Coca

Coca, officially known as Puerto Francisco de Orellana, is a small town tucked away in the Ecuadorian Amazon. It serves as the capital of the Orellana Province and is an important gateway to the rainforest.

The town sits at the confluence of the Coca and Napo rivers, making it a strategic spot for those wanting to venture deeper into the Amazon. Despite its remote location, Coca has grown significantly in recent decades due to oil exploration in the region.

Visitors to Coca will find a bustling riverfront area where locals gather and boats depart for jungle excursions. The town offers a glimpse into life in the Amazon region, with its mix of indigenous cultures and modern development.

The surrounding area is home to incredible biodiversity, including countless plant species, colorful birds, and animals like monkeys, sloths, and pink river dolphins. The nearby Yasuní National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and contains indigenous groups living in voluntary isolation.

Coca's history is tied to the exploration of the Amazon. It was named after Francisco de Orellana, the Spanish explorer who was the first European to navigate the Amazon River in the 16th century. Today, it stands as a fascinating crossroads between traditional Amazonian life and the impacts of resource extraction.