Leticia: Calderon River jungle trek with camping

Summary

Trekking to Calderon River: wild Amazon days & nights

On this multi-day trek from Leticia to the Calderon River, you’ll hike deep into Amazon rainforest with a local guide, camp under dense jungle canopy, share meals by firelight, swim in wild rivers, and meet people who know every sound in these woods — experiences you’ll remember long after you’ve left the trail behind.

What’s the experience like?

“You hear that?” our guide José whispered, just as we stopped for water somewhere past noon. The forest around Leticia was so thick I could barely see ten meters ahead, but suddenly I noticed the low chattering of monkeys overhead — or maybe it was birds? Hard to say. My shirt was already clinging to my back from the humidity, and honestly, I’d lost track of how far we’d walked since leaving the bus that morning. Lunch was a quick affair on a fallen log — rice, beans, something spicy that tasted better than it looked — and then we kept moving deeper into what José called “the real Amazon.”

The first night camping in the jungle felt both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Setting up tents by flashlight while cicadas screamed all around us — I’ll admit I fumbled with my knots more than once. After dinner (José’s fish stew, smoky and rich), he led us on a night walk. At one point he pointed out a snake coiled on a branch just above eye level; I nearly jumped out of my boots. He laughed and told me not to worry unless it started moving toward us. Not exactly comforting, but somehow it made me trust him more.

The next day we reached the Calderon River by early afternoon — there’s this tiny wooden house where an old man lives alone (they call him abuelo). He didn’t say much but offered us some strange fruit that tasted like citrus mixed with pepper. We spent hours swimming in the river, fishing with lines José made from vines, and watching spider monkeys leap between trees across the water. Sunlight flickered through the canopy in patches; sometimes it felt like time slowed down completely out there.

I still think about waking up to mist over the river and hearing nothing but distant bird calls and someone quietly making coffee over a fire. The hike back to Leticia felt different — lighter somehow, even though my legs were tired and my clothes smelled like campfire smoke mixed with mud. There’s something about being out there for days that changes how you see green forever.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jungle Trek to Camp

• Bus to trail start
• Jungle trek with lunch break
• Set up camp and night walk

Day 2 — Explore Calderon River

• Breakfast at camp
• Trail to Calderon River
• Fishing, swimming, wildlife spotting
• Dinner and rest

Day 3 — Jungle Activities and Rest

• Breakfast
• Walks, fishing, swimming, lunch
• Rest and prepare luggage

Day 4 — Return to Leticia

• Breakfast and trek back
• Lunch halfway
• Arrive in Leticia

Top questions

How long is the Calderon River jungle trek from Leticia?

The tour lasts four days and three nights.

Is camping equipment included on this Amazon trek?

Yes, camping equipment is provided during the trip.

Are meals included during the Calderon River tour?

Yes, meals are included throughout the trek.

What wildlife might I see near Calderon River?

You may spot monkeys, wild boars, snakes, insects, and birds.

Is hotel pickup included in Leticia?

The tour includes pickup from Leticia by bus at 8 a.m.

Do I need high physical fitness for this trek?

Yes, travelers should have a high level of physical fitness.

Where do we sleep during the tour?

You will camp in tents or stay at a small house by Calderon River.

Can service animals join this Amazon trek?

Service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from Leticia by bus each way, all camping equipment for overnight stays in the jungle or at a rustic house by Calderon River, all meals prepared locally (including lunch breaks along the trail), guided walks with an expert local guide who shares survival tips and stories about Amazon life, plus opportunities for fishing and swimming along the river before returning to town on your final day.