Visit eco-village Puerto Narino in Colombia’s Amazon

Visit Puerto Nariño in the Colombian Amazon, a peaceful river village which is a shining light of sustainable living. 

This most attractive little port, founded in 1961 and populated by local indigenous Ticuna, Yagua and Cocana people is 75km upstream of Leticia in the Colombian Amazon.

You can only reach it by boat on the Amazon: public launches dock there three times a day. The 90-minute jungle-fringed ride from Leticia passes over a ‘meeting of the (differently coloured) waters’ – or you can hire a private boat so you can stop off at other communities or to get a close up of wildlife. Puerto Nariño offers an alternative base to Leticia for jungle visits, with one good hotel and a few guest houses. You can also easily visit Puerto Nariño on a day trip from Leticia or Calanoa Lodge.

This lovely village has made a conscious effort to be eco-friendly and sustainable, and ingenious use of rubbish, such as hanging baskets made from plastic bottles, are a beacon of responsible enterprise. Close to the village is the Natutama Foundation, a non-profit community project (guided tours except Tuesdays) devoted to conservation, recycling and sustainability.

Puerto Nariño is very dreamy and relaxing with no vehicular traffic, just a grid of footpaths lined with flowering plants and thatched, wooden houses. There are three restaurants, and a couple of gift shops by the pier. There’s also an observation tower where you can climb 68 steps (12m) for a delightful view over the village and surrounding jungle. Also popular is a boat trip to nearby Lago Tarapoto, sheltering Victoria Regia water lilies and a plethora of birdlife. There is a 5km walking trail to explore or you can visit nearby indian communities.