Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From Tena, a reportedly arduous but rewarding climb is up
Sumaco
Volcano
, at 12,200-feet, in the Sumaco-Galeras National Park.
Jutting up from jungle terrain, you will encounter steep slopes with
almost impassible, thick vegetation. This area has not been devel-
oped, is rarely visited, and trekking is not recommended for casual
hikers. The trek begins in tropical lowland rainforest, steadily as-
cends through misty cloud forest with varying levels of endemic spe-
cies, and ends in
páramo
habitat. Local guides in the Tena area
provide services for the multi-day trek up to the top, where hard-to-
match views over the Amazon blanket await the intrepid adventurer.
Inquire in Tena with RICANCIE (the Network of Indigenous Com-
munities of the Upper Napo for Intercultural Exchange and
Ecotourism) for community-based ecotourism that may involve trips
into the park,
6-887-074. Recent trail developments may have
made the trek more accessible. Some climbing guides and tour opera-
tors inQuitomay offer support. Use themap 1:50,000
Volcán Sumaco
and Pavayacu
.
The lowlands of
Sangay National Park
, closer to Macas, offer rain-
forest hikes and difficult treks up into the highlands of the currently
active
Sangay Volcano
(17,102 feet), but it is much more accessible
from Riobamba in the Andes. Inquire with climbing guides and tour
operators in Quito or Riobamba.
Eco-Travel
The Upper Río Napo -
Excursions from Tena &
Misahuallí
Sumaco-Galeras National Park
One of the least-explored and least-developed treasures of
the Upper Río Napo region is Sumaco-Galeras National
Park. The centerpiece of the park is
Sumaco Volcano
,at
12,204 feet, which has been visited on rare occasions and is
not recommended without a guide. This is one of the least developed
areas in the region, where you will find undisturbed lowland rain-
forest up to
páramo
vegetation, with breathtaking views. Inquire
with climbing tour operators in Quito or local guides in Tena.
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