Located 20 km west of Tena, Puerto Misahualli—or simply Misahualli—is the closest town to the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. It is precisely this location that makes it a unique blend of adventure tourism, expeditions, and cultural heritage discovery. The town is celebrated for its magnificent natural landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and indigenous communities. This small riverside settlement serves as a highly attractive and popular tourist base for jungle excursions.

History

The history of Puerto Misahualli is closely intertwined with that of its parish, also bearing the same name. This administrative division, of which the town is the capital, was formed following the 1941 war. It was inhabitants from Napo, displaced by the conflict, who founded the settlement. They established it at the junction of two of the region's most important rivers: the Misahualli and Napo rivers.

In 1966, the region began its development with the construction of the Puerto Napo–Misahualli road and the arrival of petroleum companies. However, due to decades of continuous colonization, its wildlife gradually became depleted.

By 2010, the parish was home to approximately 5,393 residents, largely composed of descendants of local indigenous peoples. It spans 513.8 km².

What to do in Puerto Misahualli and its surroundings?

Discover the Amazon jungle

Despite oil extraction in the Napo region that has devastated much of its natural landscape, Misahualli has retained a significant portion of its ecosystem. It remains one of the best departure points for organizing a trek into the Amazon jungle. A steady stream of travelers arrives in this region to discover and experience the natural environment. Multiple activities such as hiking, canoeing, and visits to protected areas are available here.

An off-the-beaten-path expedition typically includes jungle walks, waterfall visits, and encounters with indigenous communities. For those drawn to water activities, it's possible to paddle a canoe down the river to appreciate the surrounding nature. The journey is delightful, taking you through the lush jungle vegetation along the ancient river route toward Coca.

Meet local communities

The local communities such as the Shiripuno are indigenous peoples who practice shamanism. This is a conservative community of 25 families totaling 150 inhabitants deeply committed to their traditions and culture. Today, these peoples have developed ecotourism activities centered on their customs, traditions, legends, and folklore. Your stay in Misahualli offers the chance to participate in one of the many ritual celebrations in nearby villages and gain an intimate understanding of indigenous culture. Traditional dances, music, chanting, and other festivities are on the agenda, allowing you to experience the Yuca dances and Quichua music.

Enjoy Puerto Misahualli's beach

Often tranquil and serene, with a refreshing breeze, the Puerto Misahualli beach stretches for over 700 meters. It is bordered by tall trees where capuchin monkeys roam. You can rest in the shade and relish the peace of nature. During Carnaval Beach Playero, the beach hosts numerous celebrations. Concerts and performances by local artists enliven the area.

Discover Latas Waterfall

Just 8 km from town, heading toward Tena, you'll find the spectacular Latas Waterfall, locally known as "Cascada del Rio Latas". It plunges over 16 meters in height and 6 meters in width before crashing into a crystal-clear natural pool. Its sides feature rock formations embedded with marine crustacean fossils. From Misahualli, reaching the waterfall via a scenic hike is highly rewarding. Once there, few experiences compare to enjoying the refreshing waters of the cascade and swimming in such a pristine setting.

Appreciate the capuchin monkeys

You cannot escape capuchin monkeys during a stay in Misahualli! These primates are ubiquitous throughout town. While they are fairly welcoming and sociable toward humans, it's wise to remain vigilant in their presence and remember that they are wild animals. The capuchins have lost their fear of tourists and have learned to take advantage of visitors to acquire small treats. It's quite common to see them rummaging through bags in search of food, water bottles, or even sunglasses and cameras.

By Car

Renting a vehicle from Quito is the best way to reach Misahualli. During the day, public buses depart from the opposite side of the street at Tena's bus terminal for a 30-minute journey to this small town. The road connecting Tena and Coca, passing through Misahualli, was officially completed in the late 1980s.

By Air

From Jumandy Airport in Quito, Misahualli is an obligatory stopover before reaching the city of Tena.

Climate in this region of Équateur

The Misahualli region enjoys pleasant temperatures and consistent humidity throughout most of the year. Annual average temperature stands at 25°C with annual precipitation of 3,808 mm.