Leticia: The Gateway to the Amazon Rainforest

• HelloHola
  [Oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [Ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [See]
• NoNo
  [Noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [Por fah-vor/De nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [Grah-see-as]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [Dees-cool-pe/Lo see-en-to]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Koh-moh es-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Byen. Ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [Ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [Noh en-tee-en-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [May goo-stah-ree-ah ver el meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [Noh koh-moh kahr-nay]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [May goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [Ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [Veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [Yah-mah ah lah po-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [Yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [Es-toy pehr-dee-doh/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [Es-toy en-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [May goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-loh es-toy mee-ran-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-to kweh-stah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [Eh-so es deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [Pweh-deh bah-har el pweh-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Keh oh-rah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [Es lah oo-nah en poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [Las dee-ehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [Noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [Ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [Oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [Dohs]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [Seenkoh]
• 6Seis
  [Sehs]
• 7Siete
  [See-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [Oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [Dee-ehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [Dohn-deh es-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwahl es lah dee-rek-see-on]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (en el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-doh es el proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [Oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Leticia was founded on April 25, 1867, originally as a small settlement by Peruvian soldiers. Initially named San Antonio, the town was later renamed Leticia in honor of the wife of then-Peruvian President Ramón Castilla. The settlement grew as it became an important outpost along the Amazon River.

Leticia played a critical role in the Colombian-Peruvian War from 1932 to 1933. The conflict arose when Peruvian civilians occupied the town, which was then under Colombian control. The dispute over Leticia's sovereignty led to military engagements before the League of Nations intervened, leading to the return of Leticia to Colombia.

The Treaty of Leticia was signed on May 24, 1934, formally ending hostilities between Colombia and Peru. The treaty confirmed Leticia's status as part of Colombia and marked a significant moment of reconciliation between the two nations. This accord was crucial in establishing lasting peace and cooperation in the region.

Leticia is a vibrant cultural melting pot, influenced by its proximity to Brazil and Peru. The town is home to a mix of indigenous communities, including the Ticuna, Huitoto, and Yagua people. This blend of cultures is evident in Leticia's festivals, traditional crafts, and culinary diversity.

The region around Leticia is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. The town serves as a gateway to the Amazon rainforest, one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet. Leticia is a hub for ecotourism, offering visitors opportunities to explore the unique flora and fauna of the Amazon basin.

In recent decades, Leticia has seen significant development while striving to balance growth with environmental sustainability. The town has improved its infrastructure, including the expansion of the Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport, making it more accessible to tourists and researchers alike.

Leticia hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich heritage. Notable events include the Festival of San Juan and San Pedro, which features traditional dances, music, and food. These festivals offer a glimpse into the vibrant traditions and communal spirit of the region.

Leticia is located in the Amazonas department of Colombia, at the triple border with Brazil and Peru. The easiest way to get there is by air. The Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport (LET) has daily flights from Bogotá and other major Colombian cities. Alternatively, you can reach Leticia by boat from various river ports in Brazil and Peru, making for an adventurous journey through the Amazon River.

Leticia is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, mototaxis (motorcycle taxis) are the most common form of transportation. These are affordable and readily available throughout the town. If you are looking to explore the surrounding areas, boat tours and river taxis are popular options for navigating the Amazon River. There is no public bus system in Leticia, but car rentals are available for those who prefer to drive.

The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and market purchases. ATMs are available in Leticia, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to rural areas. US dollars are also widely accepted in Leticia due to its proximity to Brazil and Peru.

Leticia is generally a safe destination for tourists, but like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The town itself is relatively safe, but the border areas can be riskier due to smuggling and illegal activities. Always stay informed about the current situation and follow local advice.

In case of emergency, dial 123 for immediate assistance. Leticia has a local hospital, Hospital San Rafael, for medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For police assistance, visit the local police station located in the town center.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and in lightweight clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting indigenous communities. Public Transport: Do negotiate fares with mototaxi drivers before starting your journey. Don't expect a fixed fare system. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Amazonian delicacies and be open to new culinary experiences. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Leticia like a local, visit the local markets such as the Mercado Municipal, where you can buy fresh produce and Amazonian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and traditions. Don't miss the chance to take a boat tour to the nearby Isla de los Micos (Monkey Island) or visit the indigenous communities along the river. For a unique experience, attend the nightly gatherings at Parque Santander, where thousands of parrots return to roost in the trees.