The main attraction in town is the Parque Acuático Morete Puyu (tel. 03/2885-123). This water playground is located just behind the main bus terminal and features a series of pools and water slides. There's even a wave pool here. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 8am to 5pm, the park has a $4 (£2.65) entrance fee. This place is very popular with local families and kids, especially on weekends and holidays.
Just off the main plaza in town is the small Museo Etnoarqueológico (Ethno-Archaeological Museum), Atahualpa, between 9 de Octubre and 10 de Agosto (tel. 03/2885-605). The museum has a collection of artifacts, tools, and ceramics from the various indigenous communities of the region, as well as informative displays in Spanish. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to noon and 1 to 4:30pm. Admission is $1 (65p).
Jardín Botánico Las Orquídeas (tel. 03/2884-855; www.jardinbotanicolasorquideas.com) is a pretty little privately run botanical garden with well-groomed paths, ponds, and an extensive collection of tropical orchids. These botanical gardens are located about 3.2km (2 miles) south of Puyo, on the road to Macas. They are open daily from 7am to 5pm, but it's best to call ahead and confirm. Admission is $5 (£3.35) and includes a guided walk through the gardens.
If you're coming here independently and want to organize a trip into the rainforest, or if you want to sign up for adventure sports, you should check in with Madre Tierra (tel. 03/2890-449; www.madreselvaecuador.com). They offer a range of single-day adventures and tours, as well as multiday combination tours. Options include river rafting, mountain biking, canyoneering, rainforest excursions, and tours of local indigenous communities. They can also arrange for Spanish classes and a home-stay with a local family, or set you up with a volunteer gig. They also offer shamanic journeys with guided experiences with the local hallucinogenic vine Ayahuasca.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
