Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Jumandí Caves
Less than 15 miles north of Tena are the famous limestone Caves of
Jumandí. Blanketed with local superstition, the caves are open to the
public for a bit of muddy exploration. Don't expect to come out clean,
and, unless you are an experienced spelunker, hire a local guide. If you
really want to get into the thick of it, bring rubber boots and a head-
lamp. New tourist facilities include a restaurant and swimming pool.
The caves are less than five miles north of Archidona on the Baeza-
TenaRoad (whichmeets with the Quito-BaezaRoad) by bus or taxi and
under an hour from Tena. Simply catch a bus from Tena heading to
Quito and ask to be let off at the “Cuevas de Jumandí.” Local guides in
Tena can provide services, including transportation, rubber boots and
lights for Jumandí and other less-visited limestone caves in the area.
Jungle Excursions
In addition to Jatun Sacha and the ecolodges listed below, various ex-
cursions into secondary and sometimes primary rainforest, mixed
with “ethno-tourism” exist in the region around Tena andMisahuallí.
As a population center for the relatively well-organizedQuichua com-
munity, Tena also offers contacts for community-based ecotourism
that is both less expensive for the traveler and of more immediate
benefit to the local community. Keep inmind that on these excursions
you will most likely learn more about culture, plant lore and agricul-
tural customs than you will about wildlife. And the accommodations
will bemuchmore simple than the higher-end jungle ecolodges. Don't
let this dissuade you, though, as these are truly unique and wonder-
ful opportunities to get away from the resort-like places, to stay with
families and learn about real life here in the Ecuadorian jungle.
Jatun Sacha Biological Reserve
The Jatun Sacha Biological Center for Field Research and Education
was established in 1986 and now protects about 4,950 acres of tropi-
cal wet forest. Almost 80% of the reserve is primary forest and is one
of the most biologically rich areas on earth. Jatun Sacha, which
means “Big Forest” inQuichua, is a haven for biological conservation,
research, education, community extension, and ecotourism in Ecua-
dor. A private, nonprofit Ecuadorian foundation since 1989, the
Jatun Sacha Foundation is now one of the two largest nonprofit con-
servation organizations in the country. The organization also co-
owns and manages the Cabañas Aliñahui ecotourism lodge (see page
374) and conducts programs at two other stations inEcuador. In addi-
tion, Jatun Sacha Foundation helped to fund and start up
RICANCIE's community-based ecotourism project (page 363).
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