How to get to Coca

Located in the heart of the humid tropical rainforests, Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana) serves as the main gateway to the Amazon of Ecuador. When planning to travel to Coca, travellers often choose between speed and scenic views, as this city is the starting point for many expeditions into the jungle. There are several ways regarding how to get to Coca: you can take a domestic flight, set off on a journey by bus through the Andes, or combine your route with water transport.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the "Gateway to the Amazon" is by air transport. Unlike many remote corners of the region, Coca has its own airport, Francisco de Orellana (OCC). The terminal is located directly within the city limits, so you can reach the centre, your hotel, or the jetty within minutes of arrival.

Regular air service connects the city with the country's capital, Quito. The flight over the Andes takes only about 30–40 minutes, which saves significant time compared to the long journey by bus. During the flight, breathtaking views of the changing landscapes open up: from majestic mountain ranges to the endless green carpet of the jungle.

There is no direct railway connection to Coca: the complex terrain and dense jungle vegetation have made it impossible to lay tracks to this remote corner of Ecuador. There is no train station in the city, and the national railway network is concentrated primarily in the Andes and does not serve the eastern provinces of the country, known as the Oriente.

Even neighbouring major settlements, such as Nueva Loja, are not connected to the railway system, so it is impossible to get here by train from any direction. Travellers dreaming of seeing the Amazon should immediately exclude this mode of transport from their itinerary and give preference to buses or domestic flights.

The most popular and budget-friendly way to get to the city is via a bus route from the country's capital, Quito. Departure usually takes place from the southern terminal (Quitumbe), and the travel time ranges from 7 to 10 hours depending on weather conditions and traffic. The route is considered one of the most scenic in the country: the road climbs to high mountain passes in the Papallacta area, where the air is cool, and then winds down into the cloud forest zone, gradually transitioning into the hot tropical jungle.

For those already travelling through the northern part of the Oriente region, a short route from the city of Nueva Loja (Lago Agrio) is convenient. Covering approximately 90 kilometres takes on average 2–3 hours. This is an optimal option for tourists wishing to visit several Amazon reserves in one trip without returning to the mountainous part of the country.

Travellers entering from Colombia should plan their route through border points near the cities of Ipiales or Puerto Asís. Transit through Ipiales often requires a transfer in Lago Agrio and can take the entire day. The option through Puerto Asís and the San Miguel Bridge is geographically closer but requires careful transport connections to reach the terminal in Coca comfortably.

Travelling by car to Coca allows you to experience the smooth transition from civilisation to the wild nature of the Amazon, and the shortest and most comfortable route leads from the city of Nueva Loja. The distance of 90 kilometres along the paved E45A highway can be covered in just 1.5–2 hours, enjoying the dense tropical greenery outside the window. Local taxi drivers willingly agree to this route, asking on average between 40 to 60 dollars for the trip, making this a very attractive option for small groups or families.

For tourists arriving from Colombia, a convenient starting point would be Puerto Asís: the road, about 175 kilometres long via the San Miguel border bridge, will take 4–5 hours, including formalities. If you are starting from the high-altitude Ipiales, prepare for a breathtaking 7-hour descent along the Andean winding roads spanning 340 kilometres. Both international routes require attention at the border but reward travellers with incredible landscapes at the junction of the majestic mountains and the endless jungles of Ecuador.

A journey to Coca opens the doors to the amazing world of the Amazon, but it requires careful preparation due to the specific tropical climate and the remoteness of the region. To ensure your trip goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Gear: The climate here is hot and very humid; rain can start at any moment. Bring lightweight, modest, quick-drying clothing with long sleeves and trousers for protection against insects and the sun. Be sure to pack a raincoat or a high-quality poncho in your suitcase, and for jungle excursions, rubber boots are best (many lodges provide them to guests).
2. Transport in the City: Within the city itself, it is most convenient to move around by taxi, which are often pickup trucks here, or by moto-taxi—this is a fast and budget-friendly way to get from the hotel to the waterfront or airport. For long journeys deep into the forest, the main means of transport will be motorboats and canoes.
3. Financial Matters: Since Ecuador uses the US dollar, there will be no issues with exchange rates, but it is important to have a reserve of cash. Small shops, taxis, and cafes may not accept cards. Try to carry small denomination notes (1, 5, 10, 20 dollars), as finding change for 100 or 50 dollars can be difficult.
4. Health and Hygiene: It is strongly advised not to drink tap water—buy only bottled water. Before travelling to the Amazon, it is worth consulting a doctor regarding yellow fever vaccination and malaria prevention. Do not forget to bring a strong repellent against mosquitoes and other insects.
5. Language Barrier: The main language of communication is Spanish. English is rarely understood in the city itself, although guides in tourist lodges usually speak it fluently. We recommend learning a few basic phrases in Spanish or downloading an offline translator on your phone.
6. Rules of Conduct: Locals are welcoming and value politeness. It is customary to greet people ("Buenos días" or "Buenas tardes") when entering a shop or boarding transport. If you visit indigenous communities, always ask for permission before photographing people or their homes.
7. What to Avoid: It is not recommended to walk alone in remote and poorly lit areas of the city at night. In the jungle, never touch unfamiliar plants, insects, or animals—many of them can be poisonous or aggressive.
8. Electronics Protection: Since most routes from Coca involve water transport, be sure to purchase waterproof bags (dry bags). They will save your documents, phones, and cameras from sudden tropical downpours and splashes during boat trips.

By following these simple practical tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and fully focus on exploring the unique nature and culture of this corner of Ecuador.