Introducing Lago Agrio
The first oil workers nicknamed Lago Agrio ‘bitter lake, ’ after Sour Lake, Texas, the former home of Texaco, which pioneered local drilling. The city’s official name is Nueva Loja, although no one will bother to call it that. Locals settle for ‘Lago.’ Whatever you call it, this unkempt oil town is not high on tourists’ lists. It takes a certain breed to navigate the platform sandal shops and street grills serving guanta (agouti). Seedy bars, prostitutes and fugitives share real estate with high-spending oil workers while hard-working locals keep their heads down and mind their own business (as visitors should too).
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The provincial capital of Sucumbíos, Lago’s real attraction is as the entry point to the spectacular and singular Cuyabeno reserve. For most travelers, Lago is simply an overnight stop on the way to the reserve.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Safety in Ecuador
by bertm 22 August 2011
I have a tour coming up leaving from Lago Agrio and spending 4 days/3 nights travelling (guided) in the Ecuadorian Amazon. A Colombian…
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Re: Colombia to Ecuador
by selva26 21 August 2011
Hi There are 2 ways : 1. passing to Pasto then Ipiales then the border to Tulcàn , you should not have any problems. Get your exit…
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Re: Flying into Guayaquil BUT headed to Peru
by bokito 10 August 2011
Well i just mentioned Machala,because you said you are not likely staying long in Ecuador and was heading for Peru.You also want to travel…
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