Ecuador Travel

Sumaco volcano in Napo

Overview

The Napo River is Ecuador’s major Amazon River tributary and the defining characteristic of the Napo Province. Beginning in the Central Andes on the border of the Cotopaxi and Napo provinces, the Napo River winds east and joins with the Coca River on its way to the major arteries of the Amazon. It is the Napo River is especially important to Ecuador, as it flows with water from the heights of Antisana Volcano and Sincholagua Volcano and makes its way through Ecuador’s dense jungles and swampy lagoons. The river flows all the way through the province, passing by the Antisana Ecological Reserve and the Limoncocha National Biological Reserve. It is also the primary entrance into the Yasuni National Park.

A trip down the Napo River features a diverse array of landscapes and landmarks. Using the Napo Province’s capital city of Tena as a base, travelers can fully experience the Amazon rainforest without having to venture too far into the remote areas of the jungle. With plenty of lodging options and activity services, the Napo River serves as one the best destinations for a taste of true Amazon life. There is no shortage of ecolodges or tour operators along the Napo River, making it an easy and exciting way to experience Ecuador’s Amazon River Basin.

History

Spanish conquistadors left Quito and headed east down the Napo River in search of gold in 1541. Although they found no gold, the conquistadors came into contact with the planet’s most vast and powerful river, the Amazon River. The Napo River is significant for leading Europeans toward the Amazon. It is also significant as it provides the life force for many of Ecuador’s present day indigenous cultures who have inhabited the area since fleeing persecution by the Spaniards during the colonial era. To these natives, the Napo River is known as “Jatunyacu” which translates to “Big Water.”

Attractions

The Napo River flows through some of the most dense and rich jungle in the entire Amazon Rainforest. For this reason, the Napo River is a great place for birdwatching and the general observation of Ecuador’s diverse flora and fauna. Along the Napo River lies the Yasuni National Park, with more than 700 species of plants, 500 species of birds, and 200 species of other animals. The area hosts Monk Saki, Howler, Woolly, and Spider Monkeys. It has Parakeets, Parrots, and Macaws. Even large mammals like the Tapir, the puma, and the jaguar call the Napo River region home. The river itself also hosts the black caiman and the legendary Amazonian fish, the Paichi, which can grow to ten feet long. Some of these species are endemic, meaning unique to Ecuador. Along the north shore of the Napo River lies the Limoncocha Biological Reserve. This reserve houses a huge array of species, including rare tree species like the giant ceibo and the Pambil.

The Napo River is also a great place for rafting and kayaking whether you are a novice, intermediate, or expert. Trips from the capital city of Tena flow into the Napo River and make their way through the unparalleled beauty of the Amazon Rainforest. These trips include everything from mellow lulls to intense whitewater rapids. Tena has plenty of tour operators that can cater to your experience and comfort level, most with offices on the northern end of town along Avenida 15 de Noviembre.

If rafting and kayaking seem too intense for you, try canoeing with a guided group as a local expert points out the many treasures of the Amazon River and rainforest. Some tour operators also offer tubing in the Napo River. Travelers can recline in a thick rubber tube while meandering down the river at a slower pace.

Many areas along the Napo River are great for hiking as well and some tour operators offer combinations of rafting interspersed with hiking in the reserves. From the lowland marshes along the river, travelers can embark on ascents up the nearby volcanoes or trips through the swampy rainforest. One popular hike is down the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, just outside of Baños.

Some areas along the Napo River have great opportunities for caving and canyoning. The Jumandy Caves are found in the Napo jungle between Quito and Tena. These caves are named after an indigenous general who used them for cover before leading an uprising against Spanish mercenaries in 1578. The Jumandy Caves feature countless caverns and underground pools for swimming. A trip to these caves is a popular stop on tours leaving from Baños.

How to get there

Getting to the Napo River usually involves a trip from Quito to one of the Napo Province cities like Baños or Tena. Buses from Quito’s main bus terminal run to both cities regularly. A trip to Baños takes about four hours and costs between two and five dollars. A trip to Tena takes about six hours and costs between seven and nine dollars. Trips from these cities down tributaries and into the Napo River are easy to find and can be coordinated by local tour operators. These tour operators are often associated with the hostels and often offer a combination of the aforementioned activities. Make sure to shop around a bit and choose the tour that suits your interests. Local guides at smaller companies often offer better insight into the local culture than large-scale European or American companies.

When to go

The Napo River and the surrounding region do not have as distinct a wet and dry season as other parts of Ecuador. It can either rain or shine for as long as a week straight during any month along the Napo River. That being said, the dry season is considered to run from October to February, when the waters are more calm and the river is less likely to flood. This is the most popular time for kayakers and other river adventurers. The climate and water are relatively warm all year round and the river never stops flowing. Pack for rain or shine whenever you travel to the Napo River.