Travel Tips & Logistics

Preparing for the Amazon is part of the adventure. To ensure a smooth, respectful, and safe journey, please review our official logistics, schedules, and health guidelines before your arrival.

What to Expect from Wildlife (Honest Disclaimer)

The Amazon rainforest is a wild, untamed ecosystem, and managing expectations is key to a meaningful experience:

  • Natural Habitat: Most jungle mammals are nocturnal and sleep during the day. Furthermore, local wildlife possesses excellent camouflage and will detect human presence long before we can see them.

  • Setting Expectations: We ask our guests not to expect a scripted documentary experience where anacondas, jaguars, or caimans appear at every river bend.

  • The Real Magic: What you will certainly experience are incredible birdwatching opportunities, monkeys, unique reptiles, fascinating insects, and ancient trees—all while witnessing the complex, interconnected life of the world's largest rainforest.

Getting to Casa Gregorio (Schedules & Costs)

While we coordinate your logistics, knowing the public boat mechanics helps you plan your flights to Leticia (LET):

  • The Public Speedboat: Public express boats depart from the Leticia docks to the Amacayacu region at specific times: 7:00, 9:00, 12:00, and 14:00. The ticket costs approximately $40.000 - $45.000 COP per person each way (not included in the standard package).

  • Flight Recommendation: We highly recommend booking a flight from Bogotá that lands in Leticia before 11:30 a.m.. This ensures you have plenty of time to take a short taxi from the airport to the docks (10 minutes, approx. $15.000 COP) and catch the 14:00 boat.

  • Late Arrivals: If your flight arrives after 13:00, you will miss the last public boat and must spend the night in Leticia.

Essential Packing List

There are no shops to buy supplies in San Martín, and you may have limited time to shop in Leticia before departure. Please ensure you pack:

  • Clothing & Gear: Long-sleeved shirts (lightweight cotton or an old button-up office shirt is ideal), long quick-dry pants, long socks (to prevent rubber boots from rubbing), bathing suits, flip-flops, and a sunhat.

  • Electronics & Protection: A high-quality headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries per person (cell phone flashlights are not enough), zip-seal waterproof bags for delicate equipment (cameras, phones), SPF 50+ sunscreen, and insect repellent (biodegradable if possible).

  • What We Provide: Clean drinking water, coffee, and tea are always available at the lodge. We also provide rubber boots (up to size 47) and lightweight rain gear free of charge for all our guests.

Health & Medical Preparation

Taking care of your well-being helps you adjust smoothly to the tropical climate of the Amazon jungle:

  • Medical Advice: Casa Gregorio highly recommends having reliable travel insurance. Please consult your doctor in advance regarding malaria prevention medication and any required vaccines for the Amazon region.

  • Personal Pharmacy: Colombian law strictly prohibits lodging owners from providing medication to guests (we only provide basic first-aid supplies like disinfectants and bandages).

  • What to Bring: Please pack any personal medication you might need, including Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), pain relievers (for headaches), antihistamines (such as loratadine for insect bites), and remedies for diarrhea or upset stomach.

Cash is King & Local Taxes

There are no ATMs or card readers in the indigenous communities, so carrying cash (Colombian Pesos - COP) is mandatory. Please ensure you withdraw enough money in Bogotá or Leticia to cover:

  • Leticia Tourism Tax: Upon arrival at the Leticia airport (LET), every tourist must pay a mandatory government tourism tax of $50.000 COP per person in cash.

  • Boat Transport: The public speedboat tickets ($40.000 - $45.000 COP per person each way).

  • Extra Expenses: Local handicrafts, tips, or the additional English translation service if you requested it.