TRITON DMC INCOMING ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS: Pastaza (Province)

Pastaza (Province) Ecuador

Pastaza is a province situated in the eastern jungle of the Oriente region of Ecuador. Its capital city is Puyo, which was established on May 12, 1899, and is home to approximately 36,700 people. Puyo is now reachable via paved roads, a recent development; the main route from Baños traces the Pastaza river into the province. The Pastaza River flows into the province from the west, meandering towards the Napo, a tributary of the Amazon, as the terrain becomes flatter. Pastaza's natural resources include bananas, grapefruit, tobacco, cocoa, and coffee. A few British companies have successfully grown tea in the area, and one of these companies was honored with a visit from Princess Margaret of the British royal family in the mid-1980s. The province's landscape is predominantly mountainous in the west and gradually flattens towards the east near the Peruvian border, with rivers and plains defining most of the province. The highest point is 1,820 meters (5,970 ft). The climate is warm and humid due to the nearly 7 meters of annual rainfall (22 feet) in the areas closest to the western mountains, but significant rainfall is common throughout the province. The average temperature ranges from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. There are rumors of abundant gold in the rivers of Pastaza, but no significant gold discoveries have been reported to date. Venomous creatures such as snakes, tarantulas, and scorpions are prevalent in the province. Travelers are advised to exercise caution when trekking through the jungles, parks, and trails. Some snakes are extremely well camouflaged, even in trees, so carrying walking sticks and/or machetes is a good precaution for hiking. The region's flora is stunning. Several local parks showcase the area's diverse orchids and entry fees are relatively low. Rain gear is recommended as rainfall is common throughout the year, often in the late afternoon, but sometimes all day. The rain is considerably warmer than that in North America. Pastaza is the largest province in Ecuador and boasts the greatest biodiversity. It is bordered by the provinces of Napo and Orellana to the north, Morona Santiago to the south, the country of Peru to the east, and the provinces of Tungurahua and Moronga Santiago to the west. The total population is approximately 83,930.

Recommended airport

Chachoan Regional Airport (ATF)

Nearby destinations

Pastaza (Province), Ecuador

Pastaza (Province) Ecuador