The rural parish of Chonta Punta is in the eastern part of Tena canton in Napo Province. Nature and community-based cultural activities are part of the travel experience in the surrounding area. To plan your visit, you can first decide whether you are looking for scenery and wildlife watching, activities in the jungle and on the water, or insights into the community’s history.
Cascada de los Loros and Nature Watching
Cascada de los Loros is a waterfall with clear water, surrounded by petrified lava formations from Sumaco Volcano. You can spot various butterflies and birds there. This natural attraction brings together water, volcanic rock formations, and wildlife watching—a specific focus for travelers who especially want to experience the region’s landscape and wildlife.
Birdwatching features in two different contexts: at Cascada de los Loros as part of nature watching, and at Runashitu as one of its community tourism offerings. If you are particularly interested in birds, you can choose between a landscape experience featuring a waterfall and lava formations, and a community-based activity.
Hiking, Canoeing, and Beach Visits
Leisure activities in Chonta Punta parish include hiking through the jungle, canoe trips on the RĂo Napo, and visits to beaches. These are three distinct options: getting around on foot, traveling along the river, and spending time at a beach.
Canoe trips feature in two contexts: in the parish, trips on the RĂo Napo are mentioned; at the community tourism venture Runashitu (Humu), trips on a lagoon are offered. So, when choosing, both the mode of travel and the bodies of water mentioned are different; treat them as separate activities.
Community Tourism and Culture
In the surrounding area of Chonta Punta parish, the community tourism venture Runashitu (Humu) offers birdwatching, canoe trips on the lagoon, and demonstrations of traditional medicine. Shamanism is also a cultural attraction, and the offerings include conversations about the community’s history. The range spans nature watching, practical demonstrations, and cultural and historical topics.
The conversations focus on the community’s history, offering a different experience from birdwatching or a trip to the waterfall. If one of these cultural activities is a deciding factor for your trip, coordinate your visit with Runashitu in advance.
Vacation Rentals and Travel Planning
When looking for a vacation rental, your preferred focus can help guide your choice: nature watching at Cascada de los Loros, jungle hikes, water activities, or cultural insights each suit different interests. First decide which of these topics matters most, rather than combining all the activities into a single outing.
Discover more destinations: SunimĂłn, Bermejo, Cosanga, Puerto MisahuallĂ, Baeza, Orellana, San Rafael, Archidona.
For the broader travel overview: Napo.
