Though
a pleasant
town, Tena
isn't an architectural
gem, nor are
there many
attractions
aside from
socialising
with locals
and fellow
travellers.
The most interesting
attraction
is the Parque
Amazonico,
situated on
an island
on the Rio
Pano. The
park encompasses
27 hectares
[67
acres]
with self-guided
trails through
some forest
and animal
pens. There
is also a
nice spot
for swimming
and picnicking.
It's open
9am to 5pm.
Most people
come to Tena
to explore
the jungle
or pan for
gold in the
rivers, and
they prefer
to stay in
cabana complexes
outside of
town. Several
agencies in
town can help
with these
activities,
though don't
expect to
get rich quick
with gold.
A few grains
are all you're
likely to
find.
Ancient and
curious rock
inscriptions,
known as petroglyphs,
are a unique
attraction
in the Tena
region. In
spite of years
of research
their origin
or significance
has not been
explained.
It is believed
they were
carved for
traditional
rites. There's
a good guide
to these mysterious
markings in
The Ecotourist's
Guide to the
Ecuadorian
Amazon,
available
in Quito bookstores.
Though the
book gives
their locations,
most of the
petroglyphs
are buried
under vegetation
and you will
need a guide
to find them.
It also gives
tentative
interpretations
of the ideographs
such as, “looks
like a spider,
or a frog,
but is in
fact a jaguar,”
or, “spirit
that blends
itself with
a light ray.”
The Tena area
is also known
for its numerous
and magnificent
limestone
caves, many
of which haven't
been explored,
or even discovered
yet. The most
famous are
the gigantic
Cuevas
de Jumandi,
about four
kilometres
[two
and a half
miles]
north of the
village of
Archidona.
To get around
the caves
you need a
reliable,
strong flashlight,
rubber boots
and a hat.
The hat not
only protects
you from low-slung
stalactites,
but also from
the resident
vampire bats
whose radar
navigation
systems don't
detect human
hair. Contact
guides at
RICANCIE or
Tena agencies
for more information.
Last
updated 30th
June 2006
| |Article contributed by Dominic Hamilton||| |
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