Things to do in Puyo
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Parque Omaere
Walk past the kids plunging from the bridge into Río Puyo (think twice about joining them, because of polluted water) to Parque Omaere, less than 1km north of the city center. The ethnobotanical park offers guided tours (free with admission) of rainforest plants and indigenous dwellings, by mostly indigenous guides. The park is run by Shuar plant expert Teresa Shiki and her husband, Chris Canaday, an American biologist, author of Common Birds of Amazonian Ecuador and a font of knowledge about everything from jungle plants to ecological dry toilets. Teresa helped found and plant the park and prepares natural medicine. Stomach troubles? Ask for a cure for parasites made fr…
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Papangu-Atacapi Tours
An indigenous-run agency with a focus on community tourism. Trips go to Sarayaku and Mango Wasi (Quichua communities) and Cueva de los Tuyos (Shuar). Sarayacu (www.sarayaku.com/tourism) requires a rural charter flight ($125 round-trip per person) and the cost is $63 per day for a two-night trip. Other trips start at $40 per day. Guides are indigenous and speak Spanish and Quichua, and some of the fees go to participating communities. Highly recommended by travelers.
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O’Sole Mio
A new, modern Italian restaurant, with outdoor patio overlooking twinkling town lights, that serves uncommonly authentic pizzas. Lightly charred crusts are topped with tasty ingredients such as spinach, salami and ricotta. Pastas also make the grade. Ask the owners about upstairs suites.
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Jardín Botáncio las Orquídeas
Visitors rave about the Jardín Botáncio las Orquídeas, located 15 minutes south from Puyo on the road to Macas. Enthusiastic owner Omar Taeyu guides visitors through hills of lush foliage and fishponds to see gorgeous plants and countless rare orchids. Call ahead.
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La Carihuella
Missionaries converge in large groups here, but even nonbelievers are welcome for meaty meals cooked over an open grill. Hungry? The two-person barbecue plate ($12.50) has two kinds of sausage, chicken, pork chop, sirloin, tripe and kidney. Close to the bus station.
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El Toro Asado
In addition to more-common meats and fish, this elegant grill house serves guanta, an Amazonian…er, rodent, five different ways. The owner swears it tastes like pork, but we’ll leave it to you to find out.
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New Bar
Twilight’s frenetic buzz concludes around 9:30pm, when most good citizens and internet addicts head for home. If you’re in the mood, try New Bar, whose dim ambience encourages karaoke.
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Museo Etnográfico Huaorani
The new Museo Etnográfico Huaorani has a small exhibit and guided tour. Perhaps more engaging than the artifacts themselves is the Huaorani’s take of their culture and problems.
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El Fariseo
Sit streetside for a frothy cappuccino and slice of cake. Platos fuertes (heavier dishes) include burritos and burgers. Largest cocktail list in town.
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AMWAE
Sells artisan crafts made by Waorani women, including jewelry, spears, hammocks, blowguns and palm string bags. Artisans receive a portion of every sale.
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Toke Esmeraldo
A cheery street-shack where you can pull up a stool for some fresh, fast seafood including ceviche and fried tilapia. Sip on a range of fresh juices.
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Museo Etnoarqueológico
The Museo Etnoarqueológico has ceramics, artifacts and an excellent map showing distribution of native populations.
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Madre Selva Tours
Operates one- to four-day tours to visit local communities, raft, hike and more. Day trips start at $15 per person.
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Paseo de los Monos
At Paseo de los Monos you can see a variety of rescued animals, including six kinds of monkeys, turtles and birds. Some animals are caged, while others run free. For an extra $2, guides lead four-hour walks into the surrounding jungle to see more of the center’s animals.
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