Ecuador · Jungle Expedition

4-Day Amazon Rainforest Adventure in Tena with Rafting and Kichwa Visit

4 Days Round trip from Archidona Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Encounter wildlife at the Amazoonico animal rescue center and in the Amazon rainforest
02 Discover the rich culture of a Kichwa family and learn about ancestral traditions
03 Embark on an exhilarating rafting trip along the Jatunyacu River's class 3/3+ rapids
04 Explore medicinal plants, rainforest ecosystems, and the biodiversity of Ecuador's jungle basin
05 Visit Tena's local market for a colorful look at exotic forest and river produce

This 4-day program is ideal for a getaway and a first visit to the Amazon rainforest, offering a broad overview of Ecuador's jungle basin. Spend time with a Kichwa family, visit a local Amazonian market, explore the rainforest, and learn about medicinal plants and the region's rich biodiversity. You may encounter wildlife, relax in the lush tropical forest, and enjoy a white-water rafting adventure on one of the rivers descending from the Andes. With nature, culture, and adventure combined, this journey offers an engaging introduction to the Amazon.

Here, we will observe how Kichwa people strive to live according to their ancestral traditions while adapting to modern-day life.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Tena, Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, Archidona

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Leisure Time in Archidona

It all depends on your arrival time, but we suggest taking advantage of one of our optional activities at the lodge, which are not included.
Some possibilities include a walk through our 120-hectare private reserve, swimming in our spectacular springwater pool, or dipping into the crystal-clear Inchillaqui River.
Guided activity options include exploring our reserve with a native guide who will point out the main medicinal plants of the Amazon, a horseback ride through the amazing tropical scenery, or an artisan chocolate workshop from bean to bar.
Please let us know your preferences in advance so we can book your preferred activity.
In the evening, you will be able to enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 02

Amazoonico Visit and Kichwa Community Experience

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will drive to the put-in point at the Napo River.
Here, we will board a traditional motorized dugout canoe and navigate down the river to the "Amazoonico" animal rescue center.
We will take part in a jungle walk through both secondary and primary rainforest, where we will learn about medicinal plants, the amazing flora and insects, and the coexistence of native people and the rainforest.
We will also discuss the importance of sustainability and conservation, as well as the significance of the jungle for local cultures.
At midday, we will enjoy a picnic lunch by the river and then visit a native family.
Here, we will observe how Kichwa people strive to live according to their ancestral traditions while adapting to modern-day life.
One of the traditions we can experience is the making of chicha, during which we will learn the process and, if adventurous enough, taste this traditional drink.
Our full-day trip will conclude with a visit to the local market in the city of Tena.
Here, we will observe the myriad exotic products and produce from the forest and river, offering a colorful experience that provides deeper insight into our surroundings and the amazing Amazon basin as a whole.
In the afternoon, we return to our lodge to enjoy all the facilities. In the evening, we will be treated to a delicious three-course dinner at our restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 03

Jatunyacu River Jungle Rafting Adventure

We start the day with a delicious breakfast before heading to the put-in spot at the Jatunyacu River for a day full of fun and waves.
Our river journey covers approximately 25 km (about 15.5 miles) of rapids, natural pools, and stunning Amazonian scenery.
Throughout our journey, we'll find a peaceful spot to relax on the riverbanks and enjoy a picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, we return to our lodge, where you can enjoy all the facilities.
In the evening, we'll be treated to a delicious three-course dinner at our restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 04

Free Time and Departure

As our time at Amazon Lodge comes to an end, you still have the opportunity to take a final dip in the pool or participate in an optional homestyle chocolate-making workshop.

Meals included: Breakfast

Where this trip takes you

Amazoonico, Jatunyacu River rapids, Inchillaqui River pools, Tena market

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Archidona 3 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

03 nights of lodging
Excursions and visits according to the itinerary
Bilingual national guide (English / Spanish)
Meals according to the itinerary (B = breakfast, BL = box lunch, L = lunch, D = dinner)
Activities mentioned in the itinerary

What's Not Included

International and national flights
Transportation to the lodge
Visa and passport fees
Alcoholic or additional beverages
Medical fees such as doctor or emergency room visits, vaccinations, ambulances, or emergency evacuation
Excess baggage charges
Snacks
Activities not included in the tour itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Meals or beverages not indicated in the program
Extras in hotels such as laundry, phone calls, internet, and minibar
Personal expenses

What to bring

Lightweight pants and long-sleeved cotton shirts are ideal for walks in the forest. However, if you are more comfortable wearing short sleeves, remember that exposed skin may need a light application of insect repellent.
During the rain, full waterproof clothing can be uncomfortable, as it often gets you wet with sweat instead of water, but rain ponchos are recommended for tropical cloudbursts. Plenty of ponchos are available at no charge if you do not have your own, and we also supply rubber boots up to men's size 14 for walks in the forest interior.
Comfortable shoes (or sandals), shorts, and T-shirts are fine for walking on boardwalks and around the lodge during meals and free time. And don't forget your bathing suit!
Passport
Binoculars
Flashlight and batteries
Camera, memory, and flash
Insect repellent
Sun protection (cream / sunglasses / hat or cap)
Light long pants and long-sleeved shirts for walks
Shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and a swimsuit for the lodge
Comfortable shoes and extra socks
Small day backpack
Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars, batteries, etc. from rain

Know before you go

Research and gather information about the indigenous community before the trip. Understanding the history, culture, codes of conduct, and the indigenous groups' link to nature will help you appreciate their customs. You can do this with the help of our travel advisors and on your own initiative.
Refuse and do not request any activity related to the commercial sexual exploitation of minors or any other kind of exploitation.
Report any type of related irregularity.
Leave as small a footprint as possible. Preserve water, fauna, and flora, and ask the guide what can or cannot be done.
Buy only those pieces made by local indigenous artisans, since many indigenous groups do not have their intellectual property registered.
Avoid buying handicrafts made from endangered species. Irresponsible buying can create demand that could lead some species to extinction.
Do not take any objects from archaeological sites, as this could cause irreversible damage to cultural heritage assets associated with indigenous communities and their beliefs.
In areas managed by indigenous communities, enter only those places open to tourists. Some spaces or rituals have spiritual significance and are therefore considered sacred, or may simply be off-limits or unsafe for tourists.
Always ask permission before taking a photograph of indigenous people, significant places, or rituals. In some communities, it is considered inappropriate to be photographed.
Ask for the consent of community members and the service of a local guide if you wish to participate in private spiritual ceremonies and rituals.
Ask lots of questions. Ask the tour operator, guide, lodging establishments, and indigenous communities about their environmental practices and their commitment to protecting indigenous rights.
Asking questions helps create demand for environmentalism and responsible tourism throughout the tourism sector.
Avoid giving money or gifts to children. This does not improve their future, as it makes them dependent on the charity of tourists. If you wish to show solidarity, talk to the guide or a community leader about how to contribute.
Remember that indigenous cultures are constantly evolving and changing, like any other culture, and be aware that they may not meet expectations of authenticity. A visit to a community should be understood first and foremost as a learning experience.
At this conservation project, we will learn about the local wildlife, including monkeys, parrots, macaws, tapirs, and ocelots.
This section of the Jatunyacu is class 3/3+ and is considered easy to moderate, offering a perfect mix of adventure and fun.
No experience is required, and the activities are suitable for all ages.
If you haven't practiced whitewater sports before, this is the perfect opportunity to start.
For those traveling with smaller children or seniors, we can accommodate their skills by choosing a different river with a level 2/3 classification for a full day of family fun that is safe for everyone.
Note: The white-water rafting excursion is only included in our 4-day program.
No previous experience is required.