Key Information Regarding the 3-day Cargo Ship from Iquitos, Peru - Leticia, Colombia (2024 UPDATE)

This is an excellent and likely the most economical way to travel from Iquitos to Colombia. Over three days, you'll sail along the Amazon River, sleeping in hammocks as you journey towards Colombia. Ships disembarking from Iquitos also offer routes to Brazil and Ecuador. You can also embark on the journey in reverse, starting from any of these locations to reach Iquitos, Peru.

Below I will share the best and most up-to-date information, tips, what to pack, and the immigration process regarding the 3-day cargo ship disembarking from Iquitos. Get ready for an authentic experience surrounded by locals throughout the voyage!

1. Where To Buy The Ticket

2. Where To Buy The Hammock

3. What To Bring

4. Tips For The Journey

5. Immigration
   

1. Where To Buy The Ticket

• Puerto Masusa: Boats depart every week at approximately 7 pm (19:00) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It's crucial to show up at the port on the day of your desired departure to purchase your ticket, as they do not sell tickets in advance.

• You have two options:

  • You can visit around 2–3 pm to buy just the ticket, or you can arrive between 5:45–6 pm and purchase your ticket as you board the boat. Locals advise buying your ticket when you have all your belongings with you, minimizing the need for additional trips to the port.

2. Where To Buy The Hammock

• Mercado Belén: I scored an incredibly cheap hammock. here Don't splurge on an expensive one because chances are you'll discard it after the boat ride.

  • IMPORTANT NOTE: As you board the boat, vendors will be selling hammocks. You can either purchase one beforehand at Mercado Belén or buy one directly on the boat. Many sellers also offer the necessary strings to tie the hammock up.

3. What To Bring

• Toilet paper

• Water

• Extra snacks!!!!

• Wear one outfit for the day and have another for the night (ie; layers)

  • I recommended high socks for the nighttime and a sweatshirt as a pillow/eye cover.
    

4. Tips For The Journey

• Choose the Top Floor: Fewer people and better air circulation

• Bathrooms: Expect basic and often smelly bathrooms on every floor

• Securing your Belongings: Tie your large backpack near a pole and keep your personal items close to your hammock. For added security, sleep with a fanny pack containing your most important items. I kept only my phone with me and stored the rest in my backpack under the hammock.

• Charging Your Devices: There are outlets available for charging phones. Make sure your devices are fully charged beforehand, but you can charge them up during the day while keeping an eye on them from your hammock.

• Food Options: There's a kitchen on the boat where you can order meals in addition to the included breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Note that meals are only provided on the second day and the morning of your arrival in Colombia. It's advisable to eat dinner before boarding. Breakfast typically consists of watery oatmeal and plain bread, which you may want to supplement with bananas. Lunch includes rice, mashed peas, sauteed cabbage, and chicken, while dinner usually consists of soup. Consider buying snacks like fried plantain chips from vendors or the kitchen; they're inexpensive.

• Noise and Sleep: Be prepared for noise at night; people play music or stay up talking and singing until late. Bring earplugs and an eye mask for a more comfortable rest.

• Entertainment: Download shows, bring a journal, and enjoy the vibe during your journey.

These tips should help you prepare for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience on the boat journey to Colombia!

5. Immigration

If you want to expedite the immigration process, here's what we did: (YOU NEED TO KEEP PERUVIAN SOLS TO PAY FOR THIS)

• When the boat docked in Santa Rosa, Peru, we boarded a smaller boat that approached the cargo ship's side.

• We were transported to Santa Rosa Harbor, where we then took a tuk-tuk to the immigration office.

• After obtaining our exit stamps, we took a tuk-tuk back to the harbor.

• From there, we used the same small boat to travel to Leticia, Colombia, where we visited the immigration office for our entry stamps into Colombia. No additional documents or forms are required other than your passport.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I HIGHLY recommend!

Next stop: A flight out that night to Bogota, Colombia. At this point, I had enough of the Amazon heat and bugs so I did not bother to explore Leticia!

Xoxo,

Chelsey