River routes, lagoons and cultural themes offer different ways to explore Orellana. In El Coca, the Napo, Coca and Payamino rivers border the city; from the port, you can travel along them by river boat. Elsewhere, the focus is on walks featuring medicinal plants, observing birds and wild flora, or archaeological artifacts from the Napo phase. The options therefore range from nature watching and activities on the water to Kichwa culture and history. When planning, consider which of these themes you want to make the main focus of your trip.
Experience rivers and lagoons
The Napo, Coca and Payamino rivers can be explored by river boat from the port of El Coca. Operators and schedules may vary, so check the available trips in advance. The Reserva Ecológica Yarina is 25 kilometers upriver from El Coca. Options there include canoe trips, hikes along various trails, and observing birds and wild flora.
Laguna Ila Kucha is in the parish of Taracoa, about 30 minutes from El Coca. At more than two kilometers long, it is the largest lagoon in the canton; you can observe its fauna and flora. Canoe trips are also possible on Laguna Taracoa. The lagoon is managed by the Centro de Turismo Comunitario Ila Kucha.
Laguna de Añango lies within Parque Nacional Yasuní. Evergreen forests surround it; its black water contains little sediment and many nutrients. At Laguna de Jatun Cocha in the canton of Aguarico, you will find a different landscape: it is 6,000 meters long and surrounded by flooded Morete forest and mainland forest on non-flooded ground.
Lago San Pedro in the canton of La Joya de los Sachas is a blackwater lake surrounded by a 35-hectare forest area. Sport fishing, diving and canoe trips are possible there. Isla de los Monos was formed through the sedimentation of water from the Río Napo. Lush vegetation covers the island, which is home to Chorongo monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha). Several openings in the upper part of Cascada Refugio de las Loras in the canton of Loreto serve as nesting sites for parrots.
Culture, history and nature in Yasuní
At Amaru Yaya near El Coca, you can learn about the traditional culture and way of life of the Kichwa, as well as their customs and traditions. These include hunting and using medicinal plants to survive in the rainforest. At Supay Kucha, guided walks follow trails featuring medicinal plants; the site is associated with the Kichwa community of Yana Rumi near El Coca. Both experiences highlight medicinal plants, but have different focuses: Amaru Yaya conveys cultural context, while Supay Kucha offers walks along trails featuring these plants.
MACCO is considered the first archaeological museum in the Ecuadorian Amazon and preserves archaeological artifacts from the Napo phase. Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Carmen gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of El Coca. Parque Nacional Yasuní offers another historical point of reference: it lies between the provinces of Orellana and Pastaza, is considered the largest protected area in continental Ecuador, and is home to more than 1,400 animal species. In Orellana, the park invites visitors to hike along trails rich in diverse life.
The Waorani territory extends across the southeast of Orellana province and the northeast of Pastaza. Visits to Waorani territorial reserves in Orellana are possible with prior authorization. If you are considering visiting these places, factor in the required authorization when planning.
Getting there and planning
Orellana province can be reached by plane from Quito and Guayaquil; flights land in El Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana). Check flight schedules before your trip. When planning the rest of your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the different experiences: river trips and canoe trips take you onto the water, hikes and wildlife watching bring you into the landscape, while MACCO, the cathedral and Kichwa experiences introduce cultural and historical themes.
Discover more local areas: Derna, Ancayacu, Puerto Francisco De Orellana.
Discover more destinations: Zamora Chinchipe, Bolívar, Santa Elena, Esmeraldas, Morona Santiago.
Return to the main travel overview: Ecuador.
