The Andes and Amazon Field School is located in the Quichua community of Venecia Derecha on the south bank of the Napo River at Km 11 1/2 Vía Ahuano.   The site is approximately 17 kilometers from the town of Tena, capital of Napo Province. Venecia has an elevation of 1000 feet temperatures are moderate averaging 68-78° degrees Fahrenheit. The surrounding Province of Napo has a population of 79,000.  The primary language spoken in Venecia is Quichua. Most people under the age of 50 also speak Spanish as a second language. Although the Venecia community speaks the Quichua language they are not closely linked, either genetically or culturally, to Andean Quichua commmunities. Instead they are more closely related to other Amazonian groups (Shuar, Achuar, Zaparo, Waorani and Cofan) that inhabit the upper Napo and Pastaza River basins. The Quichua language was acquired gradually in recent centuries through a process of language shift.

Directions to the Field School site:

From Tena go toward Puyo until you come to the bridge over the Napo River.  Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn left (east) and follow the road that winds along the south bank of the Napo for 11.5 kilometers to the Fundación Amazónica Cotococha where the Andes and Amazon Field School is hosted.  The Fundación Amazónica Cotococha is on the left about 3 km after you cross the bridge over the Rio Sindy.  (Do not confuse the Fundación Coctococha with the Cabanas Cotococha located immediately before the Fundación Amazónica Cotococha.  The Fundación Cotococha can be recognized by its large black iron gate.)

Transportation from Quito to Tena:

From Quito take the "Transportes Baños" or "Amazonas" bus line to Tena.  The Transportes Banos" has a bus that leaves Quito at 10:30 AM and arrives at about 4 PM in Tena.  From Tena take a taxi or a bus that reads “Ahuano” or “Santa Rosa” as its destination to the Fundación Amazonica Cotococha. 

AEROLINEA VIP offers a weekly flight from Quito to Tena. This flight leaves Quito on Wednesdays at 11:00am.  For return flight details contact the service desk at the Tena Airport.  Phone: 011- 593-62-886-895.  For Aerolinea VIP Prices: http://www.vipec.com/pages/3_2_tarifas.html  Reservations: http://www.vipec.com/pages/6_0_contactenos.html

 

Location