Tena & Misahuallí
The most accessible rainforest area in the northern Ecuadorian Amazon. Tena offers whitewater rafting, while Misahualli has capuchin monkeys in its plaza, riverside jungle lodges and canoe trips.
Tena is the capital of Napo Province, located where the eastern Andean foothills meet the Amazon lowlands. It sits at about 500 m above sea level and is roughly 190 km from Quito, a 4–5 hour drive. This makes it the most convenient gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Tena is a lively small town. You can easily explore Amazon Island Park on an island in the river, the riverside walkway and night-market snacks. It is best known for the Class III whitewater on the Jatun Yacu River, which has earned it the nickname “Rafting Capital.”
About 25 km east is Misahualli, a rainforest town on the Napo River. The capuchin monkeys in its plaza are the signature sight. From here, canoes carry you downriver to the AmaZOOnico rescue center, the Jatun Sacha reserve, and riverside jungle lodges and Kichwa communities. Other half-day options include a hike through the Latas waterfall gorge, the Humandi caves, the Pimpilala community and the Blue Lagoon. The area is hot and wet year-round, with temperatures around 20–32°C. It is relatively drier from August to January, and rafting is possible all year. Bring insect repellent, a rain jacket, quick-dry clothing and non-slip sandals. For lowland trips, check with a doctor about yellow fever vaccination and malaria prevention. Plan 2–4 days: one for rafting, one for a canoe trip on the Napo River, and a night at a jungle lodge. Compared with the more remote Cuyabeno and Yasuní, this area is less pristine, but it is more convenient in terms of transport, prices and safety.
Top sights
- Puerto Misahuallí – A rainforest port where the Napo and Misahuallí rivers meet. Capuchin monkeys often roam the central plaza, and it is the departure point f…
- Jatunyacu River rafting – Tena's signature experience: whitewater rafting on an upper Amazon river, through Class III rapids and rainforest gorges.
- Upper Napo River canoe trip – Ride a long-tail canoe down the Río Napo to visit Kichwa communities, an animal rescue centre and riverside rainforest.
- Jatun Sacha Biological Reserve – A lowland rainforest reserve and research station on the south bank of the Napo River, with a canopy observation tower and botanical garden…
- AmaZOOnico – A wildlife rescue centre on the Napo River that takes in monkeys, toucans, tapirs and oncillas confiscated from illegal trafficking.
- Las Latas Waterfall – A rainforest waterfall reached after about an hour of wading and hiking up a stream, with natural swimming pools along the way.
- Jumandy Caves – A limestone cave system north of Archidona where visitors wade through with headlamps, with a pool and water slides at the cave entrance.
- Parque Amazónico La Isla – A rainforest park on an island in the river at Tena, with a suspension bridge, an observation tower and displays of local wildlife and plan…
- Pimpilala Waterfall – A Kichwa community tourism site west of Tena, where rainforest trails connect a waterfall, a cacao experience and traditional food.
- Laguna Azul (Tálag) – A rainforest pool of vivid blue water formed by streams and small waterfalls, the favourite swimming spot for locals around Tena.
Where to eat
- Café Tortuga – A long-running backpacker café on Tena's riverside promenade, famous for hearty breakfasts, freshly brewed coffee and g…
- El Jardín Restaurant (Misahualli) – A restaurant in the El Jardín eco-lodge across the small iron bridge in Misahualli, using local ingredients for refined…