Where To Stay, What To Do, And All You Need To Know About Amazon Tours In In Tena, Ecuador
The Amazon has always felt like a place that was too far off for me to touch, up until last month. After only reading and learning about the Amazon from the glow of the blue light emitted by my computer screen, I finally got to visit in person. Travelers who are not familiar with the Amazon often visualize it as a massive, exotic place that that is too far out out of reach to even consider visiting. And in some ways, that may be good; travel to and the colonization of cultures that are Indigenous to the Amazon has led to the loss of human life, loss of nonhuman animal life, destruction of the natural word and resources, and has forced many cultures to give up some of their ancestral ways through violent threats and actions.
With this complicated history, I wanted to be mindful during my visit to the Amazon in Ecuador and acknowledge that I am a guest to the land who needs to stay conscious of my consumer choices and participate in ethical activities.
While researching places to stay that were budget-friendly, my partner stumbled upon Jungle Roots Glamping. It was a dream spot to us; located in Tena (which is often considered a launch-pad to the Amazon) it was mindfully built using recycled and sustainably-harvested materials such as fallen timber and old tires, and strictly uses dry compost toilets. (Compost toilets are incredible, and we look for them every time that we are traveling, as we also have a compost toilet at home in our natural building home.)
Rustic Glamping In The Amazon
When you first visit Jungle Root’s website, you will see that they invite you to “Come to enjoy the tranquility” and “connect with nature and live an unique experience of camping with comfort in the Amazon.” And they mean it. Jungle Roots is perched up in the trees, surrounded by chattering forest dwellers and teeming with life. They offer multiple styles of rooms depending on how much space you need, and it was fun to go around and observe the unique personalities of each accommodation structure on the property.
My partner and I stayed in their Ecoya structure, a mini A-frame hut built for 1 or 2 guests with a mountain view for $18 a night. Constructed of wood and rock the shelter is not completely sealed off from the surrounding jungle, so the bug net that covers the whole bed is necessary when it comes time to sleep comfortably. They have an even cheaper accommodation for $14 a night, and all other accommodations fall under $18.
What To Expect At Jungle Roots Glamping
While traditional “luxury” is minimal at Jungle Roots, it’s still a comfortable place to stay. Some travelers are intimidated by having no cell signal or using a compost toilet. But I found connection in the disconnection, and personally feel more comfortable having my poop/pee turned into humanore rather than dropping it into clean water and wasting such a precious resource.
What To Expect When It Comes to Misquotes And Other Insects
If you can’t live in harmony with insects and animals that are scurrying about in the night, this may not be the place for you. I enjoyed falling to sleep to the chorus of the vocal critters and greeted giant moths, frogs, and spiders that perched on the bathroom mirror each night while I brushed my teeth.
Mosquitos are not unique to Jungle Roots Glamping, and anyone who comes to stay in the Amazon should bring enough bug spray with them. While in the Amazon, it’s likely that you’ll need to apply bug spray multiple times a day each day, and while you’re sleeping. The misquotes are impossible to avoid, so expect to feel like a mosquito snack during your stay. Aside from using the bug repellent that we had bought in the USA, we learned that Palo Santo oil is a natural and powerful way to fend off bugs. With that being said, you should still take advantage of the bug nets that are provided in all of the accommodations.
Yes, They Do Have A Shower
Jungle Roots Glamping has an awesome shower on site that is free for guest use. The water stream is powerful, but don’t expect it to be hot. In addition to their bathroom facilities they have a full kitchen, electrical outlets to charge devices, and a washer/dryer that you can pay to use. One of the workers on site did laundry for us and left it up to us to decide how much we wanted to pay.
Amazon Guided Tours In Tena, Ecuador
Adventure is unavoidable while staying at Jungle Roots. On our first day there we realized just how easy it is to plan adventures on the spot. Even though we didn’t request any outings ahead of time, we were quickly able to book a full-day excursion for the following morning.
1. Visit The Kichwa Community
On our first day there we hired a guide to take us to visit the Kichwa Community where we learned about Indigenous practices and buildings, made chocolate with a Kichwa women, tired one of their traditional ceremonial drinks, and visited a wild animal rescue center called Amazoonico. Most of this adventure was fueled by a motor canoe so you get the feel of one of Tena’s rivers as an added bonus.
This adventure was $75 per person and well worth it. In addition to all of the activities listed, we learned about native plants and insects and the unique ways that they function in harmony with other sentient beings of the Amazon. Our day ended at our guide’s restaurant on the river where he made us a simple yet delicious 100% plant-based meal, by request.
2. Go White Water Rafting
It’s impossible to visit Jungle Roots without being exposed to white water. Whether you’d like to raft or kayak the river, Diego Robles (the founder of Jungle Roots) is an extremely talented guide and teacher that will assist you to make those dreams come true. While we were there we did two separate runs of the two different rivers, and our only regret was not taking private kayaking lessons from Diego before we left.
3. Rent Bikes Or Go Canyoning
While we didn’t go on a canyoning adventure or rent bikes during our stay, I’ve done both actives in other countries and they are thrilling ways to connect with nature around you. I imagine that doing them in the Amazon is a whole leveled up experience, due to the unmatched lushness and beauty of the area. Check out this page for a whole list of actives offered by Jungle Roots.
Is Jungle Roots Glamping Vegan-Friendly?
Jungle Roots Glamping is a sanctuary for vegans and nature-lovers alike. I am happy to report that no animals are farmed on the property, and the breakfast that is included in your stay can easily be made vegan-friendly.
You won’t find any JustEgg on the menu but you will experience a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast, veganized. Each day breakfast was accompanied by fresh juice, hot tea, coffee, and seconds if you asked for it. In addition to a vegan-friendly breakfast, plant-based dinners can be requested in advance and are made in the shared kitchen for $7 a plate.
How To Support Jungle Roots Glamping & Protect The Amazon
If you end up falling in love with Jungle Roots Glamping as we did, you can support Diego’s expansion project that will protect the immediate jungle from mining activities that disrupt ecosystems, harm locals, and destroy natural resources.
While I was there I realized just how ugly and urgent the whole situation is with the mining actives. The jungle that directly surrounds Jungle Roots Camping is for sale, and if Diego doesn’t buy the 100 hectares the mining company will. While the future seems pretty grim, Diego has a plan. He hopes to raise enough money to buy the land and safely protect it – legally – as his own.
He plans on using 10 hectares of that land to set up a sustainable building and carpentry school, as well as a community garden. There, he will teach people of all ages (with a special focus on children) about sustainable carpentry and food-growing skills that protect the forest and rivers that they depend on.
