The jungle area surrounding Tena, 3½ hours south of Quito, is home to numerous indigenous populations: here you will find Quichuas, Quijos, and Chibcha, who live their lives away from modern civilisation. With their permission, you may watch their shamanic dances, rituals and traditions, such as the preparation of the corn chicha drink, rice or yucca, and even blowgun championships. In addition, in the trails that pierce the jungle you will see a lot of striking animal and plant species. You’ll want to hire a knowledgeable guide, of course, and in the city itself you will find a good number of tour operators that offer their guide services.

Read more in our post Thrills and Spills in Tena, Ecuador´s Adventure Capital.

Ksenia Ragozina