Traveling by slow boat on the Amazon River is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who want to journey along the world’s largest river the way locals do. From Leticia (Colombia), you can easily cross into Tabatinga (Brazil) and board the ferry from Tabatinga to Manaus — a four-day, three-night adventure through the heart of the Amazon.
This guide covers everything you need to know: prices, schedules, documents, and practical tips for your trip.
How to Get from Leticia to Tabatinga to Take the Boat
Many travelers ask how to get from Leticia to Tabatinga by boat. The truth is, you don’t need a boat for this short journey. Leticia (Colombia) and Tabatinga (Brazil) are neighboring cities connected by land.
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From Leticia, you can walk or take a moto-taxi into Tabatinga.
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Once in Tabatinga, head to the Portobrás Fluvial Terminal, where boats depart for Manaus.
Duration of the Boat Trip from Tabatinga to Manaus
The Amazon River boat trip from Tabatinga to Manaus takes around 4 days and 3 nights.
This slow pace allows you to enjoy the scenery, watch river life unfold, and experience the unique rhythm of river transport in the Brazilian Amazon.
Prices for the Slow Boat Tabatinga–Manaus
The passenger boat from Tabatinga to Manaus offers two main travel options:
1. Traveling in a hammock
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Price: 290 BRL per person.
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You must bring your own hammock and two ropes (2 meters each) to hang it on the boat.
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This is the most popular and budget-friendly choice, ideal for backpackers looking for an affordable boat from Tabatinga to Manaus.
2. Traveling in a cabin
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Price: between 1,900 and 3,500 BRL, depending on the type of cabin and comfort level.
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A good option if you prefer more privacy during the journey.
Onboard Facilities on the Amazon Ferry
During the ferry Tabatinga–Manaus trip, you’ll find:
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Three meals a day and drinking water included.
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A small shop selling snacks and drinks.
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Shared bathrooms and showers for passengers.
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Paid Wi-Fi service, though limited and not always stable.
💡 Good to know: while sailing in the middle of the Amazon River there are no mosquitoes. They are only found when the boat stops along the riverbanks, so bringing a mosquito net is not strictly necessary.
Schedules and Ticket Purchase
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Departure: the boat usually leaves every day at noon from the Portobrás Fluvial Terminal in Tabatinga.
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Note: in some months, there are no departures on Mondays or Fridays.
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Boarding time: passengers must arrive at the terminal by 9:00 am.
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Tickets: can be purchased in advance or on the day of departure at Sol Viagens, the travel agency located in the terminal.
📍 Sol Viagens Agency
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WhatsApp: +55 (97) 99154-2597
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Instagram: @agenciasolviagens
Documents and Border Control: How to Get to Manaus from Leticia
If you are traveling from Colombia to Brazil, don’t forget:
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Exit stamp from Colombia at Migration Colombia in Leticia.
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Entry stamp to Brazil at the Federal Police office in Tabatinga (Av. da Amizade, 26).
⏰ Federal Police opening hours: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Without these stamps, you won’t be allowed to board the boat.
Tips for Your Amazon Boat Trip
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If traveling by hammock, choose a comfortable and durable one.
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Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and extra water.
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A book, music, or travel journal will make the journey more enjoyable.
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Remember: the slow boat on the Amazon is not just transport — it’s part of the adventure.
A Unique Experience: The Amazon Ferry
The Amazon River boat trip between Colombia and Brazil is more than transportation. It’s a cultural and natural immersion where you’ll witness river life, share space with locals, and feel the immensity of the Amazon.
Whether you call it the Amazon slow boat, the budget ferry Tabatinga–Manaus, or simply the Amazon ferry, this trip is one of the most authentic ways to get to Manaus from Leticia.
Spend Some Time in Leticia Before Your Trip
If you plan to take the Leticia–Manaus boat, consider spending a few days in Leticia before boarding. You can join jungle tours guided by indigenous communities and explore a unique type of rainforest found only in this region of the Amazon.
This is the perfect way to complement your experience before embarking on the boat from Tabatinga to Manaus.
👉 With this guide, you now know how to travel by boat from Tabatinga to Manaus, how much it costs, what to expect on board, and what to do before departure. A true Amazon adventure that combines nature, culture, and the river’s slow rhythm.