Introduction

The location of the Tiputini Biodiversity Station (TBS) adjacent to the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve in equatorial western Amazonia means direct contact with the greatest concentration of species diversity on Earth. This project has been developed by the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in collaboration with Boston University principally for research, education and conservation. The Station with its 650 hectares (1500 acres) is situated about 300km (200 mi) ESE of Quito on the north bank of the Tiputini River (a tributary of the Napo River) in eastern Ecuador. The region has enjoyed exceptional protection due to its history as part of the traditional territory of the Waorani people and total isolation from development. David Pearson, Ph.D. in The New Key to Ecuador and the Galapagos, 2nd Edition, "unabashedly recommends TBS as the best place in all of Ecuador to see wildlife." In the February 1999 issue of National Geographic, journalist Virgina Morell called TBS "the most remarkable place" after visiting several sites around the world in order to write a series of articles on biodiversity.

Surroundings and access

There is a series of well-marked trails around the camp (more than 30 km or 20 mi) that give access to an abundance of primary terra firma (upland) forest along with varzea (seasonally-flooded forest), swamps, abundant study areas and a small lake. Two 38-meter (120-ft) towers (open to all visitors) with three platforms and capacity for 10 persons enable visitors to observe birds and other wildlife of the tree tops as well as to appreciate the expansive forest from above.

Flora and Fauna

We have documented the presence of 12 species of primates (at least half of them are commonly seen near camp) and more than 520 species of birds. The area has more than 1500 species of trees with an average of nearly 300 species per hectare. Jaguars are observed along the river, as are other animals like tapirs, capybaras, caimans, otters and dolphins. It is expected that, as research continues, our area will come to hold records for site species richness (alpha diversity) in a broad range of categories.

The Camp

The various facilities of the camp are scattered throughout a few hectares (5 acres) of virgin rainforest. There are dormitories for a total of 32 students and large comfortable rooms for a total of 16 researchers or other visitors. All rooms are screened (although insects are generally not a problem) and have bathrooms with showers (cold water only) and flush toilets. Linen service is standard (sheets changed once per week and towels twice per week) and food service is provided in a central dining hall where three tasty meals are served daily.

Electricity is provided by a powerful but quiet generator for several hours each day. TBS has radio-phone contact with offices in Quito daily and a satellite telephone (accessible to all visitors at US$5/minute) that provides greater flexibility in communication for safety and security. An agreement with the Repsol-YPF oil operation gives us access to medical support 24 hours a day.

How to get there

You should make a reservation well in advance to ensure space at TBS tbs@mail.usfq.edu.ec. Everybody that has a confirmed reservation must send a copy of his/her passport and a copy of a current yellow fever vaccination record to our office in Quito. These documents can be sent via fax to 593 2 2890-070 attn. Tiputini. You may also send these documents as pdf files via email. If we do not receive this documentation at least 5 business days prior to your entrance to TBS we will not be able to request permission to cross the Block 16 oil operation and you will not be able to travel.

In order to get to TBS:

1. Begin by traveling from Quito to Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana) either by air (45-minute flight, US$120 round trip) or by land (10- to 12-hour bus ride, US$25 round trip). Passengers who are flying from Quito to Coca have a checked baggage weight limit of 10 kilos (22 lbs.). If the Coca airport is closed, you will fly to Lago Agrio and travel to Coca by bus. This adds an extra 1:30 minutes to the trip.

2. Upon arrival in Coca, our staff will meet you for transfer to a motorized boat for a trip (1-2 hours) downstream on the Napo River to the village of Pompeya and the entrance to the Repsol-YPF oil operation in Block 16. Here visitors must have a photo ID to present to Repsol-YPF security personnel. Visitors are given passes and the ID is kept until exiting at the end of the visit.

3. Subsequently, there is another short trip (1 1/2 hours) by land to reach the Tiputini River.

4. Passengers, gear and supplies are then transferred to our boat and travel continues (2 hours) downstream along a beautiful stream bordered by pristine rainforest where abundant wildlife is easily visible.