Napo

The Napo runs east from the Andean foothills through the forests of the upper Amazon. Its banks supported communities whose chiefs, cultivated maize and ornaments were described by early Spanish travellers. In 1541 Gonzalo Pizarro's expedition crossed the mountains from Quito; he sent Francisco de Orellana downstream in search of provisions. Orellana continued along the Napo and reached the Amazon in 1542, passing villages whose people knew the river long before his voyage.

The later city of Puerto Francisco de Orellana lies here.