Coca Airport

Francisco de Orellana Airport, more commonly referred to by travellers simply as "Coca Airport," is not merely a transit point but a true gateway to the mysterious world of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Stepping off the aircraft, you immediately feel the humid breath of the tropics, while the proximity of the jungle creates a unique atmosphere marking the beginning of a great adventure. It is from here that expeditions to Yasuni National Park and journeys along the majestic tributaries of the Amazon River begin.

Features and advantages of the airport:

The main advantage of this air harbour is its convenient location. The airport is situated practically within the city limits, so the journey to the centre or the Napo River embankment by taxi takes only 5–10 minutes. This allows tourists to reach their hotels or expedition meeting points as quickly and comfortably as possible.

The airport terminal, despite its compact size, offers travellers a decent level of comfort. Following recent modernisation, the building has been equipped with an air conditioning system, which is particularly valuable in the hot and humid equatorial climate. Navigation inside is extremely simple, and the absence of long queues makes passing through pre-flight formalities quick and tireless.

Francisco de Orellana Airport, serving the city of Coca, is a small regional airport. Most issues related to flights are resolved directly through the airlines. Below is the main contact information.

• Official Website: Coca Airport does not have its own separate website. It is managed by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Ecuador (Dirección General de Aviación Civil — DGAC). Current general information can be found on their official portal.
• Information Desk Phone: The airport does not have a direct public information line. For all questions regarding schedules, flight status, or bookings, you should contact your airline directly.
• Address: Vía a Lago Agrio, Coca, Ecuador.
• Email and Social Media: There are no specialised accounts or email addresses for passenger enquiries.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact a representative of the airline you flew with. Airline counters are located in the arrivals area.
• Passenger Support Contacts: All passenger support services (ticket changes, check-in, special requests) are provided by the airlines.

Getting to Francisco de Orellana Airport (OCC), located very close to the city of Coca, is quite simple thanks to its proximity to the centre. The distance is just a couple of kilometres, so the trip will not take much time, regardless of the method you choose. Here are the main options for getting to the airport.

Taxis and Mototaxis are the most popular and convenient method. A trip from any point in the city to the terminal will take just 5–10 minutes. In Ecuador, especially in Amazonian cities, mototaxis (three-wheeled motorcycles with a passenger cabin) are widely common alongside regular taxis and may be slightly cheaper. The cost of a taxi ride is usually a few US dollars. It is strongly recommended to agree on the price with the driver before starting the trip.

Transfer from Hotel or Lodge. Since Coca is the starting point for tours into the Amazon jungle, most hotels and tourist lodges offer their guests organised transfers to and from the airport. This is the most carefree option, especially if you are travelling with luggage. Typically, the transfer service must be booked in advance when arranging your accommodation or tour.

Car Rental and Parking. You can rent a car in the city of Coca, although this option is less popular among tourists arriving for jungle excursions. If you are travelling by car, the airport has a small parking area where you can leave your vehicle temporarily. This is convenient for those arriving from neighbouring settlements.

Public Transport. There are generally no direct bus routes connecting the city centre with the airport. Theoretically, one could use city buses that pass along the main road near the airport, but this is an extremely inconvenient option for travellers with suitcases. It is suitable only for the most budget-conscious and adventurous tourists willing to walk part of the way.

Francisco de Orellana Airport in the city of Coca (OCC) is a small regional airport that serves as the main gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Its structure is extremely simple and designed to handle domestic tourist traffic, making navigation quick and easy.

Coca Airport features one compact passenger terminal that handles all flights — both arrivals and departures. Since there are no transfers between terminals, all navigation is confined to a single building. The terminal consists of a single hall where all essential services are concentrated. Thanks to its small size and intuitive layout, getting lost here is practically impossible. All signs and announcements are primarily in Spanish, but staff are usually ready to assist foreign tourists.

The departure and arrival zones are effectively located in the same general space, which simplifies orientation:

• Departure Zone: Check-in counters are located right at the terminal entrance. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers pass through a single security checkpoint and enter a small waiting hall with several rows of seats. Boarding the aircraft is often done by walking across the tarmac.
• Arrival Zone: Arriving passengers enter the baggage claim hall, which contains one luggage belt. Immediately after collecting your suitcases, you exit into the main hall, where representatives of hotels, tourist lodges, and taxi drivers usually wait.

Due to the low passenger volume, all formalities at Coca Airport are completed very quickly. Flight check-in and security screening rarely take more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before departure to check in your luggage without haste and take a seat in the small waiting area. The main advice for arriving tourists is to arrange a transfer in advance, as lodge and hotel representatives meet their guests right at the exit of the arrivals zone.

The history of Coca Airport, officially known as Francisco de Orellana Airport, is inextricably linked to the economic development of the eastern regions of Ecuador. Its emergence was dictated not so much by tourism as by industrial needs. The airport was founded in the mid-20th century, during a period of active development of oil fields in the Orellana province, and initially served mainly to transport personnel, equipment, and cargo for oil companies.

With the development of the region and the growth of the city of Coca, the role of the airport gradually changed. It became a key transport hub not only for oil industry workers but also for local residents. A real turning point in its history occurred with the rise in popularity of eco-tourism in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The airport became the main gateway for travellers seeking to reach the famous Yasuni National Park and other protected areas renowned for their unique biodiversity.

To meet the growing passenger traffic and modern safety requirements, the airport has been modernised repeatedly. One of the most important stages in its recent history was the opening of a new passenger terminal in 2015. This event significantly improved the quality of passenger service, making the stay at the airport more comfortable. Today, Coca Airport is a modern regional hub that successfully combines the servicing of business and tourist flows, playing an important role in the life of the entire region.

Coca Airport (OCC), acting as the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon, is a small but functional terminal focused on serving tourists and locals. The level of comfort and range of services correspond to its regional status and compact size. Passengers are offered a basic set of amenities necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight.

In the airport building, you will find a small café or snack bar where you can buy beverages, light snacks, and sandwiches. The selection here is limited but sufficient for a bite to eat before departure. There are also several souvenir shops offering products by local artisans, which is a great opportunity to buy memorable gifts. There are no VIP zones or separate high-comfort lounges at the airport — all passengers use the general waiting hall.

Access to Wi-Fi may be limited or provided on a paid basis. The number of power outlets for charging electronic devices is also small, so it is recommended to carry a portable power bank. ATMs may be installed in the terminal; however, for currency exchange and other banking operations, it is better to use bank services in the city of Coca.

For passengers with special needs, the airport provides basic assistance, but it is recommended to notify the airline in advance regarding the need for accompaniment or special services. First aid points and mother-and-child rooms may be absent due to the small size of the terminal. There are no hotels or business centres on the territory of Coca Airport. The nearest hotels and conference rooms are located in the city itself, which can be quickly reached by taxi.

When planning a departure from Coca Airport (OCC), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest. It is oriented primarily towards passengers who need a quick snack before boarding a flight, rather than a full lunch or dinner.

All available food outlets are concentrated in the single terminal, in the general area before security control (landside). Typically, this is a small café or a few kiosks offering basic services. Here you can buy coffee, soft drinks, water, as well as light snacks such as sandwiches, crisps, and local pastries, for example, empanadas (stuffed pastries).

For a quick snack, the offerings of the local café are quite suitable. We recommend trying the famous Ecuadorian coffee — it is a great way to energise yourself before a flight. However, if you are counting on a full meal, it is better to do this in advance at one of the restaurants in the city of Coca. After passing through security (airside), the selection will likely be limited to vending machines with drinks and snacks or may be absent entirely.

Options for passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, or halal diets) are extremely limited. Finding specialised halal meals is unlikely. Simple vegetarian options, such as pastries with cheese, may be available. Travellers with special requirements are strongly advised to bring food with them. Prices at the airport are moderate but higher than in the city, and opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule.

Travelling through Coca Airport is your first step towards adventures in the Amazon jungles of Ecuador. To ensure everything goes smoothly, use our tips. This is a small regional airport, so for domestic flights, it is sufficient to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is enough to go through all procedures without haste.

Flight check-in and security screening usually proceed quickly due to low passenger traffic. Nevertheless, always keep your passport and boarding pass with you. Procedures are standard, but staff may be more relaxed than in major hubs. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides such an option.

When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat. Flights from Coca often pass over picturesque landscapes. Depending on the flight direction, you may see breathtaking views of either the boundless green sea of the jungle or the approaching peaks of the Andes. This is an excellent opportunity to take unique photos.

Hand luggage rules are standard: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag; no sharp objects. Given that you are flying from a unique natural region, remember the prohibition on taking out certain types of plants, animals, and other biological specimens without special permits.

Coca Airport is rarely used for transfers; it is usually a final destination. If you have a connection in another city, for example in Quito, ensure there is enough time between flights. There is no customs control for domestic flights, but random phytosanitary control of luggage may be conducted.

To save money, it is better to have a meal in the city before travelling to the airport. The choice of cafés and shops in the terminal itself is very limited, and prices may be higher. Also, try to book flight tickets in advance, especially during the tourist season, to get the best price.

Flight delays in this region are not uncommon, and they are most often related to weather conditions in the jungle. In case of a wait, bring a book, a charged power bank, or downloaded films. The airport infrastructure is modest, so be prepared to wait in fairly simple conditions. In the event of a delay, contact your airline representative for current information.