Tena: Gateway to Ecuador's Amazon Rainforest

• Hello¡Hola!
  [oh-lah]
• Goodbye¡Adiós!
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [dees-kool-pe/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rek-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, the region now known as Tena was inhabited by indigenous peoples, particularly the Quijos and the Napo Runa. These communities thrived on the rich natural resources of the Amazon rainforest, practicing agriculture, hunting, and fishing. They also developed complex social structures and spiritual practices deeply connected to the surrounding nature.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the Amazon region in search of gold and other riches. The Spanish presence significantly impacted the indigenous populations through conquest, disease, and forced labor. The Quijos Rebellion of 1578 was a notable resistance effort by the indigenous people; however, it was ultimately quelled by the Spanish forces. Despite this, many indigenous cultural practices and traditions have persisted through the centuries.

Tena was officially founded on November 15, 1560, by the Spanish explorer Gil Ramírez Dávalos. Initially established as a mission and trading post, the town served as a hub for the Spanish in their efforts to explore and exploit the Amazon Basin. Over time, Tena grew as a center for commerce and administration within the region.

The 20th century brought significant development to Tena with the construction of roads and infrastructure that connected the town more effectively with other parts of Ecuador. The discovery of oil in the Amazon region in the 1960s led to an economic boom, although it also brought environmental and social challenges. Tena evolved into a modern town while maintaining its rich cultural heritage.

Tena is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, which is celebrated through various festivals and events. One of the most significant is the annual 'Fiestas de Tena,' which includes parades, traditional music, dance performances, and other cultural activities. These events highlight the blend of indigenous and mestizo cultures that characterize the town.

In recent decades, Tena has become a focal point for ecotourism, attracting visitors with its lush rainforests, rivers, and rich biodiversity. The town serves as a gateway to the Amazon, offering numerous opportunities for adventure and nature exploration. Efforts in conservation and sustainable tourism have been emphasized to protect the unique ecosystems and the way of life of local communities.

Tena is located in the Napo Province of Ecuador, nestled in the Amazon rainforest. The nearest international airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, approximately 5 hours away by road. From Quito, you can take a bus from the Quitumbe terminal directly to Tena, with multiple services running daily. Alternatively, private shuttles and taxis are available for a more comfortable journey. If you're already in Ecuador, interprovincial buses connect Tena with other major cities like Baños and Puyo.

Tena is a small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. Public buses operate within the city and connect to nearby communities. Renting a car is another option, though less common. For a more authentic experience, consider using the local canoe services to explore the rivers and surrounding jungle areas.

The official currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Tena, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into more remote areas where banking services may be limited.

Tena is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places such as markets. While Tena does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Exercise caution when exploring remote jungle areas and always use a trusted guide.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Tena has a local police station and medical facilities, including a hospital and several clinics. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. If you plan to venture into the jungle, ensure you have necessary vaccinations and medications, such as antimalarials.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting indigenous communities. Avoid wearing excessively revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Some areas may have specific cultural practices that should be honored. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días'. A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tena like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Amazonian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss out on the opportunity to take a guided tour of the Amazon rainforest, where you can learn about the flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides. For a unique experience, try a meal at a local restaurant serving traditional dishes like maito (fish wrapped in leaves) or chontacuro (grilled palm weevil larvae).