Helpful Hacks
Yasuni is reached by river from the oil frontier town of Coca. It’s not worth staying in the night, so you might plan to arrive early in the morning and make a connection with your canoe transport. Coca can be reached from Quito by plane (45 minutes) or bus (8-10 hours). Take a night bus from Quito’s Quitumbe Terminal to Coca in the morning).
A canoe ride from Coca to the Yasuni entrance takes about 2-3 hours, depending on current flow and water level.
Very important!
Tourists must obtain permission to access Yasuni National Park, as well as a place to stay. The alternatives are mostly limited to just a few luxury lodges with high prices. As a result, Yasuni accommodation is the major limitation.
Yasuni is certainly not an effortless destination to reach on your own. While it is theoretically possible to set up your own canoe transportation to the Aangu community, pay entry fee, and try to arrange basic places to stay, it is logistically demanding. Above all, it’s difficult to find trustworthy contacts in Coca. As a result, 99% of tourists book an organized tour that includes permissions, canoe transfers, a guide, and lodging.
Remember, it is all jungle!
Even though Amazon river cruises provide comfortable accommodations on board, you will inevitably come into contact with some bugs and creepy crawlies anywhere along the path. You better be prepared to appreciate all types of wildlife, including small critters, and don’t forget to bring insect repellent to not get any bug bites.
Pack the goods!
Start preparing for heat, humidity, rain, and strenuous hiking. Visitors should bring an umbrella, a light rain jacket, long-sleeved cotton slacks or leggings, good walking shoes, and a swimsuit (for river activities or Jacuzzis). Also, make sure to bring some binoculars and a camera with a good optical zoom will allow you to get up close and personal with the Amazon wildlife.
Drink water!
If you are not used to hot and humid weather, you may become dehydrated without even realizing it. So remember to bring a refillable bottle of water with you on the journey and to use it every time you have the opportunity to. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also essential!
