How far is Peru from Colombia? Everything you need to know for your trip
If you’re planning a trip through South America, you’ve probably wondered how far Peru is from Colombia . Although the two countries share a border, the distance between key cities like Bogotá and Lima, or between Amazonian regions like Leticia and Iquitos, varies considerably depending on the mode of transportation. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about distances, routes, border crossings, transportation options, and practical tips so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Where are Peru and Colombia on the map?
Colombia and Peru are located in the northwestern part of South America. Colombia borders Peru to the south , and they share a border in the Amazon region. However, most of the major cities in both countries are far from this border, making the trip between them longer than it appears at first glance.
What is the distance between Peru and Colombia?
Straight line distance
The direct distance between the capital cities, from Bogotá to Lima , is approximately 1,950 kilometers . However, if we talk about Amazonian cities like Leticia (Colombia) and Iquitos (Peru) , the distance is reduced to about 370 kilometers .
Distance by road or waterway
The actual distance traveled may be considerably greater due to geography: jungles, mountains, and a lack of direct infrastructure make land and river routes longer and slower.
Traveling by plane: the fastest option
If you’re wondering how far Peru is from Colombia in time , the answer is clear: by plane, the main cities are just a few hours away.
- Bogotá – Lima: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Medellín – Lima: Approximately 4 hours
- Cali – Lima: Similar duration, with stopovers
- Cartagena – Lima: Requires stopovers in Bogotá or Panama
Flying is the most comfortable, fastest, and safest way to travel between both countries, especially if you book in advance.
Traveling by land: an option for adventurers
Amazon Route: Leticia – Iquitos
On the Amazon border, you can cross from Leticia, Colombia, to Santa Rosa, Peru , by boat, and then continue to Iquitos . This route is perfect for travelers seeking adventure in the jungle.
Land route through Ecuador
Another option is to travel from Colombia to Ecuador and then enter Peru from the north, passing through cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and finally Tumbes or Piura.
Traveling by bus: cheaper, but longer
Traveling by bus is an economical option, but it requires time and patience. For example, traveling from Bogotá to Lima can take between 60 and 72 hours with several stops.
Border crossings between Colombia and Peru
There are several crossing points between Peru and Colombia, either directly or through Ecuador.
- Leticia – Santa Rosa: River crossing the Amazon.
- Macará – La Tina: Land crossing from Ecuador to Peru.
- Zarumilla – Huaquillas: The busiest border crossing in northern Peru.
Remember to stamp your passport and check if you need a visa. Most travelers from Latin America and Europe do not need a visa for short stays in Peru or Colombia.
Cultural differences between Peru and Colombia
Peru
- Icons such as Machu Picchu , Cusco and Lake Titicaca .
- Great diversity of landscapes: coast, mountains and jungle.
- Renowned cuisine, especially in Lima.
Colombia
- Modern cities like Medellín and colonial gems like Cartagena .
- Caribbean beaches, coffee culture and Andean mountains.
- Rich in music, urban art and popular joy.
Useful tips for your trip between Colombia and Peru
- Book flights in advance to get good prices.
- Always carry a copy of your documents.
- Check the weather and safety conditions before traveling by land.
- Consider travel insurance that covers multiple countries.
- Learn basic phrases in Spanish if you don’t speak it.
Conclusion: How far is Peru from Colombia really?
Now you know that the distance between Peru and Colombia depends on the mode of transportation, the route chosen, and the type of experience you’re looking for. From 3-hour flights to multi-day jungle and road trips, the possibilities are as vast as they are exciting.
Traveling between Peru and Colombia is not just a geographical journey, but an opportunity to discover two vibrant cultures, with unique landscapes and incomparable historical richness.
So pack your passport, pack your backpack or suitcase, and get ready to explore one of the most exciting routes in South America.
Everything you need to know for your trip
If you’re planning a trip through South America, you’ve probably wondered how far Peru is from Colombia . Although the two countries share a border, the distance between key cities like Bogotá and Lima, or between Amazonian regions like Leticia and Iquitos, varies considerably depending on the mode of transportation. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about distances, routes, border crossings, transportation options, and practical tips so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Where are Peru and Colombia on the map?
Colombia and Peru are located in the northwestern part of South America. Colombia borders Peru to the south , and they share a border in the Amazon region. However, most of the major cities in both countries are far from this border, making the trip between them longer than it appears at first glance.
What is the distance between Peru and Colombia?
Straight line distance
The direct distance between the capital cities, from Bogotá to Lima , is approximately 1,950 kilometers . However, if we talk about Amazonian cities like Leticia (Colombia) and Iquitos (Peru) , the distance is reduced to about 370 kilometers .
Distance by road or waterway
The actual distance traveled may be considerably greater due to geography: jungles, mountains, and a lack of direct infrastructure make land and river routes longer and slower.
Traveling by plane: the fastest option
If you’re wondering how far Peru is from Colombia in time , the answer is clear: by plane, the main cities are just a few hours away.
- Bogotá – Lima: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Medellín – Lima: Approximately 4 hours
- Cali – Lima: Similar duration, with stopovers
- Cartagena – Lima: Requires stopovers in Bogotá or Panama
Flying is the most comfortable, fastest, and safest way to travel between both countries, especially if you book in advance.
Traveling by land: an option for adventurers
Amazon Route: Leticia – Iquitos
On the Amazon border, you can cross from Leticia, Colombia, to Santa Rosa, Peru , by boat, and then continue to Iquitos . This route is perfect for travelers seeking adventure in the jungle.
Land route through Ecuador
Another option is to travel from Colombia to Ecuador and then enter Peru from the north, passing through cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and finally Tumbes or Piura.
Traveling by bus: cheaper, but longer
Traveling by bus is an economical option, but it requires time and patience. For example, traveling from Bogotá to Lima can take between 60 and 72 hours with several stops.
Border crossings between Colombia and Peru
There are several crossing points between Peru and Colombia, either directly or through Ecuador.
- Leticia – Santa Rosa: River crossing the Amazon.
- Macará – La Tina: Land crossing from Ecuador to Peru.
- Zarumilla – Huaquillas: The busiest border crossing in northern Peru.
Remember to stamp your passport and check if you need a visa. Most travelers from Latin America and Europe do not need a visa for short stays in Peru or Colombia.
Cultural differences between Peru and Colombia
Peru
- Icons such as Machu Picchu , Cusco and Lake Titicaca .
- Great diversity of landscapes: coast, mountains and jungle.
- Renowned cuisine, especially in Lima.
Colombia
- Modern cities like Medellín and colonial gems like Cartagena .
- Caribbean beaches, coffee culture and Andean mountains.
- Rich in music, urban art and popular joy.
Useful tips for your trip between Colombia and Peru
- Book flights in advance to get good prices.
- Always carry a copy of your documents.
- Check the weather and safety conditions before traveling by land.
- Consider travel insurance that covers multiple countries.
- Learn basic phrases in Spanish if you don’t speak it.
Conclusion: How far is Peru from Colombia really?
Now you know that the distance between Peru and Colombia depends on the mode of transportation, the route chosen, and the type of experience you’re looking for. From 3-hour flights to multi-day jungle and road trips, the possibilities are as vast as they are exciting.
Traveling between Peru and Colombia is not just a geographical journey, but an opportunity to discover two vibrant cultures, with unique landscapes and incomparable historical richness.
So pack your passport, pack your backpack or suitcase, and get ready to explore one of the most exciting routes in South America.
