Tabatinga is a city in the north-western part of the state of Amazonas in Brazil. It forms a contiguous settlement with the Colombian town of Leticia. Santa Rosa on the nearby island in the river is in Peru.

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 amount 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.

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 head downstream to Manaus in 1 to 3 days. Boats head upstream to Iquitos (Peru) from Santa Rosa. For detailed information visit the Voyaging along the Amazon River article.

By plane

Tabatinga has connections to Manaus. Leticia has flights to Bogotá.

Do

One of the greatest experiences in South America - voyaging down the Amazon.

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.

Drink

Vinicius bar, at the main street

"Fazendinha", where there´s a good pizza!

Restaurant "Tres fronteiras" 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.

Sleep

• International Bagpacker Hostel. Rua Santo Dumont 02, close to the municipality fair. From its terrace it offers a beautiful view on the river and Santa Rosa Island. Dormitories from 15 Real, double room with ventilator is 40 Real. Some rooms in bad condition with bugs everywhere. The owner, Miguel, speaks Spanish and English well, though, and the hotel is close to the port. The owner may offer you a tour. You can bargain with him for a very good price (maybe two days and one night in the Amazon for R$250). He is very knowledgable about the Amazon and will take you to stay with a very friendly family. The itinerary may include alligator watching, piranha fishing, dolphin watching and some excursions into the rainforest. 

• Pousado do Sol, near to the prefiatura de tabatinga behind the main street. The owner Osmar is a very talkative and friendly man in his 40's. He speaks Spanish and Portuguese but not English. Listed rates 70 Real. 70 real.