Things To Do
in Puyo
Puyo is a small city located in the Amazon rainforest region of Ecuador. It is known for its lush green surroundings and vibrant biodiversity. The city serves as a popular gateway for tourists interested in exploring the rainforest, with many tour operators offering excursions into the jungle.
Puyo is also home to indigenous communities that preserve their traditional way of life and cultural practices.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $60
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to 'El Jardín de las Orquídeas' to admire an array of stunning orchids. Enjoy a fresh breakfast at a local café that embraces Ecuadorian flavors.
Take a guided tour to the nearby Puyopungo Waterfalls, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views and refreshing swim. Don't forget to capture your memories with lots of photos!
Wind down by exploring the town's vibrant local market. Savor traditional dishes at a nearby restaurant and soak in the night atmosphere.
Begin your journey with a visit to a nearby indigenous community to learn about their culture and daily life. Participate in a breakfast ceremony shared with the locals.
Join a canoe trip along the Pastaza River and immerse yourself in the stunning Amazonian ecosystem. Spot exotic birds and perhaps even some playful monkeys during your adventure.
Return to Puyo and enjoy a relaxing dinner featuring fresh fish and local fruits. Reflect on your day and plan for tomorrow's adventure.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Puyo is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including lush rainforests and rivers, making it a great spot for eco-tourism and outdoor activities.
- The city serves as a hub for exploring the Amazon jungle, offering unique experiences to visitors interested in biodiversity.
- Puyo has a rich cultural heritage, with opportunities to engage with local Indigenous communities and learn about their traditions.
- The cost of living in Puyo is relatively low compared to larger cities, making it an affordable place to live and visit.
- Puyo has a pleasant climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity, which many find enjoyable.
- Infrastructure in Puyo can be underdeveloped, with limited access to public services such as reliable transportation and healthcare.
- The city suffers from occasional heavy rains and flooding, particularly during the rainy season, which can disrupt daily life and travel plans.
- Job opportunities may be limited beyond the tourism and agriculture sectors, making it challenging for new residents to find employment.
- Puyo's remote location can make it difficult to access some modern amenities and entertainment options that larger cities offer.
- Language barriers may exist for non-Spanish speakers, as English is not widely spoken in the region.
Best Activities in Puyo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the native wildlife of the Amazon region at the Puyo Zoo, which features displays of indigenous animals and plants.
Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping experience by taking a rafting trip along the beautiful and challenging waters of the Pastaza River.
Embark on a guided hike through the lush Amazon Rainforest to discover its diverse plant and animal life, and learn about the indigenous cultures that call this area home.
Take a trip to the striking Indichuris Waterfall, where you can admire the powerful cascade and relax in the surrounding natural beauty.
Experience the stunning scenery and diverse ecosystems of the region by cycling along the Puyo-Tena road, which offers breathtaking views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Tours
Uncover the best of Puyo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Puyo
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape.
A magnificent waterfall with excellent photo opportunities.
Caves with unique rock formations and photogenic landscapes.
Food in Puyo
Puyo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Amazonian dish consisting of fish (often tilapia or dorado) marinated in achiote and wrapped in banana leaves, then grilled over a wood fire. It can be found at local restaurants and street food stalls throughout Puyo, particularly at the Mercado 10 de Agosto.
Must-Try!
Boiled or fried yuca served with crispy plantain chips, often accompanied by a peanut or tree tomato sauce. Look for this dish at small eateries and food stalls around Puyo's main plaza, Parque Central.
A hearty chicken stew made with local herbs, beer, and served with a side of rice. It's a popular comfort food and can be enjoyed at various local eateries and restaurants in Puyo.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Puyo better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Puyo's largest market, where visitors can browse an array of fresh produce, regional spices, and local delicacies. This is also an excellent spot to sample indigenous street food such as grubs, roasted plantains, and various fruit juices.
A bustling street lined with food vendors selling traditional snacks like empanadas de viento (cheese-filled fried pastries), bollos (steamed corn dumplings), and quimbolitos (sweet steamed cakes). A great place to experience the local street food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Puyo, it is important to show respect for the indigenous cultures, such as the Kichwa and Shuar people, by acknowledging their traditions, customs, and beliefs.
When greeting people in Puyo, it is customary to use formal greetings, such as addressing individuals with their titles and using polite language.
Engaging in community activities, such as festivals and local events, demonstrates respect for the local culture and fosters a sense of inclusivity.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Puyo with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Puyo
Ensure a smooth experience
In Puyo, Ecuador, tipping is not always expected, but it is appreciated in restaurants, cafes, and for tour guides. A customary tip is 10% of the bill, but it is always best to ask locals or check receipts for included service charges.
In Puyo, Ecuador, cash is the most widely used form of payment, especially in smaller establishments. Larger businesses and hotels may accept credit cards, but it's advisable to carry cash for most transactions. ATMs are available in the city center for withdrawing funds.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The dry season is the best time to visit Puyo, offering clear skies and warm temperatures. You can expect to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the Amazon rainforest.
The rainy season brings lush, green landscapes and is ideal for experiencing the vibrant flora and fauna of Puyo. However, heavy rainfall may limit certain outdoor activities.
Puyo at Night
Hiking in Puyo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hike leading to beautiful waterfalls, located just outside of Puyo. The trail winds through lush rainforests, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.
A national park with various hiking trails that showcase the region's diverse ecosystems, from wetlands to mountain ranges. Great for birdwatching and enjoying nature.
This hiking spot features impressive canyons and rock formations. The trails are challenging and perfect for adventurous hikers looking for stunning views.
A biological reserve that provides marked trails through the Amazon basin. Known for its rich biodiversity and educational opportunities about the local flora and fauna.
Following the beautiful Pastaza River, this trail offers a relatively easy hike with picturesque views of waterfalls and surrounding landscapes.
Aiports
How to reach Puyo by plane.
Located in Pastaza Province, PTZ is the nearest airport to Puyo, serving domestic flights.
Situated in Quito, UIO is the main international airport in Ecuador, approximately 3.5 hours by car from Puyo.
Located in Guayaquil, GYE is another key international airport, about 6-7 hours drive from Puyo.
Located in Manta, MTC serves international and domestic flights and is roughly 7 hours from Puyo by car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Includes a significant population of Kichwa and Shuar communities, with a rich cultural heritage and traditions.
The largest demographic group in Puyo, a mix of Indigenous and Spanish ancestry, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
A smaller but important demographic group, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the region with their unique customs and traditions.
A minority group that includes descendants of Spanish and other European immigrants, often involved in business and agricultural sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer, or football as it is known in most parts of the world, is the most popular sport in Puyo. The local community actively participates in playing and watching soccer matches.
Basketball has a significant following in Puyo, with many local courts and teams participating in regional competitions.
Volleyball is widely played, especially among women and youth, and is a common sport in schools and community centers.
Due to the lush environment and rivers, swimming is a popular recreational activity among locals, both for leisure and fitness.
Cycling is a popular outdoor activity, with many scenic routes available for both casual riders and competitive cyclists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puyo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Amazonian cuisine heavily features meat and fish, many local eateries and restaurants in Puyo offer excellent vegetarian and vegan options, often centered around fresh produce, plantains, and tropical fruits.
Visitors with gluten-free dietary requirements can enjoy dishes like yuca con chifles, ceviche de palmito (heart of palm ceviche), and various grilled fish dishes, which are naturally free of gluten. It's recommended to communicate dietary needs clearly, as some dishes may contain hidden sources of gluten.