7-hour jungle trek Tena: Route of the Dreams with guide

Walk a thousand-year-old jungle path to caves where parrots gather to mate

A full-day guided trek in Tena's Amazon jungle following the Route of the Dreams, an ancient pathway used by indigenous communities to reach the Napo River. The day starts with a 3-hour hike to a viewpoint overlooking the Amazon, then descends through canyons and caves to the Kali Kali cavern and the Uchuculin community. Private transport from the Akangau office, a guide in English or Spanish, rubber boots, lunch and water are included. Minimum age is 15 and moderate fitness is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day jungle trekking and exploration

• Meet at Akangau tour office at 9:00 am
• Take private car to Upper Amazon region
• Walk 3 hours to Napo River viewpoint
• Learn about jungle flora, fauna, and medicinal plants
• Stop for snack at the viewpoint
• Hike the ancient Route of the Dreams pathway
• Visit Kali Kali caves to see parrots
• Cross clean waters and lush canyons
• Arrive at Uchuculin community around 3 pm
• Enjoy a delicious lunch at Uchuculin

The experience

The trek begins at 9 am at the Akangau tour office in Tena, where you'll be picked up by private car and driven to the Upper Amazon region. The first leg is a 3-hour walk to a viewpoint that overlooks the Napo River, a direct tributary of the Amazon. Along the way, your guide explains how local ancestors used jungle resources to survive and points out medicinal plants and wildlife. The route itself is the draw: the Route of the Dreams is a thousand-year-old pathway that indigenous people traveled to move between communities and reach the river.

After the viewpoint, you descend into the mystical part of the route: lush canyons with clean water and the Kali Kali caves, where parrots gather once a year to mate. The path winds through this landscape for several hours before arriving at the Uchuculin community around 3 pm. Lunch is served there, and you'll have time to rest before the return journey. The guide speaks English or Spanish and carries the knowledge of the jungle. You carry the experience of walking a route that has connected people to this landscape for centuries.

What’s included

• Private transport from Tena to the trailhead.
• a guide in English or Spanish.
• rubber boots.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• lunch at the Uchuculin community.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (15 to 60 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Akangau jungle Expeditions

Is this one for you?The guide leads the entire trek and explains the jungle, flora and medicinal plants along the way, so you walk and learn without navigating yourself. This suits anyone who wants the knowledge of a local guide and the structure of a set route, rather than exploring on their own.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the Route of the Dreams and why is it called that?

The Route of the Dreams is a thousand-year-old pathway that indigenous communities used to travel between settlements and reach the Napo River. Local stories describe a spiritual connection with the jungle that brings tranquility and rejuvenation. The name reflects the cultural and spiritual significance the path holds for the people of the region.

What will I see at the Kali Kali caves?

The Kali Kali caves are home to parrots that gather there once a year to mate. The caves sit within lush canyons crossed by clean water, and the trek passes through this landscape on the way down from the viewpoint.

How much walking is involved and what is the terrain like?

The trek includes a 3-hour hike to the viewpoint at the start, then several more hours descending through canyons and caves to reach the Uchuculin community. The path crosses clean water and moves through jungle terrain. Rubber boots are provided and moderate physical fitness is required.

What's included in the price and what should I bring?

Private transport from Tena, a guide in English or Spanish, rubber boots, bottled water and lunch at the Uchuculin community are all included. You should bring sun protection, insect repellent and a change of clothes, as you'll be walking through wet terrain and may wade through water.

Is there a minimum group size or age requirement?

A minimum of two travelers is required to book the tour, and the minimum age is 15. The trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.