Before you go: this article is general, approximate information. Boat and ferry schedules change all the time — an engine problem, heavy rain or something happening at the border can move a departure by hours or by a whole day. The only reliable source is the port itself: go and ask where the boats leave, that’s first-hand information. And whenever you can, get your entry stamp for the country before buying the boat ticket.

Sailing from Santa Rosa, Peru, to Iquitos along the Amazon River is a truly unforgettable journey. Whether you take the slow boat or the fast boat, this trip lets you experience the heart of the rainforest, its riverside villages, and the rhythm of Amazonian life.

How to Get from Leticia or Tabatinga to Santa Rosa

If you’re starting your trip from Leticia (Colombia) or Tabatinga (Brazil), you’ll first need to cross to Santa Rosa, Peru — a small island located right across the river.
The ride takes only 10 minutes on a public boat and costs around 10,000 COP or 15 Brazilian reais.

Migration Stamps and Border Control

Before traveling to Iquitos, make sure you complete the migration process:

• In Leticia (Colombia): you can get your exit stamp at the airport or at the floating immigration office near the port.

• In Tabatinga (Brazil): visit the Federal Police office for your exit stamp.

• In Santa Rosa (Peru): the Peruvian immigration office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

After you’re stamped out of Colombia or Brazil and into Peru, you’re ready to board your Amazon River boat to Iquitos.

Traveling from Santa Rosa to Iquitos by Slow Boat

An Authentic Amazon River Experience

The slow boat is the traditional way to travel from Santa Rosa to Iquitos — and the most budget-friendly. It’s a local cargo boat that also takes passengers, making it a truly authentic cultural experience.
The trip takes around three days and two nights, sailing through the mighty Amazon River and stopping in riverside villages along the way.

Price, Schedule, and Onboard Services

• Price: 80 soles per person (The ticket is paid directly on the boat, as there are no offices.).

• Duration: 3 days, 2 nights.

• Departure time: Daily around 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Tuesdays sometimes at noon).

• Internet: Satellite connection available for 20 soles.

You’ll need to bring a hammock for sleeping. Although some travelers bring mosquito nets, they’re not really necessary — the boat sails far from the riverbanks where mosquitoes live, and the net can make it hotter and less comfortable.

Meals and drinks are sold on board, but it’s a good idea to bring snacks, fruits, and extra water.
The boat also stops in small Amazonian towns, where you can buy fresh food or local products.

Travel Tip: Arrive 2–3 hours before departure to secure a good spot for your hammock and get comfortable before the boat leaves.

Traveling from Santa Rosa to Iquitos by Fast Boat

A Quicker and More Comfortable Option

If you prefer speed and comfort, take the fast boat. The journey from Santa Rosa to Iquitos takes approximately 18 hours, traveling during the day so you can enjoy the stunning views of the Amazon River.

Prices, Companies, and Weekly Schedule

Fast boats depart daily at 12:00 pm, and it is recommended to arrive two hours before departure. Prices vary depending on the company:

• Zoe Alexa: between 130 and 150 soles Facebook

• Haydee: between 130 and 150 soles

• Ferri Amazonas: around 350 soles (larger and more comfortable) Facebook

Weekly schedule (subject to change):

• Monday: Haydee

• Tuesday: Haydee and Ferri Amazonas

• Wednesday: Zoe and Haydee

• Thursday: Haydee and Ferri

• Friday: Zoe and Haydee

• Saturday: Haydee and Ferri Amazonas

• Sunday: Zoe

All fast boats also offer satellite internet for 10 soles.

Essential Tips for Traveling on the Amazon River

• 🕒 Arrive early: Be at the port 2–3 hours before departure to choose your spot.

• 💧 Bring snacks and water: While food is available, it’s better to carry your own.

• 🎒 Pack light: Space is limited and walkways are narrow.

• ☀️ Prepare for heat: Wear light, breathable clothing.

• 📄 Carry your documents: Migration stamps are required if you’re coming from Colombia or Brazil.

• 🌅 Enjoy the journey: This is not just transportation — it’s a true Amazon River adventure through one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.

Why You Should Take the Boat to Iquitos

Traveling from Santa Rosa to Iquitos by boat — whether you choose the slow or the fast option — is one of the most authentic and scenic experiences in South America.
It’s a journey through time, culture, and nature, where you’ll witness the daily life of the Amazon and the endless beauty of its river.

Each sunrise, each stop, and each conversation with locals will connect you deeper to the spirit of the Amazon rainforest. 🌿

Explore the Amazon with Local Guides

Want to live an even deeper Amazon experience?
Join our Amazon jungle tours guided by native communities, where you’ll explore the forest through their ancestral knowledge and sustainable traditions.

👉 Live the Amazon. Discover it. Protect it.

Before you go: this article is general, approximate information. Boat and ferry schedules change all the time — an engine problem, heavy rain or something happening at the border can move a departure by hours or by a whole day. The only reliable source is the port itself: go and ask where the boats leave, that’s first-hand information. And whenever you can, get your entry stamp for the country before buying the boat ticket.

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.

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

• Price: 290 BRL per person.

• You must bring your own hammock and two ropes (2 meters each) to hang it on the boat.

• 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

• Price: between 1,900 and 3,500 BRL, depending on the type of cabin and comfort level.

• 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:

• Three meals a day and drinking water included

• Note: Meals on the boat are served early, so it’s a good idea to arrive on time and get a good spot in line at the dining area. This way you can eat calmly and choose the best available options.
  . Meals on the boat are served early, so it’s a good idea to arrive on time and get a good spot in line at the dining area. This way you can eat calmly and choose the best available options.

• A small shop selling snacks and drinks.

• Shared bathrooms and showers for passengers.

• 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

• Departure: the boat usually leaves every day at noon from the Portobrás Fluvial Terminal in Tabatinga.

  • Note: in some months, there are no departures on Sundays, Mondays or Fridays.

  • Important: Before buying your boat ticket to Manaus, make sure you get your Brazil entry stamp at the Federal Police office in Tabatinga. This stamp is required to enter Brazil, and without it, you may not be allowed to board the boat.

• Boarding time: passengers must arrive at the terminal by 9:00 am.

• Tickets: can be purchased in advance or on the day of departure at Sol Viagens, the travel agency located in the terminal.

• Recommendation: Boat departure schedules change frequently, so for the most accurate and up-to-date information it’s best to contact the agency directly via WhatsApp +55 (97) 99154-2597 or visit their office at the Portobrás Fluvial Terminal in Tabatinga before your travel date.

📍 Sol Viagens Agency

• WhatsApp: +55 (97) 99154-2597 wa.me/5597991542597

• Instagram: @agenciasolviagens

Documents and Border Control: How to Get to Manaus from Leticia

If you are traveling from Colombia to Brazil, don’t forget:

Exit stamp from Colombia at Migration Colombia in Leticia.

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

• If traveling by hammock, choose a comfortable and durable one.

• Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and extra water.

• A book, music, or travel journal will make the journey more enjoyable.

• 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.

– Email. casadelaspalmasleticia@gmail.com

– Phone. +57 3214352114

– Address. Carrera 11 calle 13#110

Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia