This tour is designed to experience up close the life of the locals in the Amazon. The people living here support themselves through local, sustainable tourism and offer a variety of activities such as canoeing, playing ancestral games, observing wildlife, jungle treks and getting to know the local families. This tour is ideal for those interested in supporting sustainable community tourism and stepping off the beaten path.
The tour begins at 8:30 am from the Akangau Jungle Expeditions office in Tena. Travel by bus to the Punta region then by motorized canoe along the Napo River and explore different areas along the way.
The first stop is a guided tour in the jungle to an ancient Ceibo tree, believed to be more than 200 years old! The guide will also point out various plants, fruits and trees along the way. After the hike, continue down the river to visit a local Kichwa indigenous family. They will give a tour of their cacao farm then teach you how to make chocolate!
For the adventurous at heart, continue the next leg of the journey by floating down the river in an inner tube, which is considered a mild, class I aquatic sport. This activity is optional and continuing by canoe is also available.
However you go, the next stop is to the animal rescue center, AmaZOOnico. Learn how they rehabilitate, reintroduce and care for animals that have been victims of illegal trafficking. Not all animals can be reintroduced but those who can, are set loose in a nearby protected forest called Selva Viva.
The next stop along the Napo River tour is to visit another local family and spend time at the Caiman Lake. Also, we learn about indigenous weapons, tools and traps, some of which are still being used by the people today.
We will visit by canoe the monkeys island. who live in their natural state.
The final stop on today’s adventure is to the Kichwa village called El Mirador. Here, settle into the eco-cabins, relax and take in the incredible jungle surroundings before joining at the dining area for dinner. After dinner, we can light a campfire or take a night walk.