60 hours on the Amazon River: Taking the Slow Boat from Leticia, Colombia to Iquitos, Peru

In February of 2024 I took a cargo boat from Leticia, Colombia to Iquitos, Peru (though technically it leaves on the other side of the river from Santa Rosa, Peru...so you'll hear both towns mentioned). We made about 30-35 stops along the way and traveled approximately 290 miles (470km) down river.
My biggest recommendations for you if you are doing this journey:
-Have cash--Peruvian Soles (PEN) if you're headed to Peru, and Colombian Pesos (COP) if you're headed to Colombia. The boat cost was 80 pesos and that included meals. You will need to bring or buy a hammock. There are many places that sell them in Iquitos and Leticia. I paid $10 for the hammock and rope.
(If you're curious, the Peruvian sol currency symbol is "S/". Colombia's is the dollar sign $.)
-Bring enough water...about 2 liters a day should be enough
-Bring snacks
-Bring toilet paper and/or baby wipes
-Bring hand sanitizer
-Light layers for sleeping--travel towel, sweater, & socks were enough for me.
-Ear plugs + eye mask...you'll thank me later
-Headphones
-Download podcasts (for language learning podcasts I love Spanish Language Coach) movies, audiobooks, etc. Bring a book
-Card games to play with others
-Portable charger
-Small bag to keep valuables in so that when you go to the bathroom you can take your phone/wallet/passport with you in a small bag. I slept with my smaller backpack in my hammock with me on the last night because it had my laptop in it and I wanted to be extra cautious about my valuables since we were getting into the Iquitos port. The first two nights I only slept with my cross body bag on me.
-Have patience and enjoy the journey!! This is such a unique experience that you'll likely never do again. So enjoy as much as you can!
Music credits:
First song: Woods
Music composed and recorded by Oak Studios.
Link:
• [No Copyright Music] Woods - Acoustic... | Creative Commons - Attribution ND 4.0
Second song: Someday
Music composed and recorded by Oak Studios.
Link:
• [No Copyright Music] Someday - Acoust... | Creative Commons - Attribution ND 4.0

[@DuskyFlycatcher]

Amazing. Looking forward to more!!

[@mckennatravels]

Thank you! More to come :)

[@melindaerickson8821]

Great vlog and very informative! I would love to take this trip.

[@mckennatravels]

❤️ thank you! You would definitely enjoy it!