Thinking of visiting the Amazon: these are 5 activities you should do at least once

For years, the Colombian Amazon was seen as a distant destination, reserved mainly for adventurers or international travelers. However, in the last decade, nature tourism and cultural experiences have driven a new kind of tourism in the region, where the jungle, indigenous communities, and biodiversity become the main characters of a much more conscious and experiential trip.

Today, destinations like Leticia and Puerto Nariño have gained relevance among travelers looking to disconnect from the urban pace and get closer to unique ecosystems in the world. In fact, various academic studies have pointed out that the growth of tourism in Puerto Nariño has even forced the development of sustainability models and tourist capacity control to protect the territory and local communities.

Traveling to the Amazon is no longer just about staying in a place, but about living transformative experiences around nature, culture, and learning. Today, we see a growing interest among Colombian travelers in destinations that allow them to disconnect and reconnect with the environment,” explains David Pressler, Commercial Vice President of Decameron Hotels & Resorts.

Within the Amazon, there are different companies responsible for organizing tours in the area. In order to work consciously and respectfully with both nature and people, the hotel chain created Decameron Explorer, which is responsible for carrying out various experiences in the Amazon, from monkey watching to a night tour in the jungle, along with the support of local communities.
For those who are thinking of visiting this region of the country, these are five experiences that should be on the itinerary:

1. Sail to Puerto Nariño and spot pink dolphins
One of the most emblematic tours in the Colombian Amazon is the river journey to Puerto Nariño, considered one of the most sustainable municipalities in the country. On the tour, it is possible to visit Isla de los Micos (Monkey Island)—operated by Decameron—and observe pink dolphins in their natural habitat, one of the most sought-after experiences by national and international travelers.

2. Tour Mundo Amazónico Ecological Park
For those who want to understand Amazonian biodiversity beyond the landscape, this park has become a must-stop. There, visitors can learn about medicinal plants, regional fruits and products, conservation processes, and ancestral practices related to the sustainable use of the jungle.

3. Cross the border and visit Tabatinga, Brazil
One of the most striking aspects of the Amazon is its tri-national character. From Leticia, it is possible to cross over to Tabatinga and experience a cultural mix marked by gastronomy, language, and everyday border life, in an experience where Colombia and Brazil practically connect without visible divisions.

4. Take a night walk in the jungle
When night falls, the Amazon changes completely. Night walks allow you to discover sounds, species, and natural dynamics that are impossible to perceive during the day. These types of experiences are usually carried out with specialized local guides to ensure safe and ecosystem-responsible tours.

5. Meet indigenous communities and go kayaking
Cultural experiences have gained more and more traction within Amazonian tourism. Activities such as kayak tours and visits to indigenous malocas allow visitors to get closer to the worldview of local communities and understand the spiritual and cultural relationship that exists around the jungle and the Amazon River.

Although the destination is the true protagonist, tour operators and hoteliers have begun to structure integrated experiences to facilitate travelers' access to these types of activities. One of the lodging options in the region is Decameron Decalodge Ticuna, located in Leticia, from where all the area's tourist tours are organized alongside experts and local communities.

Experts and organizations agree that the future of the Amazon depends on responsible tourism. Therefore, if you decide to travel to the Amazon, the recommendation is simple: rather than just "visiting" the jungle, you must learn to explore it with respect. Hiring formal operators, following the guides' instructions, avoiding leaving waste, and valuing local cultures can make a huge difference in one of the most important ecosystems on the planet.