Santa Rosa

A small Peruvian border town across the Amazon River from Leticia, requiring a boat ride to visit and offering a taste of Peruvian Amazon culture and indigenous markets. It provides an adventurous day trip option for experiencing three countries from one location.

Things to do

• Explore the Central Market — Browse indigenous crafts, fresh produce, and traditional items at Santa Rosa's main market where local vendors sell goods to both tourists and residents.
• Visit the Peruvian Customs Post — Stop at the official border control building to get your passport stamped and experience the administrative heart of this frontier town.
• Walk the Riverfront Promenade — Stroll along the Amazon River's edge to observe local boats, fishermen, and the daily rhythm of river traffic connecting Peru to Brazil and Colombia.
• Visit Indigenous Family Homes — Tour traditional Peruvian Amazon dwellings where local guides introduce you to indigenous families and explain their customs, crafts, and river-dependent lifestyle.
• Boat Ride to Jungle Streams — Take a guided canoe trip into nearby tributaries and flooded forest to spot pink river dolphins, caimans, and bird species unique to this region.
• Shop for Indigenous Textiles — Purchase handwoven baskets, beaded jewelry, and traditional clothing directly from Peruvian indigenous artisans at riverside stalls.

Food to try

• Tacacho con Queso — Mashed plantains mixed with cheese and often meat, served as a hearty breakfast or snack unique to Peru's Amazon region.
• Ceviche de Pescado — Fresh river fish cured in lime juice with onions and cilantro, reflecting Peru's culinary tradition adapted to Amazon freshwater ingredients.
• Juanes — Seasoned rice and chicken wrapped in banana leaves and boiled, a traditional festive dish popular in Peruvian Amazon communities.
• Paiche a la Amazónica — Grilled giant river fish (paiche) prepared with local herbs, plantains, and river coconut, a signature Amazonian protein dish.
• Açai Bowls with Local Fruit — Fresh açai blended with regional fruits and served as a refreshing breakfast, representing the blended Brazilian-Peruvian food culture of the border.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring Your Passport — A passport is essential for boat crossings and border stamps; photocopies are not accepted at the official customs post.
• Negotiate Boat Fares — Boat prices from Leticia are negotiable depending on demand and group size, so agree on rates before departure to avoid surprises.
• Respect Indigenous Privacy — Ask permission before photographing indigenous people, their homes, or crafts, as many community members prefer not to be photographed without consent.
• Learn Basic Spanish — English is rarely spoken in Santa Rosa, so basic Spanish phrases are invaluable for communicating with vendors, boat operators, and locals.