Local Atractions
In the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, you can disconnect from the everyday, find comfort, and explore the jungle in your preferred way.
Places to Visit
The Misahualli Fair
Visit the fair of indigenous products from the area, which is held on weekends by Quichua women from different communities in Puerto Misahualli. There, you will find organic agricultural products such as various varieties of bananas, yucca, sweet potatoes, and more.
Among the typical fruits, you can taste guabas, papayas, grapes, oranges, limes, sugar canes, breadfruit (most fruits are offered according to the production season).
The Ecuadorian Amazon has an abundance of natural medicines, including Sandi milk, dragon's blood, guayusa, ginger, cat's claw, ungurahua oil, hibiscus flower, turmeric. Finally, you cannot leave without trying the delicious typical beverages such as corn beer, ripe plantain beer, guayusa tea.
The fair takes place in front of the church, in the central park of Puerto Misahualli. We await your visit!
The Caiman Lagoon
In an old arm of the Napo River that has transformed into a large natural lagoon, you will find a family of a dozen spectacled caimans (white caimans - Caiman crocodilus).
You can also observe a wide variety of birds around the lagoon, experience the preparation of the famous yuca chicha with the Kichwa family living by the lagoon, and even participate in an ancestral Kichwa blowgun workshop.
Location: Situated on the island between the Napo River and the Arajuno River, access is only possible by canoe from Puerto Misahualli or Punta de Ahuano.
Price: $2 per person.
The Pinsha Huasi Trail
Pinsha Huasi offers a one-hour hike. You can observe the primary forest, eight very large trees with roots shaped like animals, birds, squirrel monkeys, and various other wildlife.
There is a river with natural rock pools where you can take a swim.
The trail is suitable for a family outing with children, as it maintains safe and comfortable pathways.
Price: $3 per person.
How to Get ThereThe Ceibo of Pununo
The Ceibo of Pununo is easily accessible and doesn't require much time or effort to observe closely and capture some great photos.
It is located 1.5 km from Misahuallí, just a few steps after crossing the Pununo Bridge over the Misahuallí River. n the right-hand side, you will find the entrance to the trail that leads to this natural giant, which is teeming with wildlife in its branches.
Standing at a little over 50 meters in height and estimated to be around 300 years old, the Ceibo of Pununo is a magnificent tree. Its large roots make it fabulous to walk around and explore.
You con enjoy the beauty and grandeur of this ancient tree. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the impressive sight and the surrounding wildlife
Price: $2 per person.
The AmaZOOnico
Within 5 hectares, the refuge rehabilitates animals to reintroduce them into their natural habitats.
They care for over 400 animals that cannot be released and carry out environmental activities with visitors, focusing on conservation and the dangers of illegal wildlife trafficking.
It can be reached by canoe from Misahualli or by traveling by bus or car to Puerto Barantilla, and from there taking a canoe to the AmaZOOnico
Price: $4 per person.
How to Get ThereThe Butterfly Sanctuary of Ahuano
This butterfly exhibition currently houses and serves as a mating area for around 20 species found in the area.
You will be able to observe how these creatures are fed and raised through their metamorphosis process from caterpillar to the fascinating insect with beautiful wings that we all know.
The project is aimed at conserving and promoting the understanding of butterflies' life cycles and their importance in the ecosystem.
It provides an opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible transformation of these delicate creatures and gain a deeper appreciation for their role in nature.
The exhibition is a testament to the beauty and complexity of the butterfly world and offers an educational experience for visitors of all ages.
The Kamak Maki Museum
Kamak Maki is a family and community project with the aim of developing an interpretive center for Kichwa culture, ocusing on its history, myths, beliefs, ancestral knowledge, and its relationship with the environment.
Kamak Maki is a space that promotes coexistence in the Amazon rainforest through ecotourism, ensuring community satisfaction without altering the social fabric or the inherent values of these practices.
It demonstrates that the conservation of cultural heritage is not static and that with proper planning and control, ancestral knowledge can be remembered in the long term.
You can reach Kamak Maki by canoe along the Napo River or by car to the Chichicorumi community. he journey takes one to two hours, during which the guide showcases and explains the use of medicinal plants and other important plants in Kichwa culture.
Visitors can observe monkeys native to the area, visit a hut with ancestral objects, receive a demonstration of chocolate production, and purchase natural medicines and handicrafts produced by community members.
Price: $2 per person.
How to Get ThereCommunities
There are several Kichwa communities that are part of Puerto Misahuallí. Some of them are located along the banks of the Napo River or in its vicinity, and most of those located on the banks of the Napo are dedicated to tourism activities. Other Kichwa communities have settlements in the mountains, and their main activity is agriculture. The most cultivated products include cocoa, yuca, plantain, various fruit trees, and maize.
The tourist communities that can be visited near Misahuallí include Sinchi Warmi, Unión Muyuna, Ayllu Awarina, Shiripuno, Chichico Amarum, Kamak Maki, Kachiwañushka, and Tiyu Yaku. They all offer the experience of living their culture through typical dances, the production of chicha and chocolate, their gastronomy, sale of handicrafts, ceramic making, blowgun practice, demonstrations of ancestral gold washing, and painting with annatto.
Some offer shamanism or yachaj rituals, and a few have a small zoo with animals native to the region.
Cascada de Latas
Just 8 kilometers from Misahualli, heading towards Tena on the right side of the road, you will find the entrance to the Cascada de Latas.
Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of this place, with beautiful butterflies, fresh air, lush vegetation, natural pools, and a natural rock slide. As you begin the walk, you can enjoy these attractions, especially if you have children.
It is ideal to stay in this area, and those who continue the 30-minute hike will be able to enjoy this incredible waterfall and swim at the edge of the cascade, making your adventure an unforgettable day.
It is recommended to wear rubber boots, bring water, and use insect repellent.
Price: $1.50 per person.
How to Get ThereOrchidarium
The Orchidarium of EcoSelva is a lodge that houses over 200 species of orchids from the region.
In addition to the orchids, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the Napo River and discover ancestral traditions such as guayusa (a traditional herbal tea), dance, shamanism, blowgun practice, and typical food.
To reach the Orchidarium, you can either travel by car or take a canoe from the Eco Selva Agency.
Paicawe Lagoon
Laguna Paikawe is a small, pristine private lake owned by Pedro Aguinda and his wife, along with the adjacent 13 hectares of primary Amazon rainforest.
It is located just 200 meters from the center of Misahualli. Pedro and his wife have a deep love for this land and its biodiversity.
Their family has protected it for 70 years because they believe in nature conservation and ecotourism aiming to maintain it as a safe haven for the small animals that thrive in their reserve.
Laguna Paikawe is renowned among birdwatchers worldwide, attracting visitors who appreciate its natural beauty and the rich diversity of bird species found in the area.
Kawana Lagoon
This 7-hectare natural reserve, located 1.5 km from the center of Misahualli, eatures a pristine lagoon and is an ideal place for observing three species of monkeys, birds, giant fish, and caimans.
The owner and guide of the site, Darwin Rivadeneira, offers guided hikes and canoe rides, providing visitors with an immersive experience in the natural surroundings.
Exploring the reserve with Darwin allows visitors to appreciate the diverse wildlife and learn about the unique ecosystems that exist in the area.
Whether it's observing monkeys swinging through the trees, spotting colorful birds, or encountering fascinating aquatic creatures, this reserve offers an opportunity to connect with nature and witness the wonders of the Amazon rainforest.