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The Amazonian village of Puerto Nariño, 47 miles (75km) upriver from Leticia, is an inspiring example of human coexistence with nature. Here, cars are banned (the only two vehicles are an ambulance and a truck for collecting recyclables), rainwater is pooled in cisterns for washing and gardening, and electricity comes from the town's fuel-efficient generator, which runs only until midnight. Every morning, citizen brigades fan out to tidy up the town's landscaped sidewalks, and Puerto Nariño's ambitious recycling and organic-waste management programs would put most world cities to shame.
The majority of Puerto Nariño's residents are indigenous Ticuna, Cocoma and Yagua. Their community experiment in ecological living has made ecotourism an important source of income, and this tranquil place is a great base from which to visit beautiful Lago Tarapoto and the Amazon in general.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Puerto Nariño.
Lake
Lago Tarapoto, 10km west of Puerto Nariño, is a beautiful jungle lake fed by the Río Amazonas, and is home to pink dolphins, a tiny population of manatees and massive water lilies. A half-day trip to the lake in a peque-peque (a low-slung wooden boat) from Puerto Nariño (around COP$50,000 for up to four people for around four hours) is the main draw for visitors, who usually take a dip in the gorgeously clear water. Piranha fishing is also possible here.
Museum
The Centro de Interpretación Natütama has a fascinating museum with nearly 100 life-sized wood carvings of Amazonian flora and fauna and videos showcasing the plight of the pink river dolphin and the manatee. It's well worth purchasing handicrafts here, as the proceeds go toward conservation and community outreach efforts.
Viewpoint
For a bird’s-eye view of the village and the surrounding jungle and Amazon, climb this impressive wooden tower ( 'nai-pata' means 'treehouse' in the Ticuna tongue), on the top of a hill in the center of the village. Cool down afterwards with an ice cream next to the tower.
Museum
Located in the Alcaldía (town hall building), this mini museum has a small display of artifacts from the region’s indigenous populations.