Misahuallí, Ecuador: Gateway To A Jungle Journey
Exploring Ecuador's Rainforest Via Misahuallí and the Napo River
Aug 4, 2008
Misahuallí is just a 45 minute drive to the east of Tena. It is deeper into the rainforest and a good place to begin a jungle journey.
Getting To Rio Napo
The simplest way to get to the Napo is by public bus or tour bus. From Quito, it takes approximately 6-7 hours, depending on how may stops the bus driver makes to take on or drop off riders. Unfortunately (depending on the tour bus driver), it may take the same time even if you pay for a private tour bus.
Misahuallí, is a quaint town with almost all of the shops surrounding a town square (Parque Central) featuring monkeys hanging out with the locals helping to welcome the tourists. The Napo River is less than 100 yards from Parque Central, and the river allows easy to access to the jungle.
Getting A Guide
One of the wisest things to do upon arrival (besides collecting your bags) is to locate a guide if one has not already located you (they're not shy). Pre-arrangements for a guide through a tour agency can be made via the Web, but a local guide can be procured easily enough. Most speak Spanish, but on the northwest corner of Parque Central there is a tour operator who speaks English.
A good guide and plan for the adventure makes for a great experience. Because some guides or tours are less expensive than others, it is wise to understand what you are getting for your money. As in other South American transactions, it is good to possess some negotiation skills to maximize the return on the investment.
Getting Situated
Once the tour(s) is or are arranged, it is a good idea to settle on a place to stay at night. At this point, it is important to remember that you are in the rainforest and it is advisable to locate a place with a strong roof. Even when it is not in the rainy season, it rains hard and for long periods of time. A metal roof keeps one dry, yet sounds like a drum when the rain descends in torrents. If sleep is required at night, it could become difficult, but the hidden value of thatched roofs becomes clear.
Nevertheless, an ample number and a variety of places to stay exist in this area. It is reported that in this area of the Ecuadorian rainforest, there are more jungle lodges than anywhere else in the country. The closest to North American-style civilization is a rustic hotel which features hot and cold running water (with or without frogs or lizards) and a staff which prepares and serves delicious meals.
Good Tours
Most local guides or tour operators can provide inexpensive excursions into the rainforests within the Napo River Region. Considerable populations of Quichua peoples inhabit the area, and from Misahualli, it's possible to travel up the Napo in a motorized canoe and visit indigenous communities. The people have retained their inherent customs, stories/myths, and ethnic culture over centuries and if you are fortunate, some will invite you to participate in traditional dancing, or to help to prepare chicha (an alcoholic drink made by mashing corn or yucca and fermenting the juice), or they may explain the medicinal value of various forest plants.
For conscientious tourists, it may be advisable to know there are standards expected of an eco-friendly jungle experience. Adventurers should respect the environment and the territories of the indigenous inhabitants while they are exploring the intricate jungle ecosystem .
