8 Top Things To Do in Tena, Ecuador

Tena, the capital of Napo Province, holds a special place in our hearts. Known for its lush rainforests and thrilling activities like whitewater rafting and kayaking, it became one of the highlights of our trip to Ecuador. Tena sits in the heart of the Amazon rainforest and often serves as a jump-off point for those looking to dive deeper into the jungle. For us, it was more than just a gateway—it was a unique experience in itself.

Thanks to its elevation, the weather in Tena stays comfortably cool, averaging around 24 degrees Celsius. Rain is a constant companion, though, which we quickly got used to. April is said to be the wettest month, but we found that visiting in November gave us the best of both worlds—decent weather and fewer crowds. If you’re planning a trip, November might be your sweet spot too.

Though Tena is a small town, covering only 261.8 km², we found no shortage of things to do. The activities around Tena made our time there feel full of adventure and discovery. Here are eight experiences that made our stay memorable, shared in no particular order.

Experience Whitewater Rafting

If you’re into adrenaline-pumping activities, whitewater rafting in the Jondachi and Hollin Rivers is an absolute must. Me and my wife love a good adventure, so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. There are several tour operators in Tena that offer rafting packages, making the whole experience hassle-free, which was a huge plus for us.

Our tour began at Mondayacu, just north of Tena. After gearing up with life jackets, helmets, and paddles, we set off on a short hike. The trek to the starting point, about 20-30 minutes long, was just enough to get our energy up. Before launching into the water, our guide gave a thorough safety briefing, along with paddling tips that definitely came in handy later on.

The entire rafting experience was nothing short of unforgettable. The rush of navigating the rapids was exhilarating, but what truly stood out for me was the stunning view of the jungle surrounding us. We even stopped for a picnic lunch included in the tour package—something we both really appreciated after all the excitement. The meal, enjoyed in the heart of the jungle, felt like the perfect break.

After the adventure, the drive back to Tena took around 40-45 minutes. For $70 per person, the entire experience was well worth it. But if heart-pounding adventure isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are different classes of rivers around Tena for varying skill levels. Just ask your tour operator—they’ll help tailor the trip to match your comfort zone.

Whitewater Kayaking

Kayaking offers a completely different thrill compared to rafting. Having full control of the watercraft and paddling solo adds a sense of freedom to the experience that we both found exhilarating. Unlike rafting, where you’re part of a team, kayaking lets you be fully in charge, which I personally loved—it felt like a more intimate connection with the river.

Just like with rafting, the rivers in Tena offer varying classes based on your skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, there’s a river for you. If you’re as hooked on water activities as we were, I’d highly recommend giving kayaking a shot. The rush of navigating through the rapids on your own is an experience that’s hard to beat.

Visit the Parque Lineal

Lineal Park is one of those places that surprised us with its backstory. It used to be an airport, but due to the low demand for air travel, it was shut down. Instead of letting the space fall into disrepair, the locals transformed it into a park and recreational area—a clever reuse that really caught our attention.

The park stretches along the old runway, which is longer than it is wide, and is divided into four zones, each offering a different set of activities. We wandered through the park, noticing the biking trails, outdoor gym, and volleyball court. What impressed me most were the thoughtful details, like toilets in every zone, making it convenient for everyone.

My wife and I spent a relaxing afternoon here, just strolling around and appreciating the park’s uniqueness. It’s a great spot to unwind, but if you’re someone interested in aviation history, you’ll find the park’s origins even more intriguing.

Book a Jungle Tour

While hiking around Tena on your own is a great option, we found that booking an organized jungle tour took the experience to a whole new level. There are plenty of jungle tours to choose from, whether you’re looking for a quick one-day trip or a longer, immersive adventure. We decided to go all in with a three-day, two-night tour, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made on our trip.

One of the highlights was visiting a local Kichwa indigenous family. They welcomed us warmly and gave us a tour of their cacao farm, which was fascinating. My wife and I loved learning about how they cultivate and process the cacao. Afterward, we headed to AmaZOOnico, an animal rescue center where we got up close to parrots, spiders, monkeys, alligators, and even anacondas.

The second day kicked off with a short tour of a nature reserve. We learned about the rich biodiversity and the crucial role the flora and fauna play in the ecosystem. It was eye-opening and made me appreciate the jungle even more. Later that day, we spent time with locals, learning about their culture and traditions, which added so much depth to the experience.

On the final day, we visited another village, this time led by women. It was inspiring to witness their culture through dance, music, and everyday life. My wife and I were captivated by their way of living, and it gave us a unique insight into the community. We ended the tour with a visit to Paikawe Lagoon, where we spotted various birds and monkeys, making it the perfect peaceful close to our jungle adventure.

Visit Puerto Misahuallí

Puerto Misahuallí, Ecuador, sits at the scenic meeting point of the Río Misahuallí and Río Napo, making it a lively center of local life. It’s only 24 kilometers from Tena, and getting there is easy—you can take either a bus or a taxi.

While it’s not crowded with international tourists, we noticed that it’s a popular weekend escape for locals from nearby towns, which gave the place a very authentic vibe. For us, it felt like a hidden gem.

Puerto Misahuallí is also a perfect starting point if you’re looking to explore the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. Despite being a small town, it offers plenty of activities that captured our interest. We hiked through the lush Amazon rainforest trails, visited indigenous communities, and even took a refreshing dip in the river. The town might be small, but it’s packed with unique experiences waiting to be uncovered.

Explore the Jumandi Caves

Named after Ecuador’s hero, the Jumandi Caves are located in the small town of Archidona, just outside of Tena. For safety reasons, you need a guide to explore the caverns, and the cost is quite reasonable at around $3 an hour.

We couldn’t resist the chance to explore these caves, especially since we had been looking forward to it as one of the highlights of our itinerary. The anticipation had been building since the start of our trip, and we were excited to see what was in store.

Before setting out, we made sure to prepare—hiking boots were essential, and we also brought along flashlights. Stepping into the caves, we were immediately struck by the formations of stalagmites and stalactites. It was mesmerizing! Our journey through Tena was filled with thrilling moments, but exploring Jumandi Caves really stood out. It was one of those experiences that will stick with us for a long time—full of adventure and awe.

Visit Laguna Azul

Laguna Azul is about a 30-minute taxi ride from Tena, and while its name suggests blue waters, don’t be fooled—the lagoons aren’t actually blue. Still, the crystal-clear water and the stunning jungle backdrop make it a fantastic spot to visit.

There are several lagoons to explore, and the main one is deep enough for diving, which I couldn’t resist trying. If you’re not the strongest swimmer or just want to relax, there are ropes running across the lagoons to help you float.

The upper lagoon is a great option if you’re traveling with kids, as the water there is shallower and much more child-friendly. My wife and I took a quick dip in the cool water and soaked in the surreal jungle views surrounding us—it was incredibly refreshing.

One thing to note: swimming is strongly discouraged when it rains, as the water levels can rise quickly and become dangerous.

Breakfast at Cafe Tortuga

Discovering great cafes and restaurants is always a must when we travel, and in Tena, Cafe Tortuga quickly became one of our favorites. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and after our visit, we understood why.

The menu offers something for everyone, with plenty of options, including vegan and vegetarian dishes. We decided to try the vegan burger, and it did not disappoint! It was packed with flavor and left us wanting more. We’ll definitely be heading back to Cafe Tortuga next time we’re in town, and we highly recommend you stop by if you’re ever in Tena—it’s a gem.

Final Words