We rented a house in Misahualli near Tena, located at the edge of the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. It was for a family holiday with two toddlers and a four-month-old baby. Clearly, this was an excellent idea.
The adventure started on the drive from Puembo to Papallacta, when we forgot the code for the car key. At a gas station, the alarm went off, two children started screaming, and we provided free entertainment for everyone nearby. Luckily, we fixed it and escaped.
In Tena, shopping turned into another expedition: no parking, huge crowds, and food we couldn’t identify. The police appeared because we stayed too long in one spot. However, once again, we talked our way out of trouble. Finding what we needed was a puzzle of strange names and unfamiliar packages—but in the end, we succeeded.
We bought mainly the fruit and vegetables we knew.
Exhausted and still together, we were ready for the jungle.
The house sits by a small lake, surrounded by dense jungle. The wildlife is diverse enough to populate a children’s TV channel. It includes incredible birds and a caiman, which is a small crocodile. There is also a huge fish called Paicher (about 2 m long) with its baby, along with several turtles. The children were entertained without us lifting a finger.
Being fascinated by the caiman
View from my room to the lake.
We have the luxury that Liz, a lady of the village, prepares once a day delicious food for us. Our family meals are always a special treat.
Tilapia made in a banana leaf.
From time to time, dark clouds roll in and rain crashes down dramatically. So far, the house has protected us. Even in our house there is wildlife. On the first morning, I was catching a bat trapped in the kitchen.
There was also a cockroach flying around wildly. It landed on the head of one of our family members. It was funny and scary for the person being attacked.
On our first night walk, we discovered a baby caiman beside our lodge. We also encountered a spider and a frog. These discoveries are proof that everything is more exciting when seen through children’s eyes. However, the jungle darkness was terrifying for the children. We had to return soon.
Today we went on a jungle hike. Our guide Leo handed out rubber boots for the mud and water everywhere. For about one hour, we walked through the jungle. Leo explained many plants and showed us many animals.
This plant stores rain water for insects
Coffee beans
Leo, our jungle guide
The inside of a cocoa fruit. Leo opened it up with his machete. It tasted delicious. Even the kids liked it.
After that, we used a boat which brought us to an island with lots of different monkeys. We heard exotic jungle sounds in all directions.
The children were thrilled for hours. At the end of the day, the parents were exhausted.
