Major city · Ecuador
Tena
Spend 2 days in Tena to do rafting, jungle tours and a quick visit to Jatun Sacha; add a half‑day for a night‑life stroll.
Tena is the gateway to Ecuador's Amazon, offering river rafting, jungle guides, and easy trips to Jatun Sacha and nearby caves. A short stay covers the main activities; longer stays are for deeper jungle expeditions.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep (dry season, lower rain)
- avoid Oct–May (rainier, higher flood risk)
- Airport
- TNF
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Ecuador ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an Ecuadorian consulate.
- Ecuador ↗The Galápagos has its own entry controls: a transit control card bought at the airport before departure, a national park entrance fee, and inspections for food and plants. Check official Galápagos rules before booking.
- Ecuador ↗Several coastal provinces (including Guayas, where Guayaquil is) are under official warnings and periodic states of emergency; read your government's advice before routing through them.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Tena911 ▾
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Tena, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).Ecuador-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro and Movistar (plus CNT) sell prepaid SIMs in malls and shops with a passport; Claro has the widest coverage.Ecuador-wide
- Tap waterNot safe from the tap in most places (Quito and Cuenca's water is treated but pipes vary); drink bottled or filtered.Ecuador-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% service often included; add a little for good service.Ecuador-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ecuador-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for tourists; keep valuables locked, use licensed guides for river trips, and agree taxi fares beforehand.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the bowl; bus terminal toilets charge a few cents.Ecuador-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / fire / ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; national strikes can shut roads for days.Ecuador-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTNF Jumandy Airport (Ahuano) (Flights from Quito, 3 per week).
- Getting aroundTaxis $1‑$4 within town; negotiate price to airport ($15).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- BeerBeer (bottle)$2–3
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within town (≤5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi within town (≤3.1 mi (5 km))$1–2
- Metro or bus rideBus to Archidona$2
- Budget bedHostel dorm, a night, per personUS$7
- Mid-range bedPrivate room (2‑person), a night, per roomUS$25
- High-end bedPrivate room (2‑person), a night, per roomUS$40
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$15 · Mid US$30 · High US$50
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TNF Jumandy Airport (Ahuano) (Flights from Quito, 3 per week)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Oct–May. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C) low), wettest Dec (23 rain days), driest Jul (14). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Tena: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
22 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
20 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
19 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
18 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
17 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
15 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
14 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
14 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
16 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
20 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
22 rd
Dec
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
23 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Taxis $1‑$4 within town; negotiate price to airport ($15). Buses to Archidona or Misahuallí run hourly; most tours provide transport.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Jatun Sacha Biological Station
goDoor to door: ≈30 min
Bus 7 km (4.3 mi) south of bridge, 15 minBus 4.3 mi (7 km) south of bridge, 15 min
Research centre, short walk trails
Archidona caves (Cueva de Jumandy)
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Bus to Archidona 30 min, then guide $5
Swim and climb, ask local guides
Misahuallí river port
goDoor to door: ≈1.5 h
Bus 45 min, then boat tours
Canoe trips, capuchin monkeys
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hostal Limon Cocha
Dorm $7, private $8–12; central, tour office onsite
Hostal Brisa del Rio
Rooms $7, near footbridge, backpacker vibe
Terra Luna Lodge
$35 per person, pool, garden, 5 min taxi from central park
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $15–20 excl. bed
- Mid
- $25–35 excl. bed
- High
- $45+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel dorm1 × 2 nights × US$9 | US$18 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 2 days × US$30 | US$60 |
| Jumandy Airport taxi round‑trip1 × US$15 · check | US$15 |
| Rafting day (Jatunyacu)1 × US$55 · check | US$55 |
| eSIM 10 days data1 × US$12 · check | US$12 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$16 |
| Trip total≈ US$88 per person per day, bed included | US$176 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and long‑distance bus not included.
Prices of common things
| Meal at a local eatery | $3–5 |
| Beer (bottle) | $2–3 |
| Taxi within town (≤5 km) | $1–2 |
| Bus to Archidona | $2 |
| Entrance to Jatun Sacha (guided tour) | $5–7 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Taxi fares are often unmetered – agree price before boarding.
- Some river‑rafting operators have lower safety standards – choose licensed guides.
- Night buses may lack toilets; plan stops.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Fire / Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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TenaTena
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulate in Quito; nearest Ecuadorian embassy for other nationals in Quito.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → Tena centre (taxi): about $15, agree price before boarding (check)
- Tena → Archidona (taxi): $4–5, 8‑10 km (6.2 mi)$4–5, 8‑6.2 mi (10 km)
- Rafting Jatunyacu (day): $55 per person, includes gear (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disˈkulpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (graˈθjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (ˈkwanto ˈkwesta)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (ˈpweðo paˈɣar kon tarˈxeta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (ˈdonde esˈta el ˈbaɲo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Tena. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep (dry season, lower rain) · avoid Oct–May (rainier, higher flood risk) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night in a jungle lodge (e.g., Itamandi Ecolodge) for deeper rainforest immersion.
- Combine rafting with a guided night‑walk for wildlife spotting.
Sources
- officialTena official website
- secondaryWikidata – Tena
- secondaryWikivoyage: Tena, revision 5202741 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Tena
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