Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Leticia gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from LET to the city takes roughly 30 minutes by Taxi / Mototaxi, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Before heading into Leticia, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Colombia vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Leticia is roughly 30 minutes from LET via Taxi / Mototaxi. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in COP. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some COP in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From LET, the Taxi / Mototaxi gets you to Leticia in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Mototaxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Leticia might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$8 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$23 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Bag Storage Near LET
Specific locker facilities at LET aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Leticia itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
What’s Worth Seeing in Leticia
Two recommendations for your time in Leticia:
Start with Parque Santander (Parrot Spectacle). It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Leticia. Then, if time allows, make your way to Amazon Riverfront (Malecón) Walk. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside LET, you can spend time at Local Handicraft Kiosks or try Runway and Surroundings Observation. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
For food in Leticia, local travelers recommend Tierras Amazónicas. If you have time for a second stop, Donde El Perro is another popular pick.
Back at LET, CafeterÃa Alfredo Vásquez Cobo is the go-to. Airport Coffee & Snack Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.
Need a Nap? Options at LET
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, LET has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at LET, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Leticia itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Colombia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Leticia with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Leticia may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.