A Guide To Visiting Puyo Ecuador
An Overview of Puyo
Puyo, known locally as El Puyo, is a province capital in Pastaza. The moderately-sized urban city is seated next to the Puyo River on the outer fringes of the Amazon Basin, on the slopes of the Andes Mountains. The city exists in a tropical rainforest climate with pouring rain throughout the year. The city originally served as an important trading nexus with local tribes and a missionary settlement. The region is largely underdeveloped, as the far more popular city of Baños de Agua Santa takes up more tourism. For those wishing to explore Ecuador’s fringes, natural wildlife and hidden cultures, Puyo is an excellent place to visit.
Advice For Visiting Puyo Ecuador
The closest airport to Puyo is Cuenca, which offers regular bus services leaving to Puyo. The rides through the mountains aren’t terrible frequent, with most weekend rides only available around 8 or 9 PM, with occasional changes.
The bus may go through the cities of Banos or Macas on it’s way, and costs around $17 to $22 dollars. The ride is advertised as six hours long, but with additional stops, it usually takes closer to 7 and a half hours.
Another option is to take a bus from Quito, where buses depart the Quitumbe terminal for a 5 hour ride.
Puyo is extremely walkable, but taxi’s are available, especially around the Puyo terminal (bus station) for a dollar and 25 cents or so.
Puyo receives heavy rainfall at all hour at sporadic intervals, so rain gear is necessary for visiting the region.
The region around Puyo is especially popular for jungle tours and river tours which can be booked online.
Points of Interest in Puyo Ecuador
Sacha Wasi
This vital protected flora space is a long-standing Kichwa tribal community project to supply education about the cultures and natural life in the Amazon. There are huts, traditional dances and unique lessons on the culture. The tour experience is in Spanish, but there are several guides who offer English information as well. Visitors can stay overnight with an advanced booking.
Huella Pastaza Ecotienda
This is an excellent chocolate and other local goods shop located in north Puyo.
Malecon Boayaku Puyo
Malecon Boayaku Puyo is a large walking trail following the river leading to a park and plaza area with many outdoor events, restaurants and views of the river.
Parque Etnobotanico Omaere
This is an extremely educational jungle walkthrough of rehabilitated land, complete with information regarding other sights of interest around Puyo. The educational walkthroughs are primarily in Spanish.
Hola Vida Waterfall
This is a day trip excursion leading to a slick waterfall pool area. The pool can be swam in, though there are usually small crowds at the base.
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