Leticia

This compact riverside town, with its partially unpaved streets buzzing with scooters and motorcycles, the local transport of choice, has worn many hats over its lifetime. Founded in 1867, Leticia was part of Peru until it was awarded to Colombia in 1933 following a ceasefire agreement after the 1932 conflict between the two countries. Once known in the 1970s for illicit activity linked to drug trafficking, Leticia later underwent significant change when the Colombian army established a presence, though visitors on a Colombia trip are still advised not to wander into the outskirts after dark.

Today, Leticia is a hot and humid yet relatively tranquil town, with a lively waterfront and houses tucked into dense greenery. It serves as an excellent base for short journeys up the Amazon and for crossing into neighboring Brazil or Peru.

The main attractions lie outside the town, but in Leticia proper you can stop by the Museo Etnográfico Amazónico to check out the collection of indigenous weaponry, splendid (and scary) ceremonial masks, pottery and more. For high-quality crafts made by local indigenous tribes, the best selection is at the Galería Arte Uirapuru.