Itamandi Tena Jungle Lodge
Itamandi Lodge

Relax in the Amazon Rainforest at the Itamandi Lodge

Itamandi is a Tena jungle lodge that offers sustainable travel and ecotourism to one of the most interesting places in the world: the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador.

Just a 4-hour car ride and a short canoe ride away from Quito you will find this eco-friendly destination. Itamandi Lodge gives you the opportunity to go on a jungle trip with luxurious accommodation and a relaxing atmosphere.

Activities and location

Situated along the banks of the Arajuno River and 45 min from Tena by car, there are lots of possible activities and excursions during your stay. Itineraries include a meeting with the Kichwa community, where you can enjoy the presentation of a folkloric dance with the children of the community, also you can try the local cuisine and share the “chicha” an ancestral drink based on yucca.  You will take educational treks through primary forests, night walks, a visit to the parrot clay lick, bird watch, float down the Arajuno River on tubes, get involved in the production of artisan chocolate, and more.

And you can always enjoy a laid-back stay in the hotel area with an open-air pool, full-service bar, and relaxing area.

lavado de oro
Panning for gold in the Itamandi Lodge

Connoisseur Amazon Tip:

The Itamandi is the perfect Tena jungle lodge if you are looking to relax in the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador. Travelers who do not have too much time or don’t want to completely disconnect from the modern world can truly enjoy a lite disconnect at this beautiful, luxurious lodge in a superb location.

Accommodation and Amenities

Itamandi EcoLodge consists of 19 private rooms of varying sleeping configurations and several public gathering spots, including the spacious dining room, an open-air combined bar, a majestic pool, and an observation tower. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes with a national and international touch. All meals are made with fresh, local ingredients, buffet service for breakfast and lunch, and table service for dinner. Itamandi EcoLodge can gather to special diet needs as to vegetarian meals upon request.

The bartender will prepare you some of the best drinks or cocktails we offer at our open-air bar. Enjoy a drink at night overlooking the river and the pool!

A raised and roofed boardwalk connects all of the guest’s lodgings to the several large social areas at Itamandi EcoLodge.

Itamandi Lodge Information

Itamandi Tena Lodge Activities


Rainforest Treks
Explore incredible primary rainforest treks. At Suchipakari, there are a number of treks (with varying levels of difficulty) that can last anywhere from an hour-and-a-half all the way up to four hours, taking you through thick and humid jungle, crossing muddy paths and encountering all sorts of wildlife. Creep along the jungle paths through the spotlights of sun filtering down through the canopy, careful not to tread on an army of marching ants. SuchiPakari’s native guides will show us the abundance and biodiversity of flora, their practical use in everyday life as well as medicinal properties of several plants, trees and insects and the fascinating symbiosis between them in the Amazon rainforest.

Animal Reserve “AmaZoonico” 
You’ll never get as close to a jaguar, ocelot or taper as you will at AmaZoonico, a rescue sanctuary for all Amazon creatures. Led by volunteer guides, you’ll hear the incredible and sometimes tragic stories of the residents of the centre: from caiman, a wide variety of monkeys, turtles, capybara, toucans, parrots, macaws and everything in between, who struggled to readapt to the wild after they were taken by poachers, sold on the black market, and forced to live domestic lives. By visiting AmaZoonico you are helping to guarantee the protection of these creatures.
AmaZOOnico is not a zoo but a rescue center for animals of the Amazon in Ecuador

Indigenous Family Visit
On this visit we learn about traditional Kichwa culture. Through an unobtrusive dialogue, we learn about their day-to-day lives. A local host shows us how to make chicha, a typical beverage (tasting is optional!), and demonstrates the spiritual cleansing rituals still practiced today throughout the surrounding community. Finally, we participate in a blowgun target-shooting contest – but don’t expect to beat the natives! It’s an intimate, unique experience, in which we discover both the differences and similarities between our own and other cultures.
Gold Panning
One of the things that mostly attracts adventurers to South America hundreds of years ago was the promise of gold. But where was this gold to be found? Back then and still now the Napo River has that very precious metal in its sediment, and locals, using a painstaking technique of sifting and washing, spending hours filtering through the stones on the banks of the river, make a living from extracting and selling it. Just a short canoe-ride from Suchipakari Lodge you can observe them doing so, using the same techniques of centuries past.
Birdwatching
We love having birdwatchers at the lodge, and here are just a few things we do to make your birdwatching experience unforgettable: Native guides from local communities: they may not speak much English, but they know the local names of all of the birds, and better yet, where to find them! (262 Bird List Species Registered)
Night Treks
When darkness falls, Grab your flashlight or headlamp and join your guide to see the forest come alive in the darkness.

Itamandi Classic – 2 days/1 night


Day 1: Arrival to Lodge
12:00: Start of the trip to Itamandi Ecolodge Reception in the city of Tena; from where you will take private transport to Puente del Rio Arajuno (45 minutes approx.) At this point, our naturalist guide will give you information about the place, important recommendations, and other tips to start your great experience in the rainforest. Take a Motorized canoe that goes upstream for 20 minutes to Itamandi EcoLodge start. On this boat trip, you can appreciate the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest traveling along a river that flows in a zigzag through the jungle like a giant snake, considered the main system of the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Once we arrive at the dock area of ​​Itamandi EcoLodge, the Itamandi staff will welcome you and give you some information about your accommodation and the activities to be carried out. 13:30 Lunch 3:00 pm Tubing After having tasted a delicious meal and having become comfortable; we will prepare for our first activity in the Amazon jungle. 18:30 Night Hike (optional) A flashlight and camera are the most important tools in this nocturnal excursion, which allows guests to hear and catch the nocturnal sounds of fishing bats, owls, some insects, tarantulas, toads, frogs and possibly snakes. If the sky is clear, we may have the opportunity to observe a plethora of stars. 19:30 Dinner
Day 2: Parrot Clay Lick / Farewell to Lodge
5:45 – 6:00 Parrot Clay Lick (If the weather permits) Early in the morning, take a canoe ride for 15 minutes upstream to visit a parrot clay lick (Saladero) to appreciate a unique site where parrots and parakeets gather in order to obtain the minerals that will help them to digest the fruits or seeds they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later will come down to the clay bank to eat this soil rich in minerals. It is essential to have binoculars to enjoy it. 7:00 – 8:30 Breakfast 9:00 Check-out and motorized canoe ride for 20 Minutes to the Arajuno Bridge End of our services.

Itamandi Essential – 3 days/2 nights


Day 1: Arrival to Lodge
12:00: Start of the trip to Itamandi Ecolodge Reception in the city of Tena; from where you will take private transport to Puente del Rio Arajuno (45 minutes approx.) At this point, our naturalist guide will give you information about the place, important recommendations, and other tips to start your great experience in the rainforest. Take a Motorized canoe that goes upstream for 20 minutes to Itamandi EcoLodge start. On this boat trip, you can appreciate the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest traveling along a river that flows in a zigzag through the jungle like a giant snake, considered the main system of the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Once we arrive at the dock area of ​​Itamandi EcoLodge, the Itamandi staff will welcome you and give you some information about your accommodation and the activities to be carried out. 13:30 Lunch 3:00 pm Tubing After having tasted a delicious meal and having become comfortable; we will prepare for our first activity in the Amazon jungle. 18:30 Night Hike (optional) A flashlight and camera are the most important tools in this nocturnal excursion, which allows guests to hear and catch the nocturnal sounds of fishing bats, owls, some insects, tarantulas, toads, frogs and possibly snakes. If the sky is clear, we may have the opportunity to observe a plethora of stars. 19:30 Dinner
Day 2: Parrot Clay Lick / Rainforest Trek
5:45 – 6:00 Parrot Clay Lick (If the weather permits) Early in the morning, take a canoe ride for 15 minutes upstream to visit a parrot clay lick (Saladero) to appreciate a unique site where parrots and parakeets gather in order to obtain the minerals that will help them to digest the fruits or seeds they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later will come down to the clay bank to eat this soil rich in minerals. It is essential to have binoculars to enjoy it. 7:00 – 8:30 Breakfast 9:00 – 9:30 Long Hike After a scrumptious breakfast, we head out for a hike through the primary and secondary Rainforest. Our expert naturalists teach you about the ecology and flora and fauna of the Rainforest along the trail. You will observe a great variety of insects, a diversity of birds flying around us and with some luck reptiles or monkeys. This activity takes about 2 ½ -3hours. 13:00 Lunch 14:30 Visit to the Native Community In the afternoon it is time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichwa community will receive us and we learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. This encounter is going to show you that part of the Amazonia that you do not find on the maps: the Amazon people. Part of our visit to the community involves the demonstration of the famous “Chicha”, a fermented yucca drink that has become part of their festivals and daily use. We will take part in the preparation of this beverage and also try some of the local cuisine. We finish the visit with a traditional dance performed by the kids in this community and you also have some time to buy some handicrafts, made by the indigenous. This little business is to support the indigenous people in their daily life. 19:30 Dinner
Day 3: Farewell to lodge 
8:00 Breakfast 9:00 Check-out and motorized canoe ride for 20 Minutes to the Arajuno Bridge End of our services.

Itamandi Relax – 4 days/3 nights


Day 1: Arrival to Lodge
12:00: Start of the trip to Itamandi Ecolodge Reception in the city of Tena; from where you will take private transport to Puente del Rio Arajuno (45 minutes approx.) At this point, our naturalist guide will give you information about the place, important recommendations, and other tips to start your great experience in the rainforest. Take a Motorized canoe that goes upstream for 20 minutes to Itamandi EcoLodge start. On this boat trip, you can appreciate the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest traveling along a river that flows in a zigzag through the jungle like a giant snake, considered the main system of the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Once we arrive at the dock area of ​​Itamandi EcoLodge, the Itamandi staff will welcome you and give you some information about your accommodation and the activities to be carried out. 13:30 Lunch 3:00 pm Tubing After having tasted a delicious meal and having become comfortable; we will prepare for our first activity in the Amazon jungle. 18:30 Night Hike (optional) A flashlight and camera are the most important tools in this nocturnal excursion, which allows guests to hear and catch the nocturnal sounds of fishing bats, owls, some insects, tarantulas, toads, frogs and possibly snakes. If the sky is clear, we may have the opportunity to observe a plethora of stars. 19:30 Dinner
Day 2: Parrot Clay Lick / Rainforest Trek
5:45 – 6:00 Parrot Clay Lick (If the weather permits) Early in the morning, take a canoe ride for 15 minutes upstream to visit a parrot clay lick (Saladero) to appreciate a unique site where parrots and parakeets gather in order to obtain the minerals that will help them to digest the fruits or seeds they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later will come down to the clay bank to eat this soil rich in minerals. It is essential to have binoculars to enjoy it. 7:00 – 8:30 Breakfast 9:00 – 9:30 Long Hike After a scrumptious breakfast, we head out for a hike through the primary and secondary Rainforest. Our expert naturalists teach you about the ecology and flora and fauna of the Rainforest along the trail. You will observe a great variety of insects, a diversity of birds flying around us and with some luck reptiles or monkeys. This activity takes about 2 ½ -3hours. 13:00 Lunch 14:30 Visit to the Native Community In the afternoon it is time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichwa community will receive us and we learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. This encounter is going to show you that part of the Amazonia that you do not find on the maps: the Amazon people. Part of our visit to the community involves the demonstration of the famous “Chicha”, a fermented yucca drink that has become part of their festivals and daily use. We will take part in the preparation of this beverage and also try some of the local cuisine. We finish the visit with a traditional dance performed by the kids in this community and you also have some time to buy some handicrafts, made by the indigenous. This little business is to support the indigenous people in their daily life. 19:30 Dinner
Day 3: AmaZOOnico / Anaconda Island
8:00 Breakfast 9:00 Visit to AmaZOOnico and Isla Anaconda After our delicious breakfast buffet, we take a 40 min canoe ride downriver to visit the “Isla Anaconda”. We can observe the prehistoric bird “Hoatzin”, woolly monkeys, squirrel monkeys, just to mention a few. We also visit a family in one of the indigenous communities to learn about their farming habits, medicinal plants, as well as the ancestral way of hunting with blowguns (cerbatana) and handmade traps in the forest. On this trip, a delicious box lunch will be provided. After lunch, we will go to AmaZOOnico, which is sheltering a number of different animals, some in danger of extinction. AmaZOOnico is not a zoo but a rescue center for animals of the Amazon in Ecuador. We can observe a wide variety of monkeys, macaws, ocelots, capybara, toucans, parrots and much more animals in their natural habitat at close range. Return to Itamandi EcoLodge to enjoy the facilities of the hotel. 19:30 Dinner
Day 4: Farewell to Lodge 
8:00 Breakfast 9:00 Check-out and motorized canoe ride for 20 Minutes to the Arajuno Bridge

Itamandi Lodge 2020 Rates

Itamandi 2020 Rates

Included

  • English Guide
  • Shared tours
  • Transportation Tena - Itamandi - Tena
  • Accommodation in selected room
  • Life jackets and rubber boots (sizes 36 to 44)
  • Full meals (Tour starts with lunch and ends with breakfast)
  • Excursions and activities according to the pre-established itinerary, related to the number of nights.

Not included

  • Transportation to Tena from Quito/Baños
  • Tickets $ 10 p.p.
  • Additional drinks and personal expenses.

Important Information

  • Price per person, subject to change without prior notice.
  • Price includes taxes.
  • 30% surcharge for single use.
  • Tour openings every day.
  • Tour starts and finishes in Arajuno Bridge
  • Kids from 8-12 years old have a 25% discount.
  • Kids from 3-7 years old have 50% discount.
  • Kids from 0-2 years old have a 100% discount.
  • In groups of 15 passengers, you have 1 free passenger (For each 15 paid).
  • Guide and chauffer free (As long as they stay in the complex of shared rooms for chauffer, guides, and hotel personnel).
  • Last day lunch: 25$ per person (includes native guide and activities).

Transport from Tena to Arajuno Bridge (or return) (ONE WAY)

  • 1 person: 20,- USD per person
  • 2 persons: 15,- USD per person
  • 3 persons: 12,- USD per person
  • 4 persons: 10,- USD per person

Access to Itamandi Lodge


From Tena:


– Take the road to Puerto Napo – Cross the bridge over the Napo River – Directly after the bridge, turn left. – Follow the paved road until you reach an intersection, called “Zancudo” for about 25km – Continue straight, DO NOT turn left, for 5 km until you reach the bridge over the Arajuno River. – You arrived at the Itamandi pier!

From Quito:


Itamandi Ecolodge by public bus (approx. 5 hours) Several public bus companies operate the stretch from Quito or Baños to Tena. The journey will take approximately 5 hours, traveling over partially paved and unpaved roads. In Tena, you either take another public bus (“Jumandy” or Centinela”) to the Arajuno Bridge, where we meet you. Or we can arrange a private transfer from Tena to our meeting point at an additional cost.

Packing List for Itamandi Lodge


  • Passport
  • Binoculars
  • Headlamp / Flashlight and batteries
  • Insect repellent (if possible not chemical)
  • Sun protection (sun cream / sunglasses / hat or cap)
  • Water bottle
  • Lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts for walks
  • Shorts, short sleeve shirts and bathing suit for the lodge
  • Comfortable shoes and sandals, socks
  • Small day pack
  • Camera, film, and flash
  • Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars, film, etc… from rai