Family Vacation in the Amazon Jungle, 3

The place was perfect for kids. The Napo River was a seven-minute walk away. It had sandy banks and smooth, colorful rocks—basically nature’s playground. We went in the evenings (no shade, strong sun) and made land art. We created the river god Napo, with rocks and a block of wood found at the shore

Across the river lies Puerto Misahualli. It is a lively town where weekends mean food stalls and river views. You can also find grilled larvae called Chontacuro. Yes, larvae. They required courage—and were surprisingly delicious.

Lunch came with entertainment: monkeys. Mothers with babies hopped around, then boldly stole food straight off plates. One grabbed our full water bottle. It climbed a tree, opened and tasted it, and got offended that it wasn’t sweet. It smashed the bottle and littered dramatically.

Nearby, a Quichua community welcomed us by boat. The kids were instantly obsessed with an owl by the fire and a toucan playing with an old sponge. We watched traditional dances and tasted fermented yucca juice (once made with saliva—now sweet potatoes, thankfully). I bought the grandkids spears. Monsters were hunted. Joy was complete.

When we left the community to walk down to the boat, a little monkey and a dog were playing around. It was so nice to watch two different species coming along. We also visited wildlife refuge called Amazoonica. We were guided by volunteers from England and Vienna—proof the jungle has great international staffing.

On the last day, the family split up. I drove one car back to Quito alone. We will meet again in Cuenca in one week. The journey was over collapsing roads, past landslides and thick fog on a mountain pass. I was chasing my very fast son. Somehow, I felt calm. Growth happens in strange places.

All in all: a joyful, family-centered trip full of nature, culture, chaos, and laughter. When asked what we’d change—nothing. It was perfect exactly as it was.