wildlife, Tours & Indigenous Culture
Strike a pose at the colorful LETICIA letters in the heart of Leticia, Colombia—the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest.
Why Visit Puerto Nariño? Your Gateway to the Colombian Amazon
Learn here more reasons on why Puerto Nariño is considered an amazing low cost Colombian Amazon destination; it offers authentic rainforest experience which is not comparable in some other Amazon accurate destinations. Puerto Nariño is located just hours from Leticia enabling you to be a base town to explore the Amazon basin and easily access both Peru and Brazil. This indigenous town is car-free, making it an ideal place to relax.
Leticia Port: A humble yet bustling gateway connecting travelers to the wonders of the Amazon, including Puerto Nariño, Peru, and other remote rainforest towns
Must-See Experience: Leticia's Famous Parrot Gathering
Witness nature’s greatest show before you head to Puerto Nariño. At Leticia, thousands of emerald green parrots gather at Santander Park to applaud the sunset. The Andes emerald green parrot is a must-see before the sunset wreathed in vivid colors at 6:00 PM. Its combination with the symphony of parrots makes it so that you do not miss this in Amazonia.
Where to Stay in Leticia
After the mesmerizing parrot gathering in Santander Park, keep in mind that no boats depart for Puerto Nariño in the evening. This means you’ll need to spend one night in Leticia before continuing your journey.
During our visit, we chose to stay a little outside the town center in a peaceful retreat nestled in a patch of jungle--Madreselva. This hidden gem offers a tranquil escape with comfortable accommodations, excellent service, and an unbeatable price-quality ratio. Surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect place to unwind and prepare for your Amazon adventure. We highly recommend it for travelers seeking a quiet and authentic experience close to Leticia!
During our visit, we chose to stay a little outside the town center in a peaceful retreat nestled in a patch of jungle--Madreselva. This hidden gem offers a tranquil escape with comfortable accommodations, excellent service, and an unbeatable price-quality ratio. Surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect place to unwind and prepare for your Amazon adventure. We highly recommend it for travelers seeking a quiet and authentic experience close to Leticia!
Enjoying a serene moment at our hotel restaurant in Leticia, surrounded by lush plants and a charming little pond.
How to Get to Puerto Nariño
From Leticia, the only way to reach Puerto Nariño is by boat.
- Public Boats: Depart from Leticia’s main port daily. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and costs around $10–$15 USD.
- Private Speedboats: Faster and more flexible, but costlier ($50+ USD).
- Tour Packages: Some agencies offer multi-day packages that include transportation, lodging, and excursions.
Best Daily Excursions in Puerto Nariño
Most of the tourists get their excursions once they arrive in Puerto Nariño. Unless you are not staying in a lodge, you get to organize your excursions. Especially if you arrive early in Puerto Nariño, you wouldn't want to waste your first day. Below, is how you can find tours and organize your excursions during your stay:
How to find an excursion in Puerto Nariño
- Look for local tour signs: Pay attention to the signboard hung in front of the houses. Locals propose some tours to the tourists with their canoes. You may obtain a good private tour deal with a little negotiation.
- Ask your guesthouse host: You can ask the owner of your guesthouse for a tour. But it will depend on how good he is connected to find a good deal and it may be more expensive for you as he may also be taking a commission.
- Hire a professional travel agent: If you are willing to get a full experience and do not want to miss any details, then you need to pay a little more and get a professional travel agent. Sebastian is a highly recommended and dynamic young travel agent, offering lots of excursions. His office is just in front of the Puerto Nariño Police Station. You can also ask to personalize any of the tours you like according to your schedule.
Top Amazon Tours & Excursions from Puerto Nariño
Tarapoto Lakes (Lagos de Tarapoto)
1. Tarapoto Lakes (Lagos de Tarapoto)A designated RAMSAR site (an internationally protected wetland of ecological importance), the Tarapoto Wetlands Complex features interconnected lakes teeming with biodiversity. This ecosystem sustains Ticuna, Cocama, and Yagua indigenous communities and attracts Amazonian wildlife such as pink river dolphins, pirarucu fish, crocodiles, piranhas, anacondas, and numerous bird species. Surprisingly, swimming in these waters is safe. The tour also includes a visit to the Santa Clara Tarapoto Community.Along the Loretoyacu River, you will see extraordinary views. The tour offers a stop in the indigenous Santa Clara Tarpoto Community and snacks.
- Cost: $20 USD (group) | 90,000 COP (private)
- Duration: 4 hours (If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 3 hours.)
Taking a refreshing dip in the pristine waters of Tarapoto Lakes (Lagos de Tarapoto), a breathtaking RAMSAR-protected wetland in the Colombian Amazon.
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Mocagua Village & Monkey Sanctuary (Maikuchiga Foundation)
Mocagua is an eco-friendly Amazonian village powered by solar panels. While Puerto Nariño is the main tourist hub, Mocagua offers a quieter alternative with guesthouses like La Ceiba. The star of the village is the Maikuchiga Foundation, a monkey rehabilitation center founded by biologist Sara Bennett. The sanctuary rescues monkeys from illegal trafficking, focusing on the endangered woolly monkey (Lagothrix lagothricha). A truly magnificent experience awaits you to interact with the free and affectionate monkeys and learn about the efforts of the conservation. In the rainy season, you can reach the sanctuary by canoe. The local guide will provide you with a lot of information on the way to the foundation in the jungle and once you arrive, the manager also gives you a speech of 10 minutes.
- Cost: $45 USD (group) | 180,000 COP (private) (includes lunch and sanctuary fee)
- Duration: 8 hours (5 hours if private). If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 5 hours.
If you want to visit this sanctuary independently, then you can contact La Ceiba Guesthouse to arrange a local guide. - PRO -TIP: Bring your insect repeller with you!
CACAO ISLAND (PERU), SAN ANTONIO VILLAGE and SLOTHS
A 20-minute boat ride from Puerto Nariño you can reach to Cacao Island, in Peru territories. As soon as you embark you can take a picture with the Peruvian flag and pay the entrance tax. Then your jungle trek will start towards one of the world’s largest trees and then San Antonio Village. Depending on the season, you'll either walk for 3 hours (dry season) or take a canoe ride (rainy season). San Antonio Village visit is really interesting as they do sustainable agriculture; a raised vegetable garden and different types of fruit trees brought by a lady who has been abroad.
The most interesting thing about San Antonio is to observe sloths on the high trees at the backyards of the indigenous houses. On the Amazon River, you may also see pink and grey river dolphins.
The most interesting thing about San Antonio is to observe sloths on the high trees at the backyards of the indigenous houses. On the Amazon River, you may also see pink and grey river dolphins.
- Cost: $20 USD (group) | 120,000 COP (private)
JUNGLE TREKKING DAY OR NIGHT
With almost all the tours, you have the opportunity to walk in the jungle during the day. A night walk in the wilderness is something else. You will have a local guide with a machete and will spot nocturnal animals which will give you repeated goosebumps.
This tour costs 18 USD/50.000COP if you are in a group and 95.000 COP if you want privately.
The duration is around 3 hours in groups. If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 1,5-2 hours.
This tour costs 18 USD/50.000COP if you are in a group and 95.000 COP if you want privately.
The duration is around 3 hours in groups. If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 1,5-2 hours.
MALOCA MORUAPU TOUR
Maloca Moruapu is one of the most spiritual centres of the region where you will testimony ancestral knowledge by the elderly wise through ceremonies and rituals. You will share their vision of the universe participating in a painting workshop and traditional games. It may seem to be touristy when you are in a group.
This tour costs 20 USD/60.000COP if you are in a group and 80.000 COP if you want privately.
The duration is around 3 hours in groups. If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 2 hours.
This tour costs 20 USD/60.000COP if you are in a group and 80.000 COP if you want privately.
The duration is around 3 hours in groups. If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 2 hours.
SANTA TERESA COMMUNITY
Along the Loretoyacu River, you will travel for 30 minutes and observe several riverside communities and their transporting products and passengers.
This trip will enable you to interact with a local indigenous community and hear their stories and experience three hours of deep jungle trekking.
This tour costs 20 USD/60.000COP if you are in a group and 100.000 COP if you want privately.
The duration is around 4 hours in groups. If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 3 hours
This trip will enable you to interact with a local indigenous community and hear their stories and experience three hours of deep jungle trekking.
This tour costs 20 USD/60.000COP if you are in a group and 100.000 COP if you want privately.
The duration is around 4 hours in groups. If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 3 hours
SAN MARTIN DE AMACAYACU
San Martin de Amacayacu is a community of about 500 Tikuna indigenous inhabitants located in the jungle of the Amacayacu National Park, on the shores of the Amacayacu river and at about 8km from Puerto Nariño. The tours usually include a trail to cross the jungle on a 7km wooden bridge and encounter indigenous people and their traditions. Additionally a lunch in the local community and boat tour for about an hour.
This tour costs 24USD/70.000COP if you are in a group and 100.000 COP if you want privately.
The duration is around 8 hours in groups. If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 5 hours
This tour costs 24USD/70.000COP if you are in a group and 100.000 COP if you want privately.
The duration is around 8 hours in groups. If you go privately and need to squeeze in other tours, can be done in 5 hours
Where to Stay in Puerto Nariño
- Budget: Hammock hostels and small guesthouses ($10–$20 USD per night)
- Mid-Range: Eco-lodges with private rooms ($30–$60 USD per night)
- Luxury: Exclusive jungle lodges with full-board packages ($100+ USD per night)
Local Cuisine & Dining
- Try traditional Amazonian dishes, such as pirarucu fish, cassava bread, and exotic fruits.
- Best Restaurants: El Mirador, Las Margaritas, and local food stalls at the port.
PACKING LIST FOR PUERTO Nariño
- Insect repellent (high DEET content)
- Light, breathable clothing
- Waterproof bag & rain gear
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Headlamp or flashlight (for night treks)