Thursday, January 29, 2026

Napo

Napo (Provincia de Napo) is a province in the north-central part of the Ecuadorian Amazon (región amazónica). 

Capital: Tena (also called the "capital of the Amazon"). 
Name: Named after the Río Napo, a major river that rises in the Andes and flows into the Amazon; it is the lifeblood of the region. 
Landscape: Begins in the high Andes (with paramo, thermal springs such as Papallacta, and volcanoes nearby) and transitions into dense tropical rainforest. 
Characteristics: Very high biodiversity (part of Yasuní National Park borders it or is nearby – one of the most biodiverse places on earth). 
Many indigenous communities, primarily Kichwa (Quichua) and, to a lesser extent, Waorani/Huaorani. 
In 2000, it was the province with the highest percentage of indigenous population in Ecuador (approximately 56%). 
Little industrial development; the economy relies primarily on agriculture, fishing (ecotourism), some logging, and (sometimes) mining. 

Tourism & attractions (very popular for jungle experiences): Tena as a starting point for jungle treks, canoeing on the Napo River. 
Puerto Misahuallí (monkeys on the beach, boat trips). 
Waterfalls (including San Rafael – the highest in Ecuador). 
Jumandy Caves. Papallacta thermal baths. Eco-lodges and visits to indigenous communities. Birdwatching, hiking, canopy tours, visits to clay licks (parrot licks). 

In short: Napo = gateway to the northern Ecuadorian Amazon, a combination of mountains → jungle, indigenous culture, and spectacular nature – perfect for adventure and ecotourism.








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