Calanoa is a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Colombian Amazonia, 60 km from Leticia, near the Peruvian and Venezuelan borders. The lodge occupies a private reserve of the same name, on the banks of the Amazon River, and is featured in Condé Nast's selection of the world's finest hotels. Seven bungalows built from natural materials, shared meals, and activities guided by indigenous experts: this property prioritizes immersion over standardized comfort.

Why choose Calanoa

The property was designed by its owner, Colombian artist Diego Samper. This signature explains the careful attention to materials, spatial volumes, and how structures integrate into the primary rainforest. The woven palm-leaf roofs, the treehouse cabin, the three-story main lodge with its open-air jungle-facing balcony: each element has been conceived as an extension of the landscape rather than decoration.

Calanoa appeals to travelers ready to spend multiple nights offline, following a rhythm set by daylight and birdsong. Adventure-seeking families, amateur naturalists, and architecture enthusiasts will find common ground here.

An eco-lodge philosophy, clearly stated

No air conditioning, no hot water, electricity supplied by generator in the evenings (typically 3pm to 11pm, to be confirmed on arrival), zero cell coverage and no internet. These technical choices aren't shortcomings but a deliberate stance: minimize the lodge's footprint on the reserve and impose a rhythm attuned to the forest.

Meals are taken around a large communal table, offering a chance to connect with fellow travelers and the team. Those preferring privacy can arrange a private dinner in the restaurant's lounge area.

The rooms

The lodge features seven rooms spread across bungalows. Structures are built from local materials and topped with woven palm-leaf roofs. Interiors remain understated: private bathroom with shower and toilet, balcony opening onto vegetation.

• Main lodge: three stories, wide balcony overlooking the jungle. The junior suite and other suites face the Amazon.
• Treehouse cabin: built in the trees, it contains two private bedrooms.
• Individual bungalows: scattered throughout the reserve, some with river views.

Dining and services

All meals are included in your stay. Cuisine draws from indigenous techniques and local ingredients: freshwater fish, root vegetables, tropical fruits. Menus vary based on seasonal availability and supply.

Transfers from Leticia airport are arranged by the lodge via shared shuttle. You can also reach Calanoa by private boat, on request.

Activities offered

The program is tailored to your number of nights. Among regularly organized outings:

• Night walk with an indigenous guide: bioluminescent fungi, nocturnal monkeys, owls.
• Visit to a neighboring indigenous village and hike to Matamata creek, near Amacayacu National Park. Return by canoe if water levels permit.
• Mocagua Island within Amacayacu Park: giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies, then crossing toward Peruvian territory to observe pink river dolphins.
• Boat excursion to Vista Alegre (Peruvian bank) and visit to Milciades' garden, a traditional Cocama healer's medicinal plant sanctuary.
• Bird-watching at 5:30am and, by request, visit to Leticia and its ethnographic museum.
• Other options based on availability: piranha fishing, basket weaving and pottery with local artisans, mud bath, canopy walk, trip to Puerto Nariño and Lake Tarapoto (additional fee).

Location and access

Calanoa is approximately 1.5 hours by boat from Leticia's port, a city reachable in 2 hours by flight from Bogotá. The reserve borders Amacayacu National Park and Matamata creek, in an area exceptionally rich in biodiversity. Proximity to the Peruvian and Venezuelan borders makes it easy to organize cross-border boat outings, particularly for pink river dolphin watching.

To prepare your arrival, consult our guide to Leticia, gateway to Colombian Amazonia.

What to see nearby and other addresses

Should you extend your Colombia journey, several accommodations complement an Amazonian stay well:

• Hilton Bogota for a transit night in the capital before or after Amazonia.
• Mill of Mesopotamia, in the coffee region, for a striking contrast with the jungle.
• Bosques del Saman, another nature-focused stop in the coffee belt.

To craft an itinerary combining Amazonia, Andes, and Caribbean, explore our Colombia journeys.