(35000 people, 530 msl)
Tena is a calm and safe city in which many travelers enjoy a rest before or after jungle tours. For white water sports lovers, kayak or rafting in the nearby rivers is a must. Likewise, Tena is a central point where you can visit several natural attractions like waterfalls, caves, zoo, rafting, kayaking, canyoning, jungle hikes, indigenous communities.
In Tena you can make a central point to enjoy different activities like Jumandy caves, The grand canyon, Blue lagoon, Latas waterfall, communitarian tourism like Yanayacu. Additionally, you can continue to near villages like Misahuallí or Ahuano with multiple Lodges in the border of Napo river.
Tena is considered the capital of rafting in Ecuador. Nearby rivers like Yatunyacu or Jondachi have rapids from II to V level. One of the main characteristic is there are not people upstream and therefore the rivers are clean with water directly from Llanganates national park. From Tena you can book a daytrip half day rafting (90 min rafting, $30-$45) or full day rafting (3 hours rafting, $50-$90). Kayaking in Tena are the same rute for daytrips however, there are more specialised tours for higher levels. Be sure to request certified guide and equipment.
It's cuisine highlights the maito which is a dish prepared with tilapia or chicken cooked with bijao leaves. Its main drink is guayusa tea that you will find in every restaurant. Finally, there are many riverside communities that offer different packages for walking in the jungle, visiting indigenous communities or offering yoga therapies. Around Tena is surrounded by shamans who offer rituals with ayahuasca. If you want to do it, do it with caution.
The city of Tena is well connected with Quito, Baeza, Coca, Puyo, Banos and Ambato. There are many public transportation alternatives and the access by car is through the Amazonian Highway.
BY BUS:
From Quito to Tena (4 hours, $5) Quitumbe bus terminal
From Puyo to Tena (1 hora, $1.5)
From Baños to Tena (4 horas, $4)
From Ambato to Tena (5 horas, $5)
From Coca to Tena (4 horas , $4)
From Guayaquil to Tena(10 horas, $10)
From Riobamaba to Tena (6 horas, $6)
BY SAHRE TAXI
This is a very popular way to transport from Quito. There are a couple of schedules and they pick you up from your hotel and drop you in the address you request. This is a very good option if you do not know the city or you have big luggage. From Quito to Tena in share taxi (3.5 horas, $20) (+593987529599, +593990489374)
Caverna de Jumandy Tena - Ecuador turismo Wednesday 30 July 2025
Tourism
