Mobilization
Transportation in the Amazon can indeed be restricted to land or could be a mixture of different methods. Each lodge will take a different approach based on the area you’re entering, the level of depth, and some few other considerations. Getting there is part of the adventure; visitors will be amazed as you shift from an Andean setting to the Amazon forest.
Commercial Airlines
Commercial flights are limited to lodges in the vicinity of Lago Agrio, Coca, or Macas, with the latter being the less regularly used destination. The Cuyabeno reserve in primary rainforest is located in Lago Agrio, formally known as Nueva Loja; a commercial flight allows quick access with a flying time of 45 minutes approx.
Coca, officially known as Puerto Francisco de Orellana, is the most popular destination for taking a commercial flight to begin an Amazon tour. Residence to Yasuni National Park, Coca also offers easy access from the main capital to the Coca and Napo rivers, where many lodges can be visited. The flight time is the same as Lago Agrio, but keep in mind that your flight is only part of your journey.
Small Planes & Canoes
Many lodges are in such remote places that getting there through any other ways would be lengthy, preventing you from starting your activities on day one. Small planes fly passengers deep into the remote primary jungle, providing an additional factor as you fly over the Amazon jungle to your lodge. Such excursions will be slightly more expensive to encompass these additional costs, but they are definitely worth it.
Canoe rides are an activity that will be included in your tour in some way. Long canoe rides (2 to 3 hours) are necessary to reach lodges established on river banks, and they are commonly utilized on a daily basis for the in and outs of the river.
Buses and others
Buses can take you to all reference places for Amazon tours (Main Provinces & Towns), with the only drawback being the time needed to get there. The bus ride to Coca and Lago Agrio for primary jungle tours will take approximately 8 hours. Buses run throughout the day and night; taking a day bus is the best way to enjoy the scenery.
You’ll save a lot of money because bus tickets range from $8 to $10 one way, compared to a round-trip flight that can cost up to $180. As there is no commercial airport in Tena, buses are your only option for transportation unless you hire private transportation or take a cab. Most people, if not all, require land transportation.
