LETICIA

LETICIA, AMAZONAS

HISTORY 

Early Leticia history mentions a Portuguese explorer who, after becoming lost on the Amazon, died of starvation at the present site of Leticia with the rest of his crew. The Peruvian captain Benigno Bustamante, then governor of the Peruvian department of Loreto, founded the city itself on April 25, 1867. Legend has it that when the Peruvian government decided to colonise the area (in order to prevent the Colombian government from claiming it first), they found a cross inscribed with the words "San Antonio", naming the new town after this cross.

A legend states that a Colombian soldier fell in love with an Amerindian woman named Leticia and decided to name the settlement after her. It could also be named after Saint Leticia. However, Peruvian records indicate that on the 15 December 1867, the port of "San Antonio" was renamed to "Leticia" by Peruvian engineer Manuel Charón. Charón named the port in honor of a young female resident of the Peruvian city of Iquitos named Leticia Smith

GEOGRAPHY

Leticia is the southernmost city in colombia. it is the capital of the department of amazonas, colombia`s southernmost town. leticia has a population of approximately 37000 people. leticia is colombia`s shipping point for tropical fish for the aquarium trade. it is located at the point where colombia, brazil and peru come together in an area called tres fronteras.

LANGUAGE

The oficial language 

is Spanish and Portuguese, but in 

the city there are many tribes and And 

each has its own dialect  

·         Huitotos  
·         Camsás
·         Ingas

·         Yaguas

·         Tucanos

·         Ticunas

FOOD

The tastes  that are tasted  in the Amazon are products of ancestral  know ledge of the indigenous communities and on the other; The species and  ingredients that are mixed of the typical Colombian-Peruvian-Brazilian food.

You get all types of food especially colombian food. land amazonicas serves mostly fish and seafood. the food is excellent and prices are not expensive.

FAUNA AND FLORA

This paradise brings one of the most varied of flora and fauna in the world, establishing itself as one of the sites most biodiverse land, in where, thanks to its tropical wet forest and flooded forest ecosystem, it is possible to find species such as the pink river dolphin, Cougar, bear, anteater, the boar, deer, the peccary, macaws, monkeys, alligators, insects, snakes, fish, etc.

As to species floristic, highlights caobos, quinilla, pomas, cedar, mahogany
 and victoria regia, which are lotuses of approximately 3 m in diameter,
 supporting approximately 40 kg weights.

 CELEBRATIONS

LETICIA'S BIRTHDAY

April 25 becomes an important date every year and allows Leticia's birthday to be celebrated. The inhabitants usually perform the traditional dawn, participate in a religious ceremony and cultural and sports activities are planned in different places of the Municipality. 

FESTIVAL DE LA CONFRATERNIDAD AMAZÓNICA

Leticia Amazonian city, unique, exuberant and strategic, for 25 years in July, opens its doors to receive delegations from the Amazonian countries each year in this great meeting of the continental Amazon, such as: BRAZIL, PERU AND COLOMBIA

 FESTIVAL DE LA CANCIÓN AMAZONENSE EL PIRARUCÚ DE ORO

At the beginning of the month of December of each year, during three days, this Festival takes place that is born in December of 1987, with the intention of allowing a greater musical activity in Leticia. Initially it was called Contest of Indigenous Rhythms of the Amazon

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY:

The main economic activities of the Amazon are the extraction and commercialization of rubber, timber, fishing, tourism, trade and agriculture.

Other activity is tourism, you can find variety of plans or packages. Ecotourism, wildlife watching and sport fishing are some of them.

THINGS TO DO

ISLA DE LOS MICOS

On the  Isla de los micos (monkeys’ island; 35 km from Leticia, 45 minutes by boat) tourists can walk on trails while learning about the different species of monkeys that live there. Indeed, they can feed the monkeys. You can take trips in typical canoes through flooded areas until you reach lake Tucuchira, where you can see how its inhabitants fish by their old fashion ways

ECO PARK AMAZONIC WORLD

Located at 15 minutes from Leticia , this park is a center of environmental interpretation, which has collection of endemic plants and Amazonic fruit plants. Here, there is a great emphasis in the protection of our environment. It’s ideal for families with children who want to enjoy the aquarium with its exotic fishes

 NATURAL RESERV TANIMBOCA

In thirty hectares of protected forest, this natural reserve offers ecotourism activities. Through eco trails you can traverse swamp ecosystems; also , you can see a great variety of trees, medicinal plants and different types of flowers. One of the main and most attractive places here is the serpentarium, where you can find boas, coral snakes, Mapana x snakes and also the great black caiman.

HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS 

HOTEL ON VACATIONS

Is in the rural settlement of San José Vereda in the Amazon jungle and 14 km of Leticia.

Account with 14 malokas with 140 rooms equipped with air conditioning, TV screen TVs and private bathrooms. Some rooms have views of the Amazon River.

Hotel has an air bazen so that can enjoy the water and the Sun during your stay. Also have a restaurant where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner.

HOTEL SUITES WAIRA:

This boutique hotel with swimming pool Outdoor, Garden, free Wi-Fi
 and restaurant Mall Aquarium is 5 blocks.

HOTEL DECAMERON TICUNA

The Hotel Decameron Ticuna is a modern resort with all the amenities, is located in the heart of the Amazon jungle.

Is equipped with spacious 28 bright and comfortable rooms, equipped with refrigerator, TV remote control, air conditioning, ceiling fans and a terrace with a spectacular view. 

HOSTEL RESERVA NATURAL TANIMBOCA

 The Reserva Natural Tanimboca establishment is located only 11 km from the city of Leticia and offers accommodation in the forest in wooden cabins in the trees.
It is built on a tree to 12 m high. 

APARTMENT APARTAHOTEL AYAHUASCA

The Ayahuasca Aparthotel is located in the town of Leticia, just 250 metres from the Amazon River, and offers spacious and comfortable bungalows plus a complimentary breakfast

This bungalow is spacious and has a minibar and seating area with flat screen TV cable bath includes shower / toilet

EL CIELO

One of the best in the city, with a delicious variety of dishes that blend the most exotic traditional ingredients with international cuisine. We recommend the pizza base of cassava and different ingredients.

TIERRAS AMAZONICAS

A great place for dinner, where you can taste the delicious pirarucu as well as other varieties of fish and soups in the region. It will cost you less than 20,000 pesos per person (without drinks) for an entry and main dish.

RESTAURANT AMEKTIAR

Exotic Amazonian ingredients in tempting presentations and a great gourmet touch; Amektiar has one of the most central and modern tri-border. Appears to be by its appearance, and many of their products, a local fast food, but if you look carefully you will find pleasant surprises to liven up the noon and take for granted lunch.

SANTO ANGEL

You will find one of the best options to eat healthy and fast in Leticia in the grounds of Holy Angel where you can enjoy of casabe pizzas, wraps, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, salads, among other simple yet exquisite preparations. All fair portions to eat light and be satisfied. If you want a fuller plate also you can request a delicious Jamaican Tenderloin, a juicy tip of anca with shrimp, a sweet honey mustard chicken breast, or a sophisticated breton fish.