Tena

Tena is Ecuador's most attractive jungle town. Perched between the Andean foothills and the Amazon basin, it is also the country's whitewater rafting capital. Choose from class 3 rafting on the nearby Jondachi and Jatunyacu river, or wilder class 4 rafting on the Misahualli and Hollin. The kayaking is also very good and there are plenty of experienced operators in town to organize one- or two-day tours. The other highlight of Tena is the jungle. Although it is mainly secondary rainforest, there are patches of primary jungle close to town and great opportunities to stay with indigenous communities, learn about shamanic practices and try your ...

Tena is Ecuador's most attractive jungle town. Perched between the Andean foothills and the Amazon basin, it is also the country's whitewater rafting capital. Choose from class 3 rafting on the nearby Jondachi and Jatunyacu river, or wilder class 4 rafting on the Misahualli and Hollin. The kayaking is also very good and there are plenty of experienced operators in town to organize one- or two-day tours. The other highlight of Tena is the jungle. Although it is mainly secondary rainforest, there are patches of primary jungle close to town and great opportunities to stay with indigenous communities, learn about shamanic practices and try your hand at using a blowgun. Tena itself has a very appealing location on the river. There are several very good hotels and restaurants and a jungle park in the center of town gives you a taste of the natural surroundings.

About the Expert

Ben Westwood is a former Daily Telegraph (London) travel journalist and author of several guidebooks including Moon Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands and Moon Cusco & Machu Picchu. He is also coauthor of the Rough Guide to South America.