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Leticia sits deep in the Amazon where Colombia, Peru and Brazil meet. No roads link it to Iquitos, so the river does the work. The fast ferry is the quickest way to get from Iquitos to Leticia at 16-20h, stopping along the way. The slow boat is cheaper at $28 (95 PEN), though it turns the trip into a multi-day journey down the river.
Distance from Iquitos to Leticia
Iquitos and Leticia are about 370 km (230 miles) apart, crossed directly by sea. The quickest way to get from Iquitos to Leticia is by taking the fast ferry, which takes around 16-20h.
2 ways to travel from Iquitos to Leticia
There are two ways to travel from Iquitos to Leticia. The journey takes 16h–3d and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by slow boat with tickets starting at $28 (96,000 COP).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Iquitos→Santa Rosa20h
- Santa Rosa→Leticia10m
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9Iquitos to Leticia by Fast Ferry
To travel from Iquitos to Leticia by fast ferry, you’ll first go to Santa Rosa. This small Peruvian town sits along the Amazon River and is just across the water from Leticia, Colombia.
Even though it’s called a fast ferry, the trip still takes around 16-20h, so be ready for a long ride.
When you arrive in Santa Rosa, make sure to get your Peru exit stamp at the immigration office. It’s only a short walk from the ferry dock, and you’ll need it before crossing the river into Leticia. We’ll show you how to do that below.
Step 1: Iquitos to Santa Rosa by Fast Ferry
Two fast boats operate on the Iquitos to Santa Rosa route: Consorcio Fluvial del Amazonas (Ferry Amazonas) and Transporte Fluvial Zoe Alexa.
Tickets cost $35 (120 PEN) with Zoe Alexa and $88 (300 PEN) with Consorcio Fluvial del Amazonas. The latter is more expensive but offers a bit more comfort, with newer boats, padded seats, and cleaner facilities.
Zoe Alexa, on the other hand, is pretty basic. The seats are hard, it gets hot and sticky inside, and sleeping isn’t easy. The boat is usually packed, too, so don’t expect much space to stretch out. You can pay $2.90 (10 PEN) in cash for Wi-Fi.
PRO TIP: For more comfort, it's better to sit near the front of the boat. The engine noise at the back can be quite loud.
You can’t book these boats online. You need to buy your ticket in person or message the companies via WhatsApp for the most up-to-date details:
- Consorcio Fluvial del Amazonas: +51 961 745 188
- Transporte Fluvial Zoe Alexa: +51 988 196 608
All services arrive at Santa Rosa
Departure and arrival ports
Consorcio Fluvial del Amazonas ferries depart from Port Enapu, about 10 minutes by taxi from the ticket office in the city centre. Zoe Alexa ferries leave from the nearby Puerto Ganzo Azul, about 900m from Port Enapu.
You will be dropped off at the Port of Santa Rosa, where you need to follow the only street to the immigration office.
Step 2: Santa Rosa to Leticia by Boat
After you have your passport stamped at the immigration office, return to the dock and look for one of the small speedboats. Just say Leticia, and they will know where to go. Leticia is right in front of Santa Rosa, so it takes about 10 minutes to cross the river.
The boat will drop you off at the dock in front of Plaza de Mercado de Leticia. From there, you can walk about 600m to the main square. You can also take a moto-taxi, a tuk-tuk or a taxi to your hotel.
IMPORTANT: Colombia requires that your passport be stamped upon entry when you cross by land, river, or sea. Failing to do so can lead to issues later.
Iquitos to Leticia by Slow Boat
Both the fast and slow boats travel from Iquitos to Leticia via Santa Rosa, where you must cross the river to get to Leticia.
In this section, we talk about travelling by slow boat, which takes about 3d. A ticket costs $28 (95 PEN).
The ferry price is all-inclusive but do not expect any luxury. Also, the travel time is approximate. It depends on the weather and the number or duration of stops on the way.
Step 1: Iquitos to Santa Rosa by Slow Boat
To travel from Iquitos to Santa Rosa, you must buy your ticket on the same day of departure. Slow cargo ferries used to depart from Port Enapu, but the boats now leave from Puerto Masusa, 2 km further north.
Boats depart from this port every day around 18:00-19:00, except on Sundays. The departure time can change without prior notice, so it's best to be at the port hours ahead.
A ticket costs $24 (80 PEN), plus an additional $2.90 (10 PEN) for the river crossing fee to reach Santa Rosa.
Most travellers will sleep in a hammock
We learned that this slow boat also has small cabins with bunk beds for $59 (200 PEN). An advantage of these cabins is that you can lock your valuables, and you won’t need to keep an eye on them all the time.
However, most travellers will opt for the more adventurous option and bring their own hammocks. While the lower decks are used to carry all sorts of merchandise, the upper decks are for passengers. You’ll need to choose the spot you want and hang your hammock, which will be your ‘seat’ for the next few days.
The ship has power outlets, but you’ll have to share them with the rest of the passengers. Also, try not to leave your stuff unattended, especially valuables and electronics. You can’t guarantee it will be there when you get back.
PRO TIP: Bring a small bag that could fit your valuables like money, passport, and phone. Carry this with you at all times, even when you're sleeping or heading to the toilet.
Food is included, but don’t expect anything fancy
You’ll get three small meals a day included with your ticket. The menu on board can be repetitive and simple, so we recommend bringing some snacks and fruits. There’s a small shop on board, but it's best to pack your own drinking water, as well as mosquito repellent and toilet paper.
The boat makes several stops along the way, with some stops lasting several hours. This means you can buy some food and water on the way too.
You will be dropped off at Santa Rosa’s main dock, where you can follow the only street to the immigration office.
Step 2: Santa Rosa to Leticia by Boat
Once your passport’s been stamped at immigration, return to the dock and look for one of the small speedboats. Just say Leticia, and they will take you there. Leticia sits right opposite Santa Rosa, so the ride only takes about 10 minutes. The short boat ride costs $1.50 (5 PEN).
You’ll arrive at the dock in front of Leticia’s central market. From there, you can walk for 10 minutes to the main square or take a moto-taxi, a tuk-tuk or a taxi to your hotel.
Remember that you have until the next day to get your entry stamp into Colombia in your passport.
Leticia to Iquitos by Slow Boat (opposite route)
From Leticia to Iquitos, the journey takes 3 days. The slow boat departs from Leticia at 19:00, and you will arrive at Iquitos on the morning of the third day.
Instead of going to Leticia Airport, there is a much faster way to get your passport stamped. You can go to the floating immigration office across Puerto Fluvial De Leticia in Santa Rosa for your entrance and exit stamps.
To reach the office, you can either take a small boat or walk from the little bridge in Leticia, following a muddy trail through the pueblito.
Just keep in mind: if the floating office is closed for any reason, you’ll still need to go to the airport to get your passport stamped.
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaRounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Iquitos to Leticia, roughly 370 kilometres (230 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $28 (95 PEN). The quickest trip takes 16h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Iquitos to Leticia?
The distance from Iquitos to Leticia is 370 kilometres (230 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Iquitos to Leticia?
The fastest way to get from Iquitos to Leticia is by ferry and takes 16-20h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Iquitos to Leticia?
The cheapest way to get from Iquitos to Leticia is by slow boat with ticket costs starting from 95 PEN.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
