Leticia in 3 Days for Couples - Private jungle cabin stay with a Ticuna family
In Collaboration with Oxígeno Amazonas. Updated on March 26, 2026.
A private 3-day expedition that combines a night with a Ticuna family in the jungle, an eco-friendly night in Puerto Nariño, a cross-border visit into Peru, silent kayaking in the flooded forest, and wildlife safaris — all with a private guide and boat.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Oxígeno Amazonas, inspired by the tour 3-Day Amazon Essence: Private Culture & Nature Journey. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private jungle cabin stay with a Ticuna family
- Overnight in eco-friendly Puerto Nariño (AC)
- Cross-border visit to San Antonio del Cacao (Peru) to search for sloths
- Silent kayaking in the flooded Loretoyacu forest
- Tarapoto lakes sunset with pink and gray dolphins and night caiman safari
Itinerary
Day 1
Airport pickup — meet and transfer to the river dock
Pickup at Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport (Leticia) and transfer to the river dock to board the fast boat to Puerto Nariño. Meet your private guide and confirm luggage storage arrangements.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your passport and ID handy at pickup — the guide will confirm passenger details before boarding.
- Travel light for the jungle night; leave large suitcases in secure luggage storage as instructed in the tour notes.
- Wear comfortable, insect-repellent-treated clothing for the short transfer; mornings can be humid—a light long-sleeve is useful.
Fast boat ride Leticia → Puerto Nariño (river transfer)
Scenic fast-boat transfer along the Amazon River to Puerto Nariño (approx. 70 km route). Short stops as needed; arrive to the Puerto Nariño dock for a town orientation.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light waterproof layer or poncho in case of spray from the river during the boat transfer.
- Keep cameras and phones in waterproof cases or dry bags — river spray is common on fast boats.
- Motion sensitivity: if you’re prone to seasickness, take prevention before boarding (morning departures are typically smoother).
Puerto Nariño orientation & walk into the jungle (approx. 2 km)
Short guided walk through Puerto Nariño (town orientation) followed by an approximate 2 km jungle trail to reach Don Carlos’ (Ticuna) family cabin. Time to settle, meet the hosts, and learn about local traditions.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear long, light-colored clothing and thick socks provided for rubber boots to reduce insect bites and chafing during the jungle walk.
- Carry a small daypack with personal items (water bottle, sunscreen, camera) — large luggage remains in secure storage.
- Respect local customs: ask before photographing people and follow your guide’s directions when entering private family spaces.
Jungle cabin dinner & night wildlife listening
Traditional jungle dinner hosted by a Ticuna family at the private jungle cabin. After dinner, a guided night experience around the cabin to listen for and (quietly) observe nocturnal wildlife.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small flashlight with red filter or use low white light — nighttime wildlife are easily disturbed by bright lights.
- Wear the provided rubber boots with thick socks for walking around the cabin compound after dark.
- Avoid strong perfumes or scented lotions that can attract insects; use mosquito repellent as advised by the guide.
Day 2
Return to Puerto Nariño for breakfast
Walk back to Puerto Nariño in the morning and enjoy breakfast in town before the cross-border river excursion.
Tips from local experts:
- Pack a small bag with any items you need for the day in case luggage remains in storage; your main bags will be accessible later as noted.
- Try local breakfast staples (fruit, fresh juices) but let the guide know any dietary restrictions in advance.
- Carry sunscreen and a hat — mornings can get sunny quickly once on the river.
Boat to San Antonio del Cacao (Peru) & community visit
Cross the Colombia–Peru border by river to visit San Antonio del Cacao. Community visit focused on flora, fauna, natural medicine, local mythology, and searching for sloths in the yarumo forests. Lunch in the Peruvian community (typical Peruvian food).
Tips from local experts:
- Carry your passport and any required travel documents for the short cross-border visit; follow the guide’s instructions about border formalities.
- Wear layered clothing for shaded forest sections — mornings are cooler under canopy; bring insect repellent for forest walks.
- If you plan to photograph inside community spaces, ask the host first and be mindful of cultural sensitivities.
Return to Puerto Nariño & rest
Return to Puerto Nariño for a short break. Time to freshen up, access luggage (if applicable), and rest before the afternoon/evening lake activities.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this break to change into swimwear if you plan to swim at the lakes and to reapply sunscreen.
- Confirm pick-up times with your guide for the late-afternoon transfer to the Tarapoto lakes to avoid delays.
- Check any personal medication or camera batteries; power in Puerto Nariño hotels is available for charging.
Tarapoto lakes — piranha fishing, swim & sunset with dolphins
Boat excursion to the Tarapoto lakes: sport fishing (piranhas), swimming (season and water conditions permitting), and a lakeside sunset watching for gray and pink river dolphins.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow the guide’s safety instructions for swimming; water conditions vary with season—only swim where the guide confirms it is safe.
- Bring a quick-dry towel and a change of clothes; pack waterproof protection for electronics during the boat segment.
- Golden hour is prime for dolphin sightings; have your camera ready with a moderate zoom and avoid sudden noises near the water.
Night safari to spot Tarapoto caimans
After dark, a guided night boat safari on the lakes to quietly look for caimans and other nocturnal wildlife using low-impact lighting.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small flashlight for moving around docks and follow the guide’s instructions about light use during the safari.
- Wear closed shoes for boarding at night and a light jacket—nights on the lake can feel cooler with breezes.
- Keep noise to a minimum during the safari to increase chances of spotting wildlife; follow the guide’s positioning to avoid startling animals.
Day 3
Silent kayaking on the Loretoyacu River (flooded forest)
Early-morning silent kayaking in the Loretoyacu River and flooded forest (high-water season), allowing close, non-intrusive wildlife observation and birdwatching.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small dry bag for valuables and a refillable water bottle; keep movement slow and quiet to maximize wildlife encounters.
- Wear swimwear or quick-dry clothes and reef-type shoes; the kayak experience can include shallow-water entries.
- Listen to your guide for kayak safety and single- or double-seating assignments; lifejackets are provided and must be worn.
Return to Puerto Nariño & lunch
Return to town after the kayak for lunch and final time to freshen up before departure to Leticia.
Tips from local experts:
- Have lunch with light, energy-restoring foods; notify the guide of any dietary needs beforehand.
- Use available time to collect stored luggage and confirm the transfer time back to Leticia with your guide.
- Charge cameras and devices now — charging opportunities may be limited onboard the return boat.
Boat transfer Puerto Nariño → Leticia
Afternoon river transfer back to Leticia. Relax on the boat and enjoy final river scenery. The guide will coordinate drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred drop-off (hotel or airport) with the guide before boarding to ensure a timely arrival.
- Keep passports and travel documents accessible for any formalities on return, and keep a small snack in your daypack.
- Collect all personal items from the boat before disembarking; river transfers can be breezy — secure hats and loose items.
Transfer to hotel or airport — tour ends
Final short transfer from the river dock to your Leticia hotel or Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport. Tour concludes upon drop-off.
Tips from local experts:
- Book return flights for after 16:00 as advised in tour notes to allow for river transfer timing.
- Verify local contact details with your guide at drop-off in case you need assistance after the tour ends.
- Keep small bills for any last-minute gratuities or local purchases; some places have limited card acceptance.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 9 |
| Total Places | 9 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Neighborhood, Experience, Meal, Culture, Break, Outdoor |