Tabatinga
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Tabatinga is a frontier city in the north-western part of the state of Amazonas in Brazil. It forms a contiguous settlement with the Colombian town of Leticia, on the Amazon River. Santa Rosa on the nearby island in the river is in Peru.
Understand
The city of Tabatinga has been considered the most violent place in the entire Amazon and its neighbors across borders were not far behind. Now there is more security and environmental awareness.
Get in
Immigration
Movement between all three countries' border towns is unrestricted; but of course, make sure you're stamped into the correct country if leaving the border area. Try to minimize the number of times you go through immigration: i.e. if entering the region from one country and leaving from another, just get one exit and one entry stamp - even if you visit all three towns in this area. Anything more seems to annoy the immigration officers.
The Brazilian immigration office is located some way down Tabatinga's main avenue, Avenida da Amizade, next to the national police' station. Be aware that it is only open Monday to Thursday. Exit-stamps are given by the national police (next door to the left), not by the immigration!
The Colombian immigration office is at the airport, so if you're flying in and moving on to a different country you may as well get an exit stamp when you land. Don't wait several days between getting your exit stamp and the next entry stamp; however leaving it one day doesn't cause any problems.
The Peruvian immigration office in Santa Rosa is fairly central and easy to find, just ask someone.
By boat
Boats and speed boats come upstream from Manaus in 36 hours (speedboat) to 6 days (3 days downstream). They leave at various times during the week and cost about R$ 370. Call the port in Manaus for details (tel. 92 3622-1330, fax 92 3233-2689).
Boats come downstream from Iquitos (Peru) to Santa Rosa (which is just another 10 minute ride with a taxi-boat). The trip is about 9 to 10 hours downstream, or 14 huors upstream, by fast boat, which costs $50 to $60. Slow boats cost about $30 (mails included) and take 3 days. The distance is about 625 km. The immigration office is in Santa Rosa. Make sure to check out of Peru before entering Brazil, and likewise to check in when entering Peru.
For detailed information visit the Voyaging along the Amazon River article.
By plane
- 1 [dead link] Tabatinga International Airport (TBT IATA). Has connections to Manaus with Trip. Leticia has flights to Bogotá with Avianca. A seaplane connects Santa Rosa to Iquitos (1h45 ride) for $ 55.
Get around
Taxis and moto-taxis abound; just avoid the taxis at the port - they overcharge 2 to 4 times. The city is pretty large, walking in the heat of the day is something one might want to think twice about.
See
Do
One of the greatest experiences in South America - voyaging down the Amazon.
- 1 Tabatinga Port (Porto de Tabatinga). If you're coming from Manaus (or elsewhere down river) by boat, this is where you'll arrive.
- 2 Federal Police (exit stamps here), Av. da Amizade, 2502-2530, Tabatinga - AM, 69640-000, ☏ +55 97 3412-2047. Exit-stamps are given by the federal police (next door to the immigration office), NOT by the immigration office!
Buy
All three currencies are generally freely traded in the town, though Peruvian Soles may not be willingly received. Changing money is not difficult though.
Eat
- Fazendinha. good pizza
- 1 Restaurante Três Fronteiras, 398, R. Rui Barbosa, 308, Tabatinga - AM, 69640-000. Has a beautiful garden and a romantic atmosphere. The venue is specialized in BBQ and Peruvian food and known as the best restaurant in Tabatinga.
- Sao Jorge, Av da Amizade 1941. Peruvian restaurant. Great ceviche and a good selection of Peruvian beers. A portion easily serves two. R$25 to R$40..
Drink
- Vinicius bar, main street.
Sleep
Note that the neighboring town of Leticia has a much greater and better choice in accommodation. You don't need to pass Colombian immigration to stay there.
Budget
- 1 Pousada da Praca (formerly: International Bagpackers Hostel, Hotel Internacional, Travelers Jungle Home), Rua Pedro Texeira 9, second floor (in the former Blue Moon Hotel three blocks from Tabatinga’s Porta da Feira), ☏ +55 31 2585-8855, +55 31 3219-5121, amazondiscover@hotmail.com. With a dorm room and several rooms with private bath, this inn is barebones. Hotel Internacional Bagpackers does have a common kitchen and a place to hang out and share jungle tales with other travelers. Linens included. Complimentary port or airport pickup in Tabatinga, Leticia and Santa Rosa. From its terrace it offers a spectacular view on the Amazon River. Skype: @TabatingaBagpackers . Owner Tony/Miguel offers guided excursions. R$ 35 (single).
- Pousado do Sol (near to the Preifetura de Tabatinga (Tabatinga city hall) behind the main street). The owner Osmar is a very talkative and friendly man in his 40s. He speaks Spanish and Portuguese but not English. R$ 70.
Go next
Boats and speed boats head downstream to Manaus in 1 to 3 days. Boats head upstream to Iquitos (Peru) from Santa Rosa (about 60h with a slow boat, 13h with a speedboat).
Flights connect to Manaus and to Bogota, the latter from the airport in Leticia.
For detailed information visit the Voyaging along the Amazon River article.