Plan Your Fieldtrip

Photo by Isai Dominguez

Basic useful information for Ecuador

The US Dollar is the official currency of Ecuador. With the exception of Euros, it is quite difficult to exchange foreign currencies within the country. Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club are the most widely accepted credit cards.

The Quito Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre) is about 38km east of the city center and 28km east of Cumbayá, which is were USFQ and TBS offices are located. Taxis charge roughly $25 to town and $18 to Cumbayá, depending upon exact location.

Ecuador's immigration authorities automatically grant a 90-day tourist permit to most nationalities. For more information about visa and immigration requirements, we recommend you to visit the official government site here.

Tiputini Biodiversity Station Entrance Requirements

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (at least 15 days before entrance).
Copy of passport
Travel insurance including remote locations
Additional forms will be required once reservations have been confirmed.

How to get there?

Begin by traveling from Quito to Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana) either by air (40- minute flight) or by land (6 hours by car or 8 to 9 hours by bus).
Passengers who are flying from Quito to Coca have a checked baggage weight limit of 20 kilos (44 lbs.).
Upon arrival in Coca, our staff will meet you for transfer to a motorized boat for a trip (1.5 h) downstream on the Napo River to the village of Pompeya and the entrance to the Repsol-YPF oil operation in Block 16.

Subsequently, there is another short trip (2 h) by land to reach the Tiputini River (ECY).
Passengers, gear and supplies are then transferred to our boat and travel continues (2 h) downstream along a beautiful river bordered by pristine rainforest where abundant wildlife is easily visible.

Note: TBS prices include transportation Coca - TBS - Coca.

What to bring?

I.D. (preferably a copy of your passport)
Yellow fever vaccination record
Rain gear (have it at hand during boat trips)
Sweater or jacket (have it at hand during boat trips)
Two pairs of long pants, fast drying (preferably not jeans)
Long-sleeve shirts
Pair of shorts
Swim suit
Extra towel (if you expect to swim a lot)
Rubber boots for hikes (can be loaned by TBS or bought in Quito)
Sandals or other shoes for use in camp
Sun glasses, sun screen and a hat
Insect repellent
Camera (spare batteries and all the film or memory you expect to use)
Binoculars
Flashlight or headlamp (with extra or rechargeable batteries)
Reusable water bottle
Pocket knife
Cigarette lighter (even if you don't smoke, it could be handy)
Small day pack or book bag
Anti-malarial medication (prior Medical recommendation)
Toiletries or pharmaceutical supplies that you need or might need periodically
Toilet paper (just enough for traveling)
Plastic bags or zip-locs (life savers for cameras in a downpour)
Snacks for yourself
Alarm clock
Pocket money to possibly purchase handicrafts or tips

Suggested stores for certain gear

Equipos Cotopaxi(apparel and accessories)
Kywi (outdoor gear)
Megamaxi (general equipment)
Tatoo (garments and accessories)