Photo : Ondřej Žváček · CC BY 2.5
Find your way around the province
- Puyo
- Mera
What to discover
Puyo can be a base for exploring Mera and arranging forest outings. Choose fewer activities and leave time to observe. A more remote stay, particularly in community territory, requires separate planning.
Heritage and traditions
Pastaza is home to several nationalities with different experiences. Visits should be offered and led by the hosts themselves. Maito, a preparation wrapped in bijao or banana leaves, introduces local cooking; ask about its ingredients and their origins.
A suggested stay
After Baños, spend several nights around Puyo instead of making a return day trip. Combine a guided outing, time for cooking or crafts, and a flexible period for rain or conversation.
Plan this stop
Confirm road conditions between Baños and Puyo, excursion departure points and return transport. Ask who hosts, what is included and whether photography is welcome. The word “Amazon” guarantees neither remoteness nor wildlife sightings.
Festival and seasonal calendar →
Practical information
When to go
The Amazon can be visited year-round, with heat, humidity and rain in every season. River levels affect boat trips and walks: confirm the programme with your host shortly before departure.
What to book or arrange
Arrange your forest stay, guide and transfers with the host before arrival. Ask which visits are included, who leads them and how the programme adapts to rain and river levels.
Local food to try
Maito is food cooked in bijao or banana leaves, often fish served with cassava. Sancocho de carachama is a fish broth found in Pastaza’s culinary heritage.