Puyo

Puyo is a small city in Ecuador that serves as the capital of the Pastaza Province. Located on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, it's often called the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. The city has a warm, humid climate year-round with frequent rainfall – which explains why everything around is so lush and green!

What makes Puyo interesting is its position as a cultural crossroads. The city is home to indigenous communities like the Shuar and Achuar, and you can learn about their traditions at the Omaere Ethnobotanical Park. This park showcases how native communities use rainforest plants for medicine, food, and crafts.

Puyo has grown significantly in recent years, but still maintains a relaxed atmosphere compared to Ecuador's larger cities. The local markets are worth exploring, especially if you want to try exotic Amazonian fruits like naranjilla or tree tomato.

Just outside the city, you'll find spectacular natural attractions like the Pailón del Diablo waterfall and various ecological reserves. The area is also famous for its numerous rivers and streams, which give the city its name – 'Puyo' comes from the Kichwa word for 'cloudy river'.