Introduction
Colombia is a land of contrasts, offering digital nomads an incredible variety of destinations to suit any lifestyle. While cities like Medellín and Bogotá are popular for their modern infrastructure and bustling coworking scenes, smaller towns like Leticia and Jardín offer a more intimate and unique experience. But which one is right for you?
During my travels, I had the chance to work remotely from both towns. Leticia, located in the heart of the Amazon, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, while Jardín, nestled in Colombia’s Coffee Region, charms visitors with its colorful architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Each has its own strengths and challenges, making the decision a matter of personal priorities.
In this article, I’ll compare Leticia and Jardín across key factors like environment, cost of living, connectivity, and after-work activities to help you decide which town best suits your needs as a digital nomad.
Environment and Lifestyle
When it comes to choosing a remote work destination, the environment plays a significant role. Both Leticia and Jardín offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences, making this comparison crucial for digital nomads looking to balance work and leisure.
Leticia: The Heart of the Amazon
Leticia is a nature lover’s dream. Situated in the far south of Colombia, this town serves as a gateway to the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. During my stay, I was constantly surrounded by the sounds of the jungle—birds calling, insects humming, and the occasional splash of a pink dolphin in the river.
• Lifestyle: Life in Leticia is slow and connected to nature. The pace allows you to unplug and focus, but it also means fewer modern conveniences. If you’re someone who thrives in simplicity, Leticia offers a unique opportunity to embrace a minimalist lifestyle.
• Scenery: Everywhere you look, there’s lush greenery and the mighty Amazon River flowing nearby. The sunsets over the river are unforgettable, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
• Challenges: Leticia’s remoteness can be both a blessing and a curse. While the natural surroundings are breathtaking, the town lacks some urban comforts, and the climate—hot and humid—may not be for everyone.
For those drawn to adventure and the wild, Leticia offers an immersive experience like no other. Learn more about what to expect in Leticia: Gateway to the Amazon for Digital Nomads.
Jardín: A Coffee Lover’s Paradise
In contrast, Jardín is all about tranquility and charm. Nestled in the Coffee Region of Colombia, this small town is known for its colorful colonial buildings, lush green hills, and laid-back atmosphere. During my week in Jardín, I found the environment to be both inspiring and calming—perfect for remote work.
• Lifestyle: Jardín offers a slower pace without sacrificing modern comforts. The town’s size makes it easy to navigate, and its welcoming community makes you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
• Scenery: Jardín’s beauty lies in its rolling hills, vibrant flowers, and iconic coffee farms. The main plaza is a hub of activity, with locals and travelers mingling over freshly brewed coffee.
• Climate: With cooler temperatures than Leticia, Jardín’s weather is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring coffee plantations.
For digital nomads who prefer a peaceful, picturesque setting, Jardín strikes the perfect balance between productivity and leisure. Learn more about this hidden gem in Jardín: The Coffee Lover’s Paradise for Digital Nomads.
Verdict
• Choose Leticia if you’re seeking a wild, adventurous lifestyle and want to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Amazon.
• Choose Jardín if you prefer a tranquil environment with a strong coffee culture and milder climate.
Work Environment and Connectivity
As a digital nomad, having a reliable place to work and a stable internet connection is essential. While Leticia and Jardín both offer unique experiences, their suitability for remote work differs significantly.
Leticia: Nature-Driven Productivity
Working in Leticia means embracing a lifestyle closely tied to nature, which can be both inspiring and challenging. During my stay, I found that the town’s natural surroundings fostered a sense of focus and creativity, but it also required some adaptability.
• Wi-Fi Availability: Leticia’s Wi-Fi is functional but limited. Most eco-lodges and small hotels provide basic internet, which is sufficient for light tasks like email and writing but struggles with video calls or large file uploads. I relied on mobile data as a backup, using a SIM card from Claro, which offered decent coverage in the town center.
• Workspaces: Leticia doesn’t have traditional coworking spaces, but you can work from riverside cafes or eco-lodges with scenic views. My favorite spot was a small café overlooking the Amazon River, where I could enjoy the sounds of the jungle as I worked.
• Challenges: Frequent rainstorms can cause temporary power outages, so having a portable charger and working during stable weather hours is a must.
Despite its limitations, Leticia’s slower pace and proximity to nature can help digital nomads find balance and inspiration. For tips on working in similar conditions, check out Balancing Work and Travel in Colombia.
Jardín: Reliable Comfort
Jardín offers a more traditional working environment, making it a better fit for digital nomads who need a reliable connection and comfortable spaces to work.
• Wi-Fi Availability: Jardín’s Wi-Fi is generally more stable, with many guesthouses, cafes, and even public spaces offering solid connections. During my time there, I worked seamlessly from Café Macanas, which had strong Wi-Fi and a cozy ambiance.
• Workspaces: While Jardín lacks coworking hubs, its charming cafes and guesthouses fill the gap. Many accommodations are equipped with small desks, and outdoor spaces like the main plaza provide a change of scenery for brainstorming sessions.
• Challenges: The town’s slower pace might feel limiting for those who thrive in a bustling environment, but I found it perfect for focused work and creative projects.
Jardín’s infrastructure makes it a practical choice for digital nomads who value comfort and reliability without sacrificing a picturesque setting.
Verdict
• Choose Leticia if you’re comfortable with basic connectivity and crave a work environment surrounded by nature.
• Choose Jardín if you prefer stable internet, charming cafes, and a more traditional working setup.
Cost of Living
For digital nomads, affordability is a key factor when choosing a destination. Both Leticia and Jardín are budget-friendly compared to larger Colombian cities, but they differ in terms of what you get for your money. During my stays in both towns, I tracked my expenses to give you a clear idea of what to expect.
Living Costs in Leticia
Leticia is surprisingly affordable, especially given its remote location. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:
• Accommodation:
Most eco-lodges and small hotels offer rooms starting at $20–$30 USD per night, with monthly stays available for around $400–$600 USD. I stayed at a riverside eco-lodge, which included breakfast and reliable Wi-Fi.
• Food:
Dining out is cheap, with meals at local restaurants costing $3–$5 USD. Street food, such as freshly fried empanadas, is even more affordable and delicious.
• Transportation:
Leticia is compact, so you can walk almost everywhere. When needed, moto-taxis are available for $1–$2 USD per ride.
• Extras:
Tours and excursions, like boat rides on the Amazon River or visits to Indigenous communities, range from $20–$50 USD, depending on the activity.
Living Costs in Jardín
Jardín, while equally affordable, offers a slightly different value proposition due to its more developed infrastructure.
• Accommodation:
Guesthouses and small hotels in Jardín start at $25 USD per night, with monthly rentals available for $300–$500 USD. I opted for a cozy guesthouse near the main plaza that included breakfast and a dedicated workspace.
• Food:
Dining out in Jardín is a treat, with meals costing $3–$7 USD at local restaurants. Cafes serving coffee and pastries are abundant, and the quality of the food is exceptional.
• Transportation:
Like Leticia, Jardín is highly walkable. Moto-taxis are available for short distances, but I rarely needed them.
• Extras:
Activities like coffee farm tours and guided hikes range from $15–$40 USD, making them both accessible and enriching.
Which Offers Better Value?
• Leticia: Best for those seeking adventure and immersion in nature at a low cost. Activities like river tours and wildlife excursions are affordable highlights.
• Jardín: Ideal for digital nomads looking for a balance between affordability and comfort. Its vibrant cafe culture and scenic surroundings offer excellent value for money.
For more tips on budgeting in Colombia, check out How to Save Money While Living as a Digital Nomad in Colombia.
Things to Do After Work
One of the joys of being a digital nomad is the opportunity to explore and experience new places after wrapping up your work for the day. Both Leticia and Jardín offer unique activities that cater to different interests. Whether you’re an adventurer or a culture enthusiast, these towns have something to offer.
After-Work Activities in Leticia
Leticia’s location in the Amazon means every activity is an adventure. Here are some highlights from my time there:
• Explore the Amazon River:
After finishing work, I often took a boat tour to enjoy the calm waters of the Amazon River. Spotting pink dolphins at sunset was a magical experience.
• Visit Isla de Los Micos:
A short boat ride away, this island is home to playful monkeys. It’s a fun and relaxing way to unwind and connect with nature.
• Cultural Experiences:
Evenings in Leticia can be spent visiting Indigenous communities, where you’ll learn about traditional crafts, dances, and ways of life.
• Riverside Walks:
Strolling along the Malecón, Leticia’s riverside promenade, was my favorite way to clear my mind and take in the vibrant Amazonian scenery.
After-Work Activities in Jardín
Jardín’s charm lies in its balance of tranquility and accessible adventures. Here’s what I enjoyed:
• Relax in the Main Plaza:
Jardín’s plaza is the heart of the town, and I spent many evenings here sipping coffee, chatting with locals, and enjoying the laid-back vibe.
• Visit Coffee Farms:
Exploring coffee plantations is both educational and relaxing. A tour of Finca Los Angeles offered stunning views and some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted.
• Hike to Cueva del Esplendor:
This iconic waterfall, hidden inside a cave, is a rewarding way to spend a free afternoon or weekend. The hike itself is scenic and invigorating.
• Sunset at Cristo Rey:
Watching the sunset from Cristo Rey, a statue overlooking the town, was a highlight of my evenings in Jardín. The panoramic views are breathtaking.
Verdict
• Choose Leticia if you’re an adventurer who thrives on activities like river tours, wildlife spotting, and cultural immersion.
• Choose Jardín if you prefer serene evenings in a picturesque plaza or light outdoor activities like coffee farm tours and scenic hikes.
Balancing Work and Play
Both Leticia and Jardín allow you to create a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle. Whether you’re exploring the Amazon Rainforest or hiking through Colombia’s Coffee Region, these towns provide experiences that go beyond the typical digital nomad destinations.
For more tips on balancing work and travel, read Balancing Work and Travel in Colombia: Tips for Digital Nomads.
Conclusion
Choosing between Leticia and Jardín as your next destination as a digital nomad ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. Both towns offer unique experiences, but their differences cater to distinct lifestyles and preferences.
• If you’re drawn to adventure, wildlife, and cultural immersion, Leticia is your gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. It’s ideal for those seeking inspiration from nature and a slower pace of life. However, you’ll need to adapt to basic connectivity and embrace a more rustic lifestyle.
• On the other hand, Jardín is perfect for nomads who value tranquility, modern conveniences, and a thriving coffee culture. Its picturesque surroundings and welcoming community make it a relaxing yet productive place to work.
During my time in both towns, I found that Leticia helped me disconnect and reconnect with the natural world, while Jardín provided a perfect balance of productivity and leisure. Whichever you choose, both destinations offer a chance to experience Colombia beyond its bustling cities.
Still unsure which town is right for you? Explore detailed guides on both destinations:
• Leticia: Gateway to the Amazon for Digital Nomads
• Jardín: The Coffee Lover’s Paradise for Digital Nomads
Whether it’s the call of the wild in Leticia or the serene charm of Jardín, your next adventure awaits.
