About Tena

Situated at the edge of the Andes mountains, and surrounded by cloud forest, Tena is the capital of Napo province. This commercial centre is an upcoming tourist destination. Tena is the destination for people wanting to visit the Amazon forest which is just a stone’s throw from the place.

In contrast, many tourists find themselves unwilling to leave this attractive place even days after their Amazon forest visit. Its friendly population, jungle-covered hills and lots of backpacker infrastructure, make the place a delight. It is a haven for white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking and other lovers of adventure. 

Though primarily an economic destination for the locals, the place has gained popularity in terms of being a tourist place especially for relaxed backpackers. This increase in the number of tourists has led to the rise of many agencies operating jungle tours and various other adrenaline-filled activities.

You will regret not including this Amazonian town in your itinerary. Also known as the gateway to the jungle in Ecuador, it is easily accessible by road. Reconnect with nature and wildlife with subsequent jungle visits.

Must See

•    If you are up for some little adventure, Jumandi is an interesting place to visit. The tour will include a bit of wading and swimming that will you through the caves. This will be quite an experience
•    Get to interact with the Kichwa communities in the colonial town of Archidona
•    Love the antics of the monkeys? Visit the town of Misahualli which is just a 30-minute drive from Tena
•    Another stunning sight is the water crashing down from San Rafael Waterfall. The walk to the waterfall might take around 20 to 30 minutes
•    Get an insight into the life of the locals in the area by spending a day or two in the jungle lodge. You can catch sight of some interesting wildlife

How to reach

Distance from Jumandy Airport to Tena is 38.5 km

Bus
Travel Time: 2 h 36 min
Fare: $17 to $21

Taxi
Travel Time: 37 minutes
Fare: $12 to $14

Tips

•    Since Tena is in the Amazon rainforests, the weather is unpredictable. Typically, you can expect heavy rains in the summer from June through September. This is also the best time to see a variety of wildlife
•    It might be difficult to get accommodation if you don’t book in advance. This is especially true during Christmas, new year and other public holidays
•    Archidona, near Tena, has many festivals throughout the year. The end Queen of the Kichwa festival is in April which is worth witnessing
•    The preferred mode of transport is by car. The drive is an adventure by itself
•    Inside the town of Tena, it is best to walk around exploring the town as it is quite a small place
•    It is best to venture into activities like kayaking and white water rafting under certified and experienced guides
•    Getting a place to stay is fairly easy in Tena. From hostels to camping lodges to luxury hotels there are a variety of options to suit your budget
•    There is a huge selection of great restaurants which offer everything from your comfort food to exotic cuisines

Visit Time

Sunday:            8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Monday:           8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday:          8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Wednesday:    8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Thursday:        8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Friday:             8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday:        8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
 

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Rates vary for every tour as per the operators and also the season. It is recommended to check with your respective tour operators for the present rates

Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to 3 days

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Clear Sky 16.64°C

 

Local Services in Tena (Contact directly)

Discussion

No threads yet!

Be the first one to start a thread.

Top Attractions in Tena

Top Cities in Ecuador