When you arrive at the boat port in Leticia, Colombia, you’ll be met with a throng of market vendors, tuk-tuks, and bobbing water taxis. After passing by wooden houses on stilts and arriving at a row of floating platforms, show your ticket to an attendant who will offer out life jackets. As you board the boat, you’ll settle into a plastic seat near the bows, ready to take in your first unimpeded glimpse of the enormous Amazon River.
Journey to Puerto Nariño
Your destination is Puerto Nariño, a tranquil town located 75km from Leticia along the Amazon. The two-hour journey offers captivating views with Peru on one side and Colombia on the other. Upon arrival, the stark contrast between Leticia and Puerto Nariño becomes apparent. While Leticia is a frenetic border town, Puerto Nariño is a serene experiment in sustainable living, offering a glimpse of a community in harmony with nature.
A Sustainable Haven
Puerto Nariño, often referred to as “the natural cradle of Colombia,” stands out as an exemplary model of sustainable living. In 2012, it became the first town in the country to be certified as a “sustainable tourist destination.” Here, you’ll find neat terracotta walkways lined with trees, and wooden houses decorated with murals reflecting a strong Indigenous presence. Cars and motorbikes are banned, contributing to the town’s cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere.
Exploring the Town
Upon paying a small entry tax, you can explore the community’s well-ordered streets. The town is free from the typical Amazonian village chaos, with manicured lawns and stores selling colorful crafts. Statues depicting local wildlife add to the charm. As you wander, you’ll notice the community’s commitment to sustainability, with locals sweeping pathways and maintaining the town’s pristine condition.
History and Development
Puerto Nariño, founded in 1961, is home to indigenous people who have lived in the region for millennia. The town began to draw tourists in the 1980s and 1990s, eventually developing a sustainable tourism model by the early 2000s. The municipality’s emphasis on beautifying, increasing tourism in Indigenous communities, and managing tourist infrastructure has made it a model for green tourism in Colombia.
Environmental Stewardship
The town has five major environmental projects, with a focus on water, energy, solid waste, pollution, and animal and plant preservation. This stewardship is based on Indigenous peoples’ deep understanding of their natural environment, which is demonstrated through sustainable agriculture practices. Local households raise food on chagras (small parcels of land) and sell the surplus in a daily market, which contributes to the town’s self-reliance.
Local Cuisine and Markets
Puerto Nariño serves locally farmed meals. The daily market sells fresh vegetables such as cassava, chiles, onions, squash, and tropical fruits. Most meals feature Amazon River seafood, such as catfish and pirarucu. The market embodies the community’s commitment to sustainable food production and consumption.
Wildlife Conservation
The local fishers also serve as environmental custodians, monitoring wildlife in partnership with the Natütama Foundation. This foundation maintains an interpretation center of river life, staffed by Indigenous guides. The center offers a glimpse into the local ecology and conservation efforts, making it an educational hub for both residents and visitors.
Cultural Education
Natütama also focuses on environmental and cultural education, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational knowledge. The interpretation center recreates the region’s wet and dry seasons, teaching visitors about the local flora and fauna. This education fosters respect and care for the environment, ensuring the preservation of the community’s cultural heritage.
Indigenous Life Insights
Travelers can gain insights into Indigenous life through activities such as learning traditional dances, tasting typical foods, and hearing myths and legends. These experiences highlight the community’s dedication to preserving their cultural and environmental practices.
Locally Led Conservation
Puerto Nariño’s conservation efforts are led by the Indigenous community, ensuring that their voices and practices are integral to the process. This locally-led approach has made the town a model for sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
A Day at Lake Tarapoto
A guided boat trip to Lake Tarapoto offers an opportunity to swim and spot wildlife such as pink dolphins, sloths, and turtles. The lake, a Ramsar wetlands site, showcases the region’s rich biodiversity and the community’s commitment to conservation.
Creative Eco-Initiatives
Strolling through Puerto Nariño, you’ll notice various creative eco-initiatives, from plant pots made of recycled plastic bottles to a water filtration plant where residents refill their drinking containers. These initiatives reflect the town’s innovative approach to sustainability.
Conclusion
Puerto Nariño stands as a beacon of sustainable living and environmental stewardship. Its commitment to preserving both culture and nature offers a positive example for the world. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural insights, or simply a tranquil escape, this Amazonian town provides a unique and inspiring travel destination.