Colombia's Most Notorious Border Town 🇨🇴

Welcome to Leticia, a border town between Colombia and Brazil. I decided to venture in with no passport and no visa because supposedly you can. What welcomed me however was quite the shock! Vamos!
My other social pages 👇🏻
📱 Instagram - / backpacker.ben
📱 Facebook - / backpackerben1
📱 TikTok - / backpacker_ben
Contact me 📧 - [e-mail]

[@BackpackerBen]

The legend who gave me the football shirt was sadly not there the following day. I wanted to buy him a new shirt or give him the money for a new one. If you’re a local or tourist from there please reach out so I can get this sorted

[@johnafrica7979]

👏🏼👏🏼

[@mrsmoketoomuch877]

So kind of him!

[@MicPoitras]

Hey Ben, after south america why you dont move north... come to Canada Ben! I will give you shelter. We have forest, sauna, fishing, pickup truck in the snow and much more! It is maple syrup time soon at home and after it will be a rave party at the old carpet factory! A lot of fun believe me! Best regards, Mike

[@zootsoot2006]

Gift giving is a major part of most cultures. That you accepted it is gift enough from your end. And the fact that thousands of people will see it is a bonus.

[@RomaInvicta202]

Dont give people money, dude - in many places it's offensive; buy something and return the gift

[@leandra5241]

Oh my goodness I kept laughing when the guys were asking you if the beer was good or bad, and you just kept saying “cerveza” over and over 😂😂

[@BackpackerBen]

😆😆

[@oaoaoaoaoaoaoaoao6893]

You should learn the Basic spanish. It could save you from potentialy dangerous situations in latin america. Stay safe

[@ZoonCrypticon]

Yeah, I thought that too, that it was really funny ! People there seem so relaxed.

[@johndoutty9317]

@@ZoonCrypticon They are all drunk.

[@AverageJoeShmo]

​@@BackpackerBenYour probably like me, no matter how hard I try to learn Spanish I can't get it to click. Spanish speaking people speak to fast and the language rolls off the tongue it's hard to understand for me.

[@Streetsnapper34]

Ben & Balds channel couldn’t be any more different but they are both great!

[@johnafrica7979]

Best on KZbin

[@palamabron2481]

Watch Sabbatical too if you haven't already (not playing favorites, I think all these dudes offer something a little different).

[@palamabron2481]

It's weird when they split up and then you can see them visiting the same places, like alternate timelines or something.

[@Michael-ex6dg]

Why does Bald hate being called Ben lol

[@Fabian-zd3ms]

Bald is much better

[@RomaInvicta202]

Ben - I like you, but I beg you - get yourself Duolingo and learn some languages, it will make your life easier and your videos much better

[@DanishBacon555]

Nahh more fun watching him struggle

[@RomaInvicta202]

@@DanishBacon555 lol you're mean ;)

[@waitaminute2015]

Knowing the language makes it more practical in some ways, but I don't know if it makes for a better video. Why do people feel the need to give unsolicited advice? Im pretty sure he's aware that he could learn some of the language. Isn't it obvious that he chooses not to? Before all these apps for learning and phones for directions and reservations, people traveled the world. It actually takes more guts and enhances the sense of adventure in a way. Maybe let him decide how he's living his life?

[@Dan-eg8qf]

Totally agree with you on this one. At times it’s just a bit cringing to watch Ben, not even able to understand the most basic Spanish words or expecting people to speak English. It’s not British Guyana 😜

[@dee74raz]

Why does it matter if he can’t speak Spanish. Most tourists who go to non English speaking countries can’t speak the local languages anyway. Learning a language takes months, it’s not a thing you can do in one day or a week.

[@c_eljefe1947]

Man everyone you met was so amazing, kind, and generous! Imagine if Ben can speak a little bit more spanish 😄

[@mattsepicviews]

plot twist - in the next episode Backpacker Ben has to explain to the police how 2 kg of cocaine ended up in his soccer shirt.

[@BackpackerBen]

😂😂😂😂

[@MadaraUchiha-wd2qe]

That was nice of that dude to throw you a few beers 🍻 what a legend

[@BackpackerBen]

Top guys!

[@MadaraUchiha-wd2qe]

@@BackpackerBen looking forward to more content brotha ! Hope your doing alright mate

[@jamesboth3785]

Hey, what are you doing here? Guy sensei is coming for you

[@MadaraUchiha-wd2qe]

@@jamesboth3785 I’ll smoke him like the leaf village lol 😆

[@theG-reek-Cy1riot79]

Good fun and good laugh 😅😅😅 Ben your lucky you never got rushed

[@wastelandr8]

Pretty cool how many gifts you acquired just walking down the street. Those Brazilians seem super nice.

[@rodriados]

Honestly, I think he's barely seen a Brazilian there hahaha... I mean, most of them couldn't barely speak Portuguese

[@welovesummernz]

Pure gold as always, and Kat is frickin awesome, cant wait for the next video 🙂

[@nateb8282]

Incredible journey this has turned out to be. Loving the South American journey

[@Bobwa2008]

Why the hell don’t you use Google translate voice or a translation app

[@commoneuropeanstarling]

Brilliant stuff as usual, Ben. You show the best of humanity

[@giraffesinc.2193]

It's wonderful to see Kat, even if it's just on the phone! Hope you are having a fantastic trip and thank you for sharing it with us 😃

[@renebt2207]

The guy trying to grab your phone was actually trying to speak with your interpretor

[@BackpackerBen]

Really?? Looked a bit violent 👀

[@renebt2207]

@@BackpackerBen yes. He was an aggressive drunk

[@clarkmeyer7871]

Ben, great video…capturing the kindness and generosity of the people…drinking beer in the daytime, good times! Stay safe and keep up the good work.

[@Sjcnruvhrj]

Another awesome video

[@timfitzpatrick2432]

I would love to travel the world like you ben but I can't so thanks so much for the amazing real video's of your travels ❤️

[@timsummers870]

1. Kat is a lovely girl!!! A true keeper. 2. I've been to that border four times. There's no money in that place, so everyone's struggling a bit. There's nothing you'd wanna shop and bring home. However, it's yet an interesting place to travel to. People are nice, as you said in the video. I remember making friends with two girls from Colombia that worked at a bar on the Brazilian side of the border. The next morning we hired a tuk-tuk and went to Leticia for some beers, lunch and laughs. They worked at the bar as hookers as you can imagine. It doesn't matter. They were fun to hang out with and we had fun in Leticia going to the square, sightseeing, and trying food and drinks at a local place. I'm glad to say I'm also a traveller. It's good for the mind and spirit.

[@BackpackerBen]

Appreciate the comment mate! Thanks for sharing your experience 😝

[@MK-tx6te]

@@BackpackerBen Skirting around the most obvious part :D

[@LoubyLou10]

They are so friendly! Lovely friendly people 🥰

[@bjornstahlnacke9574]

Great one! You are stepping up by the day!

[@AverageJoeShmo]

Love the channel, found your channel back with the first Collab with Bald and really enjoying especially the Collab vids. Keep up the work.

[@MrGomjabber]

Great vid, throwing shirt at Balds head at the end was epic!

[@kieranhudson4938]

Kat waiting on Ben's phone like:😐😐😐

[@Tannertraversed]

Lovely video mate!

[@ChamaraSumanapala]

Golly. That was mental! Fascinated to see such a border town shared among three (or maybe four. Lol) countries.

[@aronjohns4662]

Legend Ben! Keep it up

[@tonyamcneil5580]

That guy was so friendly I was waving back❤❤❤

[@wooly1950]

Good stuff Ben

[@camfasching3022]

Good to see you guys ,Ben. Vominos!!

[@mikea.1586]

The last part with Bald was really funny! HAHAHAHA THanks for the entertainment guys!

[@xpxp1]

really enjoyable video. 💯

[@MrJSlowinski]

You are so unintentionally alan partridge . A real travel blog gem

[@alexandrapreston3922]

I've done that trek many times:) Been in most of those stores, passed by those bars:) Had some very good drinks at the Chocolate shop as well:)

[@mrsmoketoomuch877]

Enjoying this so much. Feels like holiday!

[@BackpackerBen]

😎👏🏼

[@RELAXINGRAIN823]

ben you must make 30 to 40 mins videos! love your videos

[@johnafrica7979]

Cat is back ⭐️

[@paulmcmurray8313]

Yes, Kat is the best.

[@bobbyjimmy8752]

Loved the vid mate keep it up vamos

[@BackpackerBen]

Legend!

[@bricklayersworldwithandy6277]

A few quality Baseball caps are always good to carry in the rucksack for gifts Ben 👌👍😉

[@shankjay]

Hooked to your vlogs, must say I enjoy watching your videos, positivity and the content you put out is worth watching and learning about different cultures! Hope to see you hitting a million mate

[@BackpackerBen]

Awesome! Thank you mate 👏🏼

[@shankjay]

@@BackpackerBen cheers 🥂

[@Baldcafe]

You could say that guy literally gave you the shirt off his back 👌

[@darylfortney8081]

Kats looking for a husband and Ben drags her as a translator through all his drunken border town follies lol

[@BackpackerBen]

😂 she enjoyed it really

[@raidensnake9471016]

Best love story since Romeo & Juliet 🗿🤣

[@jamesmiller2332]

I laughed my ass off when you threw that shirt on bald. Made my day.

[@BackpackerBen]

🤝😎

[@DundyOfDabington]

Dude you're hilarious, love the content

[@BackpackerBen]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@scottcol23]

I've really been enjoying your videos. You do a great job at capturing what its truly like backpacking, its not always easy to visit a country not knowing the language. Keep up the great content. I cannot wait for the next video. Cheers from New Orleans Louisiana 🍺🍺

[@BackpackerBen]

Thanks my man appreciate it

[@TattedExplorer]

Hi Ben, could you tell me which camera you use? thanks! Awesome vlogs btw

[@MiguelRamirez-nn6ke]

Colombia's most notorious town... Goes to Brazil 😂😂😂 Good video Ben, really enjoyed it!

[@the2012man]

Ending freakin hilarious mate

[@FranP93]

Watching you speaking Spanish reminded me of my first time I talked to a Scottish man from Glasgow, I could barely understand a word or two, lol. Btw, Nice video, Ben.

[@RomaInvicta202]

Nah, dude Scottish is entirely different game lol; especially Highlanders - you won't understan a damn word in your language haha

[@Grandmastergav86]

Most of my family are Scottish, I can barely understand them cause I've lived in England all my life lmao

[@junebug14344]

I feel bad for the dude that he wasn't able to know your answer if you liked the cerveza or not.. 😅😅 Salud Benjamin!

[@TAL_JAMES]

You the man Benjamin

[@BackpackerBen]

Cheers for watching James 🤝

[@roostaraver]

Great video between you and bold

[@Zakaros1000]

Love the ending, the revenge against the bald man for his crappy fruit gift 😂🤣

[@maxamillion03]

As a football fan myself, doing a jersey swap with a local from a far away land is a dream of mine!

[@FloridaWinter]

“I got it off those people that drink in the street.” 🤣🤣🤣 classic line.

[@jumpy2xstreaming]

Your channel has surpassed Bald on this journey good on you!

[@kiltedsupertramp7466]

Guilty pleasure Ben ❤

[@peehandshihtzu]

Reminds me of the neighborhood I grew up in, couldn't check the mail with out coming back completely loaded, mail box was at the end of the driveway, LOL. Good stuff. :)

[@saeedafyouni619]

Big up Ben didn't know you're a United thru and thru Real man ting sweet vids btw

[@Jose-ht2lw]

I was in leticia summer 2022. Loved it.

[@CA-xc2ui]

Aweeee Benny Boy is in love ❤ 🤣🤣 soon.....little BennyKats running around

[@nealart]

Thanks Kat you’re a champ.

[@trancazia]

Great vlog Bro, maybe should have had a skin full (a few beers) then you all would be speaking the same language!!!! can't wait to see more, Thanks for sharing with us Ben : @ )

[@MicPoitras]

Hey Ben, after south america why you dont move north... come to Canada Ben! I will give you shelter. We have forest, sauna, fishing, pickup truck in the snow and much more! It is maple syrup time soon at home and after it will be a rave party at the old carpet factory! A lot of fun believe me! Best regards, Mike

[@luckydong6161]

what was the hotel called? think I stayed there , all the kitsch displays rang some bells 😆

[@SamDaMan101]

Haha love the ending. Balds scream with the mucky shirt 🤣🤣🤣

[@jolovesminnis]

I like his LIVE translator!

[@garywilson1688]

So does he.

[@aidsydcfc]

Ben be really good if you could start some Portuguese and Spanish lessons mate. Keep up the good work 👍👍

[@shaz914]

Cool another video

[@RaPyOtIkSAqUaTiCs]

Hey ben I've watched this video on my tv when you aired it just 20mins ago. And now I'm watching it again just to make a comment. You've just earned a subscriber 😅. And I'm watching you're latest uploads every night. Mr. Bald's video too. Say hi to Mr. Bald will you. I've watched all his playlist already. From all soviet's to India. I thought Brazil is a dangerous country, from what I've seen on Harald's videos but seems they were friendly on the place that you've been. Hope you visit Philippines soon. Goodluck to you brother! May God be with you always

[@BackpackerBen]

Appreciate that my man! Legend

[@RaPyOtIkSAqUaTiCs]

@@BackpackerBen will you upload tonight? If not I'm gonna watch your previous videos on tv👍

[@beorlingo]

Great idea to bring a Portuguese speaker along via Whats App or whatever! I do feel your predicament operating two cameras out of which one with a live viewer/active player though! 🤣 Edit: such a funny video, total confusion, luv it!

[@J.D.Vision]

Your videos are golden Ben, keep'em coming! 😊

[@BackpackerBen]

Thanks, will do!

[@pltopper771]

can you do a tobacco price check in every country ?

[@johnschuler4816]

I know why you did it, but I was a little disappointed when you cut the video off just before the guitar solo in Sultans of Swing ;) Nice stereo system in there, too.

[@mashalongclark3413]

I was not expecting to hear Dire Straits blasting on their stereo. I was sitting in traffic, and initially thought it was a car next to me.

[@DanielRobertspiano]

I read that further on in this town, there is a federal police point, where they check passports etc. I don´t know how controlled it is, but fascinating place to enter Brazil!

[@BackpackerBen]

No idea when it is 😂 I walked ages

[@DanielRobertspiano]

@@BackpackerBen lol!

[@tifotraveler5223]

How do you manage internet on your phone typically? Buy a SIM card as soon as you get to each country or do you have a plan that works across all of South America? Curious as I'm planning to go sometime late this year or next.

[@oregonziggy2391]

Probably has T-Mobile. T-Mobile works all over most of South America as well as the rest of the world. I love it for travel. I For example I was able to facetime my GF from Macchu Picchu in Peru. No changing of SIM cards. Though he may do it differently?

[@tifotraveler5223]

@@oregonziggy2391 thanks for the tip. I’ve heard the same from others. I need to switch

[@Jack-ns9sz]

hold onto Cat mate, she's a keeper!

[@JohnnyMotel99]

That liquid in the bottle is most likely hoochy cachaca, last time I was in Brazil my friends introduced me to illegal Cachaca, very high % alcohol. It's very common.

[@Yomamahouse6996]

I did not know backpack Ben tagged along

[@buddcz]

Epic end of the video

[@smthk-sthlm]

Ben's like the Wish version of Bald, but in a good way! Lovin' it!

[@leilahamaoui3564]

Lmao 🤣🤣

[@patrickoleary6835]

The beer scenes are hilarious. No phrase books, nothing, just a charming cockney accent!

[@fernandodesa952]

Bro the bar you were had a sign written "under 18s and indigenous not allowed" quite crazy for a place where is 100% native people

[@AutismTwinsUs]

Imagine being stuck in a place this for your life? real struggle. respect Ben

[@Lionking1190]

What a place! 😎

[@Fabian-zd3ms]

The end was so funny hahahha

[@JohnMitch]

I am going to be in Colombia, Bogota from March 12th for 2 months. I can not wait to get there. One hell of a fun place. If our paths cross lets have a beer together

[@BackpackerBen]

Bogotá is grim mate 😂 just a warning

[@JohnMitch]

@@BackpackerBen You need a decent tour guide, Bogota is a fun place

[@BackpackerBen]

Yeah true I should of got one

[@thomass1620]

Ben, that football jersey looks in good shape, just dirty, you should ask the hotel staff to run it through the wash for you probably wouldn’t mind😅

[@beingchilling6018]

I had a friend in Peru he was called Obrigado George

[@oswaldgustav8858]

The most amazing thing about these people is that they are not divided by land border. People from different countries are sitting together and drinking beer. Amazing! What a people.

[@BackpackerBen]

Amazing right. So bizarre

[@nyny]

Could be a good spot for nomads that only get 6 months visa a year in a country

[@TheFairestMan]

U R right Ben

[@lezebedaios6040]

Poor Cat lol

[@Rob_430]

I just looked on Google maps to see where you were. There’s a photo of a guy standing where you were in Brazil by the grocery store, big sign “Brazil” with Christ the Redeemer.

[@somelikeithot444]

Lol,stay safe Ben.

[@xeero24]

Yeah be careful. We were deported while trying to exit Brazil. Somehow on the open border they stopped our bus, and 20 plus Canadians and 5 Americans were all deported one by one and fined 1000 usd and banned from re entry because we didn’t have an entry stamp. Did the Canadian embassy help? Nope. Thank goodness the Americans embassy not only paid the Americans fine they paid ours as well. We were travelling as American volunteers perhaps they felt somewhat responsible. When I lost my passport in Cuba again the Canadian consulate was beyond useless - they wanted Cuban currency - not Canadian to pay for my temp passport. When I told them the hotel wants a passport to exchange Currency they advised me to try and sell my iPhone. I have no faith in the Canadian govt helping me ever internationally.

[@lizzie2301]

Damn that sucks

[@shakpro4296]

Be careful! They are friendly but wild!

[@williampalchak7574]

I would have had a drink at the Sultans of Swing bar. Knopfler approved.

[@dipeshp]

Ben chickened out of Venezuela. Go with Bald.

[@teggyegg]

One reason that border might be so open is "Mercosur", kind of like the European Union/European single market of South America

[@Kaiser58]

Colombia is not in Mercosur

[@maxiaguirre]

Columbia and Peru aren't part of Mercosur

[@teggyegg]

Colombia and Peru are "associated members", its one reason I stated the "single market" because I've guessed it might be a bit like what Norway and Switzerland are to the EU (not in it but participating with some of the fundamentals)

[@timlang4248]

Notoriously inebriated! Legends.🍻🍻

[@officialsprzy]

What a great gift from 🇧🇷 to Mr Bald 😂