Tena, the capital of Napo Province, is a vibrant town nestled in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, renowned for its lush landscapes and thrilling activities like whitewater rafting and kayaking. During our visit, we found it to be the perfect base for exploring the surrounding rainforests and immersing ourselves in the rich biodiversity of the area.
One of the things we appreciated most about Tena was the pleasant climate, with average temperatures around 24 degrees Celsius. While rain is a common occurrence throughout the year, we learned that April tends to be the wettest month. Based on our experience, planning our trip for November offered us better weather, allowing us to enjoy our outdoor adventures without getting soaked.
Despite its modest size, covering an area of 261.8 km², Tena is packed with activities that can make your stay truly unforgettable. Here are our top eight recommendations for things to do in Tena and the nearby towns, presented in no particular order.
Experience Whitewater Rafting
If you’re an adrenaline junkie like us, whitewater rafting on the Jondachi and Hollin Rivers is a must-try in Tena. We were excited to embark on this thrilling adventure, and several tour operators in the area made it easy to book a hassle-free experience.
Our journey began at Mondayacu, located north of Tena. As we arrived, we were fitted with our life jackets, helmets, and paddles, heightening our anticipation. The short hike to the bridge, which served as the starting point, took about 20-30 minutes, and it offered us stunning views of the lush jungle surrounding us.
Once we reached the launch site, our tour guide gave us a thorough briefing on safety measures and paddling techniques, which eased any nervousness we had. The experience was exhilarating; navigating the rapids while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Amazon rainforest was truly unforgettable.
One of the highlights of the trip was the delicious picnic lunch included in our tour package, which we enjoyed by the river after our adventure. After a fantastic day on the water, the drive back to Tena took about 40-45 minutes, allowing us to reflect on the day’s excitement. The entire whitewater rafting tour cost around 70 USD per person, which we felt was a great value for such an incredible experience.
For those who may not be as fond of adventure, Tena offers various river classes suitable for different skill levels. Just ask your chosen tour operator, and they’ll be happy to recommend a tour package that aligns with your experience and comfort level.
Whitewater Kayaking
Kayaking in Tena offers a completely different experience from rafting, allowing you to take full control of your own watercraft. It was exciting to paddle solo, maneuvering through the serene waters while soaking in the stunning scenery around us.
Just like with whitewater rafting, Tena has various river classes to cater to different skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, there’s a kayaking option for everyone. If, like us, you can’t get enough of water activities, then kayaking is definitely something you should try during your time in Tena. The feeling of gliding through the waters and connecting with nature up close is truly exhilarating!
Visit the Parque Lineal
Lineal Park is a fascinating transformation of what was once an airport, closed due to low air travel demand. The residents of Tena turned this space into a beautiful park and recreational area, breathing new life into the old structure.
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The park stretches along the former runway, boasting impressive length while maintaining a modest width. It’s divided into four distinct zones, each designed for various sports and exercise activities. We found clean toilets in every zone, a biking trail, a gym, and even a volleyball court—plenty of options for staying active!
We spent a leisurely afternoon wandering around the park, soaking in the unique atmosphere and enjoying the creative use of the space. If you have an interest in aviation, you’ll definitely find this spot intriguing, as remnants of its past still echo through the park’s design.
Book a Jungle Tour
While it’s definitely possible to hike around Tena on your own, booking an organized jungle tour truly enhances the experience. With so many options available, from one-day excursions to immersive three-day adventures, we opted for a three-day, two-night tour, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of our trip!
Our journey began with a visit to a local Kichwa indigenous family, where we were given a fascinating tour of their cacao farm. It was amazing to learn about the chocolate-making process straight from the source! After that, we headed to AmaZOOnico, an animal rescue center that cares for a variety of wildlife, including colorful parrots, playful monkeys, and even some rather large alligators and anacondas.
The second day kicked off with a short tour of a nearby nature reserve, where we learned about the vital role of both flora and fauna in the ecosystem. It was eye-opening to understand how interconnected everything is. We spent the rest of the day immersing ourselves in the local culture, gaining insight into the traditions and customs of the indigenous people.
On our final day, we traveled to a village led by women, where we were treated to vibrant displays of their culture, including traditional dances and music. The warm hospitality was heartwarming. We capped off our adventure at Paikawe Lagoon, where we marveled at the various bird species and spotted monkeys swinging through the trees. It was a truly enriching experience that left us with lasting memories of the jungle and its incredible inhabitants.
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Visit Puerto Misahuallí
Puerto Misahuallí, Ecuador, quickly became one of our favorite spots, situated right where the Río Misahuallí meets the Río Napo. This lively town, just 24 kilometers from Tena, was easy to reach by taxi, making it a convenient getaway for us.
Though we noticed it wasn’t filled with international tourists, Puerto Misahuallí had a vibrant local atmosphere, especially on weekends when residents from nearby towns came to enjoy the beauty of the Amazon. This charm added to the appeal, making it feel authentic and welcoming.
We found Puerto Misahuallí to be the perfect launch point for our adventures into the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. The town may be small, but it was bursting with opportunities. From hiking the lush trails that wind through the jungle to visiting indigenous communities, we were excited to immerse ourselves in the culture and nature of the region. One of our highlights was definitely swimming in the rivers, where the cool water was a refreshing escape from the heat. This experience allowed us to appreciate the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon while connecting with the local culture.
Explore the Jumandi Caves
Named after Ecuador’s hero, Jumandi Caves are nestled in the small town of Archidona, just outside of Tena. We were thrilled to learn that a guide is required to explore these caverns, which costs around $3 an hour. This added a layer of safety and local insight to our adventure.
We eagerly anticipated our trip to Jumandi Caves, considering it one of the highlights of our itinerary. As we prepared for the exploration, we made sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and brought along our flashlights.
Once inside, we were mesmerized by the stunning formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The cool, damp air and the echoing sounds in the cave created an atmosphere of adventure and wonder. Our journey to Tena was filled with excitement, but exploring the Jumandi Caves truly stood out as one of the most thrilling and memorable experiences we had during our time in Ecuador.
Visit Laguna Azul
Laguna Azul is a hidden gem about 30 minutes away from Tena, and we were thrilled to visit it during our trip. We hopped into a taxi, filled with anticipation, even though the name might suggest bright blue waters—it’s actually more of a clear hue that beautifully reflects the surrounding jungle scenery.
When we arrived, we were delighted to discover several lagoons in the area. The main lagoon was quite deep, and we couldn’t wait to dive in. The water was incredibly refreshing, a perfect escape after our day of adventures. I remember my wife and I laughing as we splashed around, enjoying the moment. For those who preferred a more leisurely experience, there were ropes running across the lagoons, perfect for gently floating along.
We also found the upper lagoon, which was shallower and ideal for families with children. It was a joy to take a quick dip together and soak in the surreal views surrounding us. Just a word of caution: swimming is highly discouraged when it rains, as the water level can rise unexpectedly. Our visit to Laguna Azul was truly a delightful escape into nature, and we loved every moment spent there!
Breakfast at Cafe Tortuga
Whenever my wife and I travel, we make it a point to discover great cafes and restaurants, and Tena did not disappoint. One of our favorite spots was Cafe Tortuga, a beloved place among both tourists and locals.
The menu had a fantastic variety of options, catering to all dietary preferences, including delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. We decided to try the vegan burger, and it was absolutely fantastic! The flavors were vibrant and satisfying, making it one of the best meals we had during our stay.
We left Cafe Tortuga feeling full and happy, and I can confidently say that we’ll be returning on our next visit to Tena. If you find yourself in the area, I highly recommend stopping by this cafe—it’s a gem you won’t want to miss!
Final Words
In conclusion, while Tena is renowned for its thrilling water activities, we discovered that there’s so much more to this vibrant town. From hiking scenic trails to exploring the lush jungle, our experience in Tena was truly unforgettable!
Given the city’s location, we encountered some rain during our trip, which was to be expected. It was a good reminder to pack wisely and include rain gear essentials in our luggage.
If you’re in search of a jungle adventure paired with adrenaline-pumping activities, adding Tena to your Ecuador itinerary is an absolute must! We can’t wait to share more stories from our incredible journey through this beautiful country.
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