The bus arrived at sunset, dropping us off at a dock in Tena to board our long motorized river canoes. Upon arrival at Itamandi Eco Lodge we were greeted with tea for our orientation session. I didn’t question the guayusa tea, but looking back I get it. They served us a heavily caffeinated drink to ensure we had energy to get through the dinner and late night jungle insect walk.
After dinner we donned our provided Wellies (rubber boots) and set out in the dark, guided by Octavio, for our rain forest adventure. There were plenty of insects including tarantulas and a huge stick bug as one fellow traveller described as looking more like a stick than a stick itself.
The next day, C and I and three others accompanied Octavio on a boat trip a half hour down the river.
We arrived at his native Kichwa community where they live off grid, depending on nature as they’ve done for hundreds of years. We participated in a cooking demonstration and joined them eating delicacies such as giant Amazon grubs and prehistoric catfish. Dessert was chocolate fondue made from their cocoa beans.
Our visit ended with dancing and an opportunity to buy handicrafts made by the local women.
Covered head to toe, protected from biting insects, the afternoon activity was a hike through the rainforest. The highlight was seeing a family of tiny pocket monkeys swinging through the trees.
Our trip was a package tour, but I saw the very reasonable price for a stay at the lodge (under $100US pp per day), including decent plated meals, river transportation, and some activities. I’d highly recommend it as part of a trip to Ecuador.
Leaving the rain forest, our group’s farewell picture.
Life's a Stitch 