Orellana: Rivers, Lagoons and Kichwa Culture

Rivers, lagoons and cultural sites give Orellana a diverse character. In El Coca, the port and the city lined by rivers are landmarks; in other parts of the province, lagoons, forests and distinctive landscapes shape the experiences described. These are complemented by insights into Kichwa traditions, archaeological finds and the history of El Coca. Which of these aspects interests you most can help determine the focus of your trip.

Lagoons, Forests and Wildlife

Yasuní National Park lies between the provinces of Orellana and Pastaza. It is the largest protected area in mainland Ecuador and is home to more than 1,400 animal species. Laguna de Añango lies within the park: evergreen forests surround it, and its black water contains little sediment and many nutrients. In Yasuní, you can also hike along trails shaped by diverse wildlife.

Other bodies of water each have their own distinctive landscapes. Laguna de Jatun Cocha in the canton of Aguarico is 6,000 meters long. It is bordered by flooded Morete forests and mainland forest on non-flooded ground. Ila Kucha is located in the parish of Taracoa, about 30 minutes from El Coca. At more than two kilometers long, it is the canton’s largest lagoon; fauna and flora can be observed there.

Lago San Pedro in the canton of La Joya de los Sachas is a blackwater lake surrounded by a 35-hectare forest area. Activities available there include sport fishing, diving and canoeing. Another natural feature is Cascada Refugio de las Loras in the canton of Loreto: several openings in the upper part of the waterfall are used by parrots as nests.

Rivers and Outdoor Activities

The Napo, Coca and Payamino rivers border El Coca and can be traveled by river boat from the city’s port. Operators and schedules may vary, so check the specific connection before your trip. If you would rather explore the landscape on foot, Reserva Ecológica Yarina has various hiking trails, canoeing opportunities and chances to observe birds and wild flora. The reserve is 25 kilometers upriver from El Coca.

Walks along trails featuring medicinal plants are also offered at Supay Kucha. The site is associated with the Kichwa community of Yana Rumi near El Coca. In Comunidad Jumandy, in the parish of San José de Payamino in the canton of Loreto, the Carachupa Pakcha community tourism center offers activities including tubing on Amazonian rivers. Canoe trips are available on Laguna Taracoa, which is managed by the Centro de Turismo Comunitario Ila Kucha. The activities described range from trips on the water to trails through natural and cultural landscapes.

Kichwa Culture, Archaeology and History

Amaru Yaya offers insights into the traditional Kichwa culture and way of life, as well as their customs and traditions. These include hunting and using medicinal plants to survive in the rainforest. MACCO is considered the first archaeological museum in the Ecuadorian Amazon and preserves archaeological artifacts from the Napo phase. Those interested in the history of El Coca can learn about it by visiting the Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Carmen.

The Waorani territory extends across the southeastern part of Orellana province and northeastern Pastaza. Prior authorization is required to visit the Waorani territorial reserves in Orellana. Keep this access requirement in mind when planning cultural encounters.

Getting There and Planning Your Hotel Stay

Orellana province can be reached by air from Quito and Guayaquil; flights land in El Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana). Check flight schedules before your trip. Base your hotel search on the places and themes that are central to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Derna, Ancayacu, Puerto Francisco De Orellana, Bolívar, Chimborazo, Imbabura, Tungurahua, Napo

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