Ecuador - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 610

TOUR OPERATORS
The following Tena-based operators offer jungle tours in addition to rafting and kayaking.
Most tours are all-inclusive of transport, accommodation, food and guides. As well as offering
plenty of jungle tours, Tena is also the best place in Ecuador for white-water rafting and
kayaking on the countless tributaries surrounded by spectacular jungle scenery. There are
plenty of tour operators in town, but ensure you book with an experienced, well-equipped
organization, ideally accredited by AGAR. The most famous stretches of river are the Jondachi
and Jatunyacu or Upper Napo (both class III) and the wilder Misahuallí and Hollin (class IV).
Day-trips are generally $55-70 and longer trips with overnight accommodation are from $130.
JUNGLE TOURS
Agency Limoncocha Sangay 533 T 06 288 7583.
Based in the hostal of the same name (see p.613);
offers jungle tours of 1-4 days at $35-45/day.
Amarongachi Tours 15 de Noviembre T 06 288 6372,
W amarongachi.com. Tours staying in Cabañas Amaron-
gachi or, preferably, Cabañas Shangri-La, perched 100m
above Napo River commanding wonderful views. From
$40/day.
Ricancie Av El Chofer, at Cuenca T 06 288 8479,

6

W ricancie.nativeweb.org. Coordinates ten indigenous
community ecotourism projects in the upper Napo
region. Tours cost around $30/day.

RAFTING AND KAYAKING
Rios Tarqui 230 T 06 288 6727 or Quito T 02 290
4054, W riosecuador.com.
River People 15 de Noviembre, at 9 de Octubre
T 06 288 8349, W gecodeko.com/river.

PUYO
If you're arriving from Baños or even Tena,
PUYO will at first sight be a disappoint-
ment, as the centre is less than attractive.
But 3km southeast of town (take a taxi for
$1) is the Jardín Botánico Las Orquídeas
(Mon-Sat 8.30am-4pm, Sun 8.30am-
noon; $5 book in advance; T 03 288
4855, W jardinbotanicolasorquideas.com).
These botanical gardens, set among lush
hills, boast more than two hundred species
of native Amazonian orchids. Also worth
visiting is Parque Pedagógico Etno-
Botánico Omaere (Tues-Sun 9am-5pm;
$3; T 03 288 7656), a ten-minute walk
north from the city centre, which has
guided tours along forested paths past
indigenous dwellings. Part of the park is
primary jungle and it offers an interesting
glimpse for those not planning to venture
further into the rainforest.

edge of town (20min walk from the ce ntre ), with a travel
agency, guest kitchen and free internet. $16
Travellers Lodging Av 15 de Noviembre 438, at 9 de
Octubre T 06 288 7102. Budget travellers will feel right at
home here. The rooms in three different price ranges are
good value, with hot water, private bathroom and cable
TV. River views cost extra. The reputable Amarongachi
travel ag ency ( T 06 288 6372, W amarongachi.com) is
attached. $14
Ì Los Yutzos Agusto Rueda 190, at 15 de Noviembre
T 06 288 6717. The riverside location and spacious, taste-
fully decorated rooms make this the best mid-range option.
Lounge on the balcony overl ooki ng the river or relax in the
gardens. Breakfast included. $40

EATING
Café Tortuga Francisco de Orellana. Travellers' favourite
with friendly service, an ideal location on the river and
great fresh coffee, snacks and desserts for $2-4.
Chuquitos Off Parque Central. An excellent riverside
position, with a wide-ranging menu and attentive service.
The fish is particularly good. Mains $6-7.
Cositas Ricas Av 15 de Noviembre, at 9 de Octubre.
This cheap, cheerful place serves tasty Ecuadorian staples
($2-6) and is a good option for the cheap set lunch.
Ì The Marquis Grille Amazonas, at Olmedo. The ideal
choice to treat yourself, and one of Tena's few upmarket
restaurants. Specialities include trout, paella and filet
mignon. Mains $8-20.
Pizzeria Bella Selva Francisco de Orellana. The best place
in town for pizza and large plates of pasta. They sell pizza by
the slice for those on a tight budget (mains $2-14).

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By bus The bus station is 1km west of the centre, a 15min
walk or $1 by taxi.
Destinations Baños (every 30min; 1hr 30min); Tena (hourly;
2hr 30min).

INFORMATION AND TOURS
Tourist information There are two tourist o ces, one
on Atahualpa, at Marin, the other next to the market on
Orellana, at 9 de Octubre.