How to Cross the Colombia Peru Border Like a Pro
Find the ride you need in
Feeling confused about how to cross the Colombia Peru Border? Everything you need, from flights to boats, is covered here. Read on.
The Colombia-Peru border crossing is an interesting one to discuss. Why? Because even though the two countries share a 1,494 km (929 miles) border, the lush, biodiverse and expansive Amazon Rainforest and Andes Mountains prevent anyone from crossing on foot.
So how do you travel between them?
Don’t stress; everything you need to know is explained below. But in short, you can either travel by plane or by boat.
What Documentation Do You Need?
Before determining which Peru-Colombia border crossing is best for you, look at the requirements for entering both countries. Use this as a checklist before departure to prevent any surprises.
Important Disclaimer – It is always best to check with your local embassy before your departure/arrival. Entry and exit regulations can change on short notice.
Entering Colombia
- Your passport must be valid and have at least six months of validity from the date of travel. You must also have at least one blank page in your passport.
- Depending on your nationality, you may be required to obtain a visa before traveling to Colombia. Some nationalities, including people from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, can enter the country for 90 days as visitors.
- You must fill out the Check-Mig form between 24 hours and up to 1 hour before your departure. This is part of the current Covid-19 travel requirements.
- While it is recommended but not necessary to be vaccinated against yellow fever, it is a requirement for people arriving from Angola, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. After your vaccination, you will receive a yellow fever vaccination certificate, so you should carry this with you.
- You must have all your travel information on hand, including your accommodation address and proof of exit from Colombia—you may be asked to provide evidence.
Entering Peru
- Just like Colombia, your passport must be valid with at least six months of validity from the date of travel. You must also have at least one blank page in your passport.
- For anyone traveling from Australia, the United States or the United Kingdom, you will be issued a permit to stay for up to three months (90 days) on arrival in Peru.
- While there are no requirements for vaccinations, it is always a smart idea to be up to date with your Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid and yellow fever vaccinations.
- It is always a good idea to pre-purchase travel insurance before heading to any South American country, including Peru.
- You must have all your travel information on hand, including your accommodation address and proof of exit from Peru, as you may be asked to provide evidence.
Arriving/Departing from Peru and Colombia by Air
Even though the Amazon Rainforest is the most mysterious ecosystem on Earth, it restricts the journey between Peru and Colombia.
Taking a flight between the two countries is not a bad option. It will save you a lot of time—which means more time for exploring.
Just remember that at customs, you will be asked to show your Check-Mig form when entering Colombia. The officials on duty may also request proof of your exit from either Peru or Colombia, as well as information on your accommodation.
Below are some of the most popular routes you can take between Peru and Colombia.
Option One: Bogota to Lima / Lima to Bogota
Bogota is the capital of Colombia and is located in the Andean region. Each neighborhood has a unique character and charm and is surrounded by green hills and mountains.
Lima, on the other hand, the capital city of Peru, is known for its rich and fascinating history. You can explore the streets, which are home to a wealth of stunning colonial and neoclassical architecture.
As the flight time is only three hours between the two cities, it’s no surprise that this is a popular option for travelers visiting both countries.
From Bogota to Lima, you can choose between two airlines: Avianca and LATAM Airlines.
Pro tip for Bogota: Visit the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria in the heart of the city’s historic center. Some of the top attractions include Plaza de Bolivar, Museo del Oro and Casa de la Moneda. Of course, you can’t miss the street art as well!
Pro tip for Lima: The city is known for its incredible culinary scene, so be sure to try a mixture of local specialties, including ceviche, lomo saltado (a beef stir fry) and causa (layers of mashed potato filled with chicken, tuna, crab or avocado).
Option Two: Medellin to Lima / Lima to Medellin
Medellin is the second biggest city in Colombia. This vibrant city is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. When you fly in, you’ll see what we mean; the views are spectacular.
Known for its innovative urban development, rich cultural scenes, thriving nightlife and beautiful weather year-round, just to name a few.
Not only is Lima the capital city of Peru, but it is the perfect gateway for beginning your adventures to Cusco, the departing point for most tours to Machu Picchu.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel between Medellin and Lima is by air. The flight time is typically 3 hours direct.
Several airlines operate flights between the two cities—LATAM Airlines, Avianca and Copa Airlines.
Pro tip for Medellin: Explore the neighborhood of Comuna 13, which used to be known as one of the most dangerous areas. After a complete turnaround, you can now take a guided tour to learn all about it.
Option Three: Cartagena to Lima / Lima to Cartagena
Cartagena is not only a beautiful coastal city but a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go for a stroll on the cobbled streets, surrounded by colorful colonial architecture. There are historic fortresses to explore, stunning beaches to relax on, delicious food to eat and more. Cartagena is a truly unique destination.
The fastest and easiest way to travel between the two cities is by plane. The trip is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes direct.
There are several airlines operating flights between Cartagena and Lima. These include LATAM Airlines, Copa Airlines, and Avianca.
Pro tip for Cartagena: Don’t miss out on an opportunity to see Cartagena come alive at night. Whether you enjoy listening to live music or want to give salsa dancing a go, there is something for everyone.
Arriving/Departing from Peru and Colombia by Boat
If you are more of the adventurous type, then why not cross the Peru-Colombia border by boat?
When departing from Colombia, make your way to the southernmost town of Leticia. Below are all the details for crossing from this spot.
If, however, you are heading from Peru, you will need to reach Iquitos and essentially do the steps below in reverse order.
Step One: Travel by Plane from Bogota to Leticia
Leticia is the capital of Colombia’s Amazonian region. At the moment, the only city in Colombia that offers direct flights to this small city is Bogota.
To travel from Bogota to Leticia, it will take you approximately two hours.
Pro tip: You can reach Bogota from any major city in Colombia. For example, from Medellin to Bogota, it will take eight hours in a minivan or car or about one hour by plane.
Step Two: Get an Exit Stamp from Colombia at the Airport in Leticia
While you are technically still in Colombia, you will need to exit Colombia at this spot, as they won’t technically allow you on the boat unless you have exited the country.
The immigration office is located within the airport.
Step Three: Book Your Ticket on a Boat from Leticia to Iquitos
This is where the fun starts.
By taking the boat across the border from Colombia to Peru, you will experience the Amazon River and explore the rainforest.
Several types of boats operate this route, so your decision should come down to how long you want to take in the scenery on board the boat.
You can choose a boat that takes two to three days to make the crossing. Just don’t expect luxury housing, as lodgings are typically hammocks in a public space. It’s also not surprising to find animals like pigs and sheep on board.
The other option is to take a speed boat which takes between eight and ten hours. These depart every day except for a Monday.
Fun fact: For the speed boat, you must purchase tickets in the Brazilian town of Tabatinga. However, there is no border control, meaning no one will check your passport.
Step Four: Getting your Immigration Stamps
Now that you have purchased your boat ticket, you can take a ferry to where the boats depart from, Santa Rosa de Yavari.
This will mean you have officially crossed the border from Colombia to Peru.
It is not hard to miss the immigration office on arrival, but if you have any difficulties, just ask any of the locals.
When you arrive, the guard from the immigration office will stamp your passport. They may also check if you have an outbound flight from Peru or details on your accommodation.
It’s not a time to stress, though, as the Peru border restrictions are pretty relaxed.
Pro tip: You will be handed an arrivals card that should be kept safe until you depart from the country.
Step Five: Transfer by Boat from Santa Rosa to Iquitos
Now that you have officially done the hard work, it’s time to board the boat to Iquitos in Peru.
Depending on your arrival time in Santa Rosa, there are a few places to spend the night in case you wish to get a good night’s sleep before embarking on your adventure.
Some boat companies, such as Transtur, provide a few meals, but to be prepared, it is recommended to pack a few snacks and drinks.
Important information: You will not be allowed onboard unless you have had your passport stamped. One stamp for departing Colombia and one stamp for entry into Peru.
Step Six: Arriving in Iquitos, Peru
The hardest part is done. Now it’s time to explore Peru.
Once you disembark the boat, take a taxi to the town of Iquitos, a vibrant city in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.
Whether you choose to explore the Amazon more is up to you.
There are some incredible tours you can book, allowing you time to admire the array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
Afterward, or alternatively, you can take a flight from Iquitos to Lima, which takes less than two hours.
When you’ve had your fill of Peru and feel the need for another border crossing, why not cross into Ecuador? Our guide makes it easy.
Map of the Colombia Peru Border Crossing Locations?
If you haven’t visited these countries before, imagining where a city or region is might be challenging. So, we put together a map to help you find all the above cities. Now you can decide which border crossing route you wish to take.
FAQ
The good news is that anyone arriving in Colombia or Peru from the United States, the United Kingdom or Australia does not have to pay any fees to enter. However, as the two countries are bordered by the Amazon Rainforest and Andes Mountains, the easiest option is to take a flight which could cost you a pretty penny.
There is no official minimum stay in Peru or Colombia, but there is a maximum stay. Travelers from The United States, the United Kingdom or Australia can stay for a maximum of 90 days on a tourist visa, which is granted on arrival into either of the countries.
Yes, it’s a good idea to provide proof of exit from both Peru and Colombia as, in some instances, you may not be granted a tourist visa otherwise.
The Colombia and Peru border crossing is difficult because the Amazon Rainforest and Andes Mountains prevent anyone from crossing on foot. However, there are options to take a flight or cross by boat from Leticia, Colombia, to Iquitos, Peru.
