Capirona is a Kichua community of the Ecuadorian Amazonia. The community lives in Tena city, at an altitude of 1312 feet / 400 meters above sea level, immersed in the tropical rain forest. The drive from Quito to Tena takes approximately 4-5 hours.  Once in Tena, one must take a taxi or bus for approximately an hour and a half until reaching the trail for a 15-minute hike up to the community.

The members of the Capirona Community offer visits to the primary forest, the nearby Supay Uctu cave, the Shalcana and Puní Rivers, wetlands, amongst others; and they also share their lifestyle, handicrafts and local food. They offer lodging and food (vegetarian too).

Families of the community are also willing to share their daily activities, handcrafting, food and rituals.  Lodging in eco-friendly  cabins with a capacity for 30 people is offered, as well as guide service to discover the treasures of the rainforest. To visit Capirona it is necessary to bring along insect repellent, sunscreen, a bathing suit, a water poncho and light clothing preferably with long pants and sleeves. 

The Ecuadorian Amazon is easy to access, it is magical and full of many life forms that make travelers from all over the world fall in love with the region!

Community based Tourism: Experience Ecuador from within

This section is a contribution of the Ministry of Tourismto the development of community-based tourism

Community-based tourism offers the opportunity to live a full intercultural relationship while contributing to the conservation of cultural traditions.  Moreover, it should represent an important tool for the sustainable development of communities.

Ecuador is home to more than 20 native cultures. This variety is strongly tied to the natural diversity of the country. Most native communities maintain a close relation with their natural surroundings, in ecosystems as intricate as the rainforest and other tropical forests, unique wetlands and mangroves. In the Andes, several native cultures have preserved their cultural values and lifestyles for centuries, which are strongly tied to Mother Earth.

Communities become hosts, and many are open to share their local festivities, traditional handcrafting, their knowledge of medicinal plants, amongst other cultural manifestations. Moreover, they have developed additional activities for tourists to enjoy, such as hikes, horseback riding, birdwatching, and fishing.

Step off the beaten path and allow the native communities to be your hosts!

For more information contact the Ecuador Plurinational Federation of Community-Based Tourism (FEPTCE): Quito (02) 2509 907, Otavalo (06) 2926 814, Cuenca (07) 2844 538, Tena (06) 2888 479, Riobamba (03) 2951 996.

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