Pastaza Province - Ecuador

Pastaza, officially Pastaza Province, is one of the 24 provinces that make up the Republic of Ecuador, located in the Amazon Region of Ecuador. It receives its name from the Pastaza River, which separates it south of the Province of Morona Santiago. Its capital is the city of Puyo.

The landscape and the natural beauty of Pastaza's charms, provide the best options to visitors and scientists who wish to meet and understand the daily life of indigenous communities that live very close to the impressive vegetation, fauna, immense rivers, waterfalls and other fascinating places which constitute the vital sample of the natural biodiversity of eastern Ecuador.

Pastaza is the largest province in Ecuador and the richest in biodiversity. It is the best opportunity for tourism to delight in touring the rainforest by visiting the Curaray and Copatasa indigenous communities, surrounded by vegetation and animal species; sailing and bathing in the Pastaza, Puyo, Curaray and other rivers of the region. 95% of the provincial flora is tropical humid forest, due to the annual rainfall that varies between 2,000 and 4,000 cubic millimeters, which favors the formation of extensive and excellent pastures that favor the development of cattle.

Climate Pastaza Province

The climate is very humid and tropical, the average temperature is 25 degrees Celsius. Pastaza is an area of ​​great fluvial precipitation present throughout the year.

Flora Pastaza Province

Agricultural production is typical of the subtropical and tropical climate: Naranjilla, sweet potato, cassava, lemon, tangerine, coffee, sugar cane, corn. The richness of variety in afforestation is great, for its humid zone among the main ones are: cedar, cinnamon, bay leaf, mahogany, wood furniture making and joinery.

Fauna Pastaza Province

It can be seen; mount turkeys, partridges, blue-headed lora, cutupaccchus, turtledoves, tangaras, hummingbirds, eagles, butterflies of the genus Morpho, mammals such as; tigrillo, sahino, deer, armadillo, guanta, guatusa, raposa, reptiles; Boa, pitalala, chonta and motolo.
Natural resources

Among the natural resources of this most important province are fine wood, oil, minerals, livestock and agriculture.

Orography Province of Pastaza

The Pastaza orographic system originates in the Eastern Andes, with the massifs that form the foothills of Chalupas, Condorazo. As well as the Guayusaloma mountain ranges, the Uanganates that are part of the so-called Third Cordillera, in the Eastern region.The main elevations are the Cashaúrco with 1,170 meters high, the Habitahua (1,820 m) and the Tiger (1,850 m) .

Hydrography Pastaza Province

The rivers that cross the province from North to South are: Shi-ripuno and Tigüiño, tributaries of Cononaco, which is the northern limit with the province of Napo. Among the most important rivers are the Pastaza that in its origins mbe the waters of the Patate and the Chambo, crosses the Eastern mountain range of the Andes, forms the waterfall of Agoyán and leaves to the Eastern region to continue through the Amazonian plain. The Pindoyacu and Conambo rivers that run along the central eastern plain until joining at the point where the Tigre river begins; the Bobonaza river that rises in the heights of the Siguin mountain range and continues to the Southwest until it joins the Pastaza; Equally important rivers are the Curaray, Villano, Arajuno, Corrientes, Tigre, Copataza, among others.

Culture Pastaza Province

Provincial Parties

November 10, 1959 - Pastaza Provincialization.
May 12, 1899 - Foundation of El Puyo.
February 12 - Day of the East.

Folk and Religious Festivals

May 11 to 14 - Industrial Agricultural Fair of the Amazon Region.
February - Tourist Carnival.
September - Tourism Month.

Cantonal Parties

July 25, 1996 - Cantonization of Arajuno.
April 11, 1967 - Cantonization of Mera.
November 13, 1911 - Cantonization of Pastaza.
January 2, 1992 - Cantonization of Santa Clara.

Culture Pastaza Province

Provincial Parties Pastaza Province

November 10, 1959 - Pastaza Provincialization.
May 12, 1899 - Foundation of El Puyo.
February 12 - Day of the East.

Pastaza and Religious Festivities Pastaza Province

May 11 to 14 - Industrial Agricultural Fair of the Amazon Region.
February - Tourist Carnival.
September - Tourism Month.

Canton Festivities Pastaza Province

July 25, 1996 - Cantonization of Arajuno.
April 11, 1967 - Cantonization of Mera.
November 13, 1911 - Cantonization of Pastaza.
January 2, 1992 - Cantonization of Santa Clara.

Gastronomy Pastaza Province

Pastaza has the most impressive exotic dishes of Ecuador, Fish Maito, the skewers of worms "Chontacuros", of broths such as Carachama, as well as drinks such as yucca chicha or chicha de chontaduro are local traditions. And of course "El Volquetero" a traditional dish created in the city of Puyo 50 years ago that summarizes the richness of its cuisine.

Chontaduro (Mera): Chonta palms worm, with an average of 6 cm. Which is very fancy for its taste and protein. It is also attributed several healing properties for the stomach and is prepared in various forms, grilled, fried or in mayto.

Maito de Garabatoyuyo and Palmito (Santa Clara): A small portion of chontaduro, palmito and garabatoyuyo is placed on a vijawa leaf, hence the name of maito, then tied and cooked on a grill for about 15 minutes.

Carachama Broth (Santa Clara): Let it boil for 30 min with the respective dressings, it is served accompanied by plantain llurimahua, or yucca. It is exhibited in tourism or gastronomic fairs inside and outside the province.

Ceviche de Caracol (Santa Clara): Cook it for 10 minutes, then proceed to remove the shell, chop the meat to mix it with palm kernel red onion kidney tomato, salt, oil, lemon and is ready to serve.

Tourist Places of Pastaza Province

Royal Park of Exotic Birds Pastaza Province

It is a tourist attraction for the observation and reproduction of several species of birds of beautiful colors shapes and sizes, most of these are native to other continents and are in captivity (cages) since they are farm or corral birds, they are fed with vitamin and nutritional supplements.

With the proper personalized attention of its owner, the visitor will have the opportunity to observe and know several of the bird species found in this small but interesting zoo.

Location Royal Park of Exotic Birds Pastaza Province

1½ km from the city of Puyo.

Birds of the Royal Park of Exotic Birds Pastaza Province

Among the birds that the Park has, we can mention the largest bird in the world such as ostriches originating in Africa, the peacock originating in India of incomparable beauty due to its colorful plumage, more than 20 breeds of chickens (silky white , silky fawn, silky black, silver polish, golden polish, lioness polish, black polish, black polish white cap, golden cebris, black cochinchina, golden cochinchina, light brahama, black minorca, white Chinese, golden Japanese, black Japanese, white Japanese Black tail, black rosecon, liquid pheasant, golden pheasant, red partridge, Greek quail, and others) originating in Asia, Europe and North America.

In the Royal Park the Tourist will have the opportunity to observe the pheasant originating in China considered one of the royal birds, also Australian parakeets, lovebirds or inseparable parakeets: masked blue, masked black, albino, peach face, original pischer African, whistle birds (diamonds, originating in China; canaries, larks, finches, geese, ducks and Australian ducks plus pigeons of various breeds: colipavas, messengers, brown Africans, nuns, English buchón, run - run doves of peace, Buhara drum, giant run, nasturtiums, magpies, Argentine brunettes (Plaza de Mayo Argentina), etc., with fanciful feathers and unique color, the zoo itself has been created with the desire to show and make known the beauty of the birds .

Attractions of the Royal Park of Exotic Birds Pastaza Province

• Photography: It is advisable to take a camera to take pictures with the diversity of birds that exist in this attraction of unique beauty in the Amazon.

• It has a path that facilitates the route in which you can see the breed of birds and the characteristics of each of them, not long ago they began to give the first offspring, these are not for sale since it is desired to preserve the species for a future to come.

Llandia Waterfall Pastaza Province

The entrance to the waterfall is through a third-order road, then continues along a palisade path, which leads through a primary forest that has unique characteristics, along this route you can see the presence of several estuaries that run through the dense vegetation, Here you can observe a large number of birds, mammals, and giant trees on a journey that lasts an hour and twenty minutes.

Its waters are clear and you can see the formation of small waves that project to the shore, the dissemination of water droplets in the environment keep it constantly with a high degree of humidity to this beautiful place.

Towards the lower part of the river there are other streams that together show a unique attraction where tourists can enjoy themselves, not only because of the landscape but also because some of these waterfalls are perfect for recreation.

During the tour you can assess preserved and intact parts of the vegetation reflected in a unique beauty; whereas there are parts that, due to the increase in the agricultural frontier, are in an accelerated process of destruction.

Location Llandia Waterfall Pastaza Province

In the San José enclosure 45 minutes from Puyo, the Llianda waterfall complex is located, a series of waterfalls and streams that form in the tributaries of the Llianda river. The main waterfall is located upstream, after a 45-minute walk this is one of the largest waterfalls in the province, has a height of 86 meters and the natural pool that forms its fall is about 60 meters in diameter.

High of the Llandia Waterfall Pastaza Province

The waterfall of Llandia has a height of approximately 86 meters.

Climate Cascada de Llandia Pastaza Province

It has a warm and humid climate. Its average temperature is 23 degrees Celsius.

Flora Cascada de Llandia Pastaza Province

The wide variety of plant species that are observed around range from shrubs, short plants, heliophytes, including species of the genus Piper, Anthurium, Inga, Miconia, Palicourea, among others, some of these species are so important because their Fruits serve to feed several animal species that inhabit this natural attraction; This is also an extensive variety of ferns, bromeliads and orchids of various shapes, colors and sizes.

Fauna Waterfall of Llandia Pastaza Province

In regards to fauna we find some species of animals such as: Armadillos, lora, guantas, tangaras, tigrillo, guatusos, tigrillos and others. In addition we find a great diversity of insects, wildlife, you can also see butterflies of different colors.

Attractions Llandia Waterfall Pastaza Province

• Río Llandia: It is located at an altitude of 997 m.a.s.l. The waters of this river are clear, low flow and shallow on the sides of its course you can see many epiphytes, mosses, ferns and heliconias.

In this river we can find species of sardine carachaza, Churupíndos.

• Llandia Primary Forest: The primary forest has unique characteristics, along this route you can see the presence of several estuaries that run through the dense vegetation, here you can see a large number of birds, mammals, and giant trees.

• Condor Pacha Waterfall: Continuing downstream in the upper course of the Llandia River we can find the Condor Pacha waterfall, it has a fall of approximately 3 m, is 2 m wide, the rocks are gray intrusive, its bed is wide 12 m wide and 8 m long, deep and greenish in color. Details

• Undios Waterfall: Following downstream in the course of the Undios river we can find the Undios waterfall, around the waterfall you can see the presence of a non-flooded Primary Forest, with lots of ferns.

Tree House Pastaza Province

It has a swimming pool, sport fishing and offers the delicious snail ceviche. In total there are 11 floors, built on the basis of a gigantic 200-year-old Matapalo tree, it is the house of the largest tree in Ecuador, a true record.

The residents of Shell Parish, especially children and young people, enjoy this natural beauty with absolute tranquility and without any worries. In addition, on the banks of the river there are places to camp and go for walks and in the same way there are viewpoints to rest contemplating the landscape and in turn take pictures.

Tourists can enjoy the Tree House, in the style of Tarzan of the monkeys, fly in the vines over the treetops, live the adventure of entering the tunnels of the mystery, swim in the pools of crystalline waters and savor the Delicious tilapia.

Flora Tree House Pastaza Province

The richness of variety in afforestation is great, variety of flora for its humid zone among the main ones are: cedar, cinnamon, laurel, mahogany, wood furniture making and joinery.

Fauna Pastaza Province Tree House

Here you can see mount turkeys, partridges, blue-headed lora, cutupaccchus, turtledoves, tangaras, hummingbirds, eagles, butterflies, tigrillo, armadillo, guanta, guatusa, raposa, pitalala, saíno, deer, macaws and loras.

Attractions Tree House Pastaza Province

• Hacienda Zulay: If you return to the city of Puyo by the main road you will find the tea plantations of this hacienda, planted on what is believed to be tolas or artificial accumulations of land.

It is not known exactly what its origin is, but by the fragments of pre-Hispanic pottery found inside some of these mounds, one could believe that they are man-made constructions hundreds of years ago.

• Workshop of the teacher Francisco Aranda: It is located 20 minutes from the city of Puyo, until reaching the ancestral workshop of shamanic banks where the teacher Francisco will give an explanation of this work inherited by his grandfather, this tour includes a walk through the forest, accompanied by a native guide, a bath in a 20-meter waterfall, a canoe adventure along the Puyo River and visit the community shaman who will give a spiritual cleansing with medicinal plants.

Tropical Forest Reserve Hello Life Pastaza Province

The Ecological Foundation "Hello Life" has exceptional value in the field of Environmental Education, as well as in Scientific Research, rest and recreation.

This attraction has all the features to be considered a "Tourist Complex", since you can observe, admire and enjoy the jungle, the river and the waterfall.

The tour starts from the 5 lodges that are built with materials from the area, and are perfectly suited to the needs of tourists who visit "Hello Life."

Location Tropical Forest Reserve Hello Life Pastaza Province

28 km from the city of Puyo, at km 16 of the Macas road.

Tropical Forest Reserve Extension Hello Life Pastaza Province

The Forest has an area of ​​225 hectares, divided as follows: Property of the "Hola Vida" Foundation: 105 hectares, Mr. Mario Amores: 60 hectares, Mr. Rubén Sandoval: 60 hectares.

Climate Tropical Forest Reserve Hello Life Pastaza Province

This attraction has an average temperature of 21º C to 23º C.

Flora Tropical Forest Reserve Hello Life Pastaza Province

Most of the vegetation in this attraction belongs to the advanced secondary forest, among the species found in this type of forest are: The piggue, guarumos, dragon's blood, buoy and some species of the Melastomatáceas family, as well as also a lot of palms. Medicinal plants such as María Panga and Caña Sour, Chonta Pambil, Ungurahua and Moretes.

Both the pigüe and the buoy predominate towards the banks of the river, but they are being lost inside the forest, where hombrófilas tree species of a primary forest are being recovered.

Among the undergrowth plants that exist in this attraction, a great variety of ferns are observed that correspond to various genera such as: Ptridium, Osmunda, Matteuccia, Gymnocarpium, Thelypteris, Polystichum, among others. Thus also a diversity of orchids, bromeliads and heliconias is observed.

Wildlife Reserve Tropical Forest Hello Life Pastaza Province

Among the species that we can mention are: Birds such as carpenters, caciques, tangaras, parakeets, you can admire the giant anthill, you can taste lemon ants, observe with some luck some species of frogs hylas, there is also a diversity of insects, spiders and snakes such as chonta and x.

Attractions Tropical Forest Reserve Hello Life Pastaza Province

• Indichuris Tourist Complex: The complex is 1/2 walk from the hello life in the complex you can enjoy from the viewpoint a beautiful view of the junction of the pastaza river with the puyo river at its mouth. the gutter complex with cabins to stay and at night you will have the opportunity to participate in an indigenous rite which is performed to all visiting tourists.

• Shelter: Near the Hola Vida waterfall there is a shelter built with chonta and other woods, but the roof is made of zinc. This refuge, besides being a resting place, also serves as a viewpoint, from where photography can be taken.

• The river that forms the waterfall is torrentous, with very crystalline waters and free of contamination.

• In the lower part of the complex the river offers certain characteristics for recreation, especially for use as a spa

Waterfall Calum-Calum Pastaza Province

During the tour you will enter through dense vegetation, along the way you can see how giant trees make their way to the sides of the road, and in their robust branches they house a wide variety of epiphytes, vines, ferns, fungi, and others.

In this place it is possible to observe the great variety of birds typical of the area, and admire the natural formation that gives life to the waterfall in the middle of lush vegetation.

Location Cascade Calum-Calum Pastaza Province

The waterfall of Calum - Calum is located in the community of Cajabamba, 17 km from the cantonal head.

Waterfall High Calum-Calum Waterfall Pastaza Province

The waterfall is approximately 40 meters high, the width of the fall is 3 meters, the bed is 5 meters wide and 4 meters long, with a depth of 2 meters.

Climate Cascade Calum-Calum Pastaza Province

It has a warm and humid climate. Its average temperature is 23 degrees Celsius.

Flora Cascade Calum-Calum Pastaza Province

This forest has unique characteristics; like trees of great height and diameter, which seem to date more than one hundred years old. The sandy, guabos, matapalos, copal, maiden are frequently found, in the same way we can see hardwoods such as, chuncho, cedar, cape of ax, abio, huambula, mountain laurel, ahuano, tamburo, also a great variety of species of the Arecacea (palms), Melastomatacea, Orquideacea, Bromeliacea families, among others.

Fauna Waterfall Calum-Calum Pastaza Province

Here you can see: mountain turkeys, partridges, blue-headed lions, butterflies of the genus Morpho, mammals such as; tigrillo, sahino, deer, armadillo, guanta, guatusa, raposa, reptiles; boa, you can also easily observe the canopy birdlife.

Attractions Calum-Calum Waterfall Pastaza Province

• During the tour to reach the attraction, the presence of several waterfalls are projected from the upper parts of the forest.

• In addition to this waterfall, there is also the Sacha Yacu waterfall, located on the right bank of the Llandia river. This attraction has a height of 100 meters and the width of the fall is 2 meters, the bed is 3 meters wide and 2 meters long.

• There is also the Runa Yacu waterfall. To this is added the beauty of the primary forest.

Source:
https://www.ecured.cu/Provincia_de_Pastaza_(Ecuador)
https://ec.viajandox.com/pastaza-P41

Images.
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