Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Central &
Southern Oriente
T
he area surrounding
Tena
and
Misahuallí
is the most-
visited rainforest destination in
the country. One of the more de-
veloped regions of the upper Am-
azon, it is also the most
accessible. Jungle excursions
abound and there are still small
patches of primary forest, mostly
in the form of private reserves.
Outstanding rafting, kayaking,
swimming, tubing and hiking op-
portunities are available, as well
as birding, botany, medicinal study, cultural and general nature
travel. Farther down the RíoNapo, the land becomesmore pristine.
IN THIS CHAPTER
History
351
Flora & Fauna
352
Getting Here &
Getting Around 354
Visitor Information 354
Touring & Sightseeing 355
Adventures 359
Eco-Travel 362
Tours & Tour Operators 368
Where to Stay
371
Where to Eat
379
In the south, especially along the eastern slopes of the Andes and
around
Macas
, the rugged topography and lack of access have pre-
served some of the best wildlife-viewing opportunities and intact in-
digenous cultures inEcuador. In this region, virgin rainforest and the
communities of the unique
Achuar
and
Shuar Nations
await the
true adventure seeker.
Puyo viaBaños
is the overland gateway city to both of these regions,
and offers its own share of opportunities for eco-cultural excursions,
though the area is a bit more developed. It is also the administrative
center for indigenous groups and community-based programs in the
southern Oriente's Río Pastaza region.
History
T
he Napo Province, with
Tena
as its capital, is where
native Amazonian people and the Spanish first
clashed. Tena, founded in 1560, was the main colonial
missionary town in the Oriente. Conflict with the indige-
nous Quijos Quichua people led to uprisings, although the Spanish
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