Coca

Also known as Puerto Francisco de Orellana, Coca is only about a half hour flight from Quito. While the town might be a hideous combination of concrete buildings, bad roads, and general rubble and rubbish, it provides convenient access to the most pristine forests in the Amazon and the regions best lodges. Nearby protected areas include Yasuni National Park and Limoncocha Biological Reserve.

Beaza and San Rafael Falls

A little crossroad town with an old colonial quarter. There isn’t much to actually see in Baeza, but the nearby hills offer pleasant walks, and it provides the most convenient access to the San Rafael falls in the Cayambe-Coca Reserve. Thundering 145 m over forested cliffs, the falls are the highest in Ecuador. Andean cocks-of-the-rock, spectacled bears, and tanagers call the surrounding area home, and can often be seen from the cliffs of the falls. San Rafael is best approached with a guide since the trail can be slippery and steep.

Lago Agrio

Capital of Sucumbios Province, Lago Agrio is located in Ecuadors northern most province. Considered the oil capital of the Amazon and sporting a population of 20,000 inhabitants, the town itself is not particularly attractive. But the surrounding woods are amongst the oldest in the Amazon. For here one has easy access to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, quality rainforest lodges, and cultural expeditions into the Dureno tribal community. The airport is 5 km from the city’s centre and can be reached by daily flights from Quito.

Tena

Located at the confluence of the Pano and Tena rivers, Tena (pop. 15,000) is perhaps one of the mor e pleasant centres of the Amazon. The sleepy town was founded in 1560 as a remote Spanish trading post. The town itself is not a bad base for Amazon exploration, but it is most often used a stopping point to Misahuallí. From Tena, one is able to visit Quichua villages, lodges on the Río Napo, Llanganates National Park, Sumaco National Park and various caves. 15 km from Tena is the small village of Archidona known for its museum of indigenous culture. 6 km further on, it is possible to visit the Jumandí Caves which is home to the largest populations of common and hairy-legged vampire bats in Ecuador.

Misahuallí

Once considered the gateway to the Río Napo, Misahuallí popularity has declined over recent years. Located at the confluence of the Napo and Misahuallí Rivers, the economy of this small town of 4,000 is based almost entirely on tourism. Although the forest is not as pristine as those around Coca, Lago Agrio, or Marcas, the area is still considered important for bird and butterfly enthusiasts. It is also possible to arrange jungle trips from Misahuallí.

Baños

Although not exactly in the Oriente, Baños it the ideal resting stop for visitors on their way to the Amazon. Situation exactly at the edge of the Amazon basin in a hidden valley, the attractive town has the advantage of being above the mosquito line and below the snow. For all its natural beauty, there isn’t much to do in Baños except bath in its world famous hot springs, enjoy appetizing delicacies, and relax. The town has four baths: Santa Clara and Baños de la Virgen, located in the towns centre, and El Salado and Santa Ana at the extremities.

Macas

Founded in 1590 as a mission station, Macas is known for its religious traditions and marvellous views of the nearby Volcán Sangay. The weather is relatively stationary with balmy days and cool night. Most people come to Macas for the excellent rafting opportunities on the nearby Upano River and to explore Sangay National Park.

Loja

Loja is the largest city in the southern Amazon with a population of 150,000. It was founded in 1548 but, because of two destructive earthquakes, it retains none of its colonial buildings or charm. The city provides excellent birding opportunities and is the gateway to Podocarpus National Park. It is also known as a stopping point to and from Peru