A 2025 Look at 3 Tourist Viewpoints in Puyo, Pastaza

So, you are thinking about a trip to Puyo, a city that acts as a real gateway to the Amazon. It’s a place where, honestly, the air feels different, a little bit thick with the scent of rain and green, growing things. People often talk about Puyo as a starting point for jungle tours, but at the end of the day, the town itself holds some amazing spots that give you a perspective you just can’t get from the ground. We’re going to talk about three specific viewpoints, or miradores, that you pretty much have to see. Each one, you know, gives you a completely separate feeling and a different picture of what makes this corner of Pastaza so special. Getting up high here is sort of the best way to grasp the huge scale of the forest that surrounds this energetic city.

Mirador Indichuris: Feel the Amazon Rush

Alright, first up is a place you have probably seen pictures of, Mirador Indichuris. The ride out there is, in a way, part of the whole thing; you leave the city’s sounds behind and go deeper into the countryside. As a matter of fact, the sounds of cars are swapped for the calls of birds and insects you can’t quite identify. The air, too, it’s almost sticky and warm on your skin, a constant reminder that you are right on the edge of the world’s biggest rainforest. The main attraction is, like, obviously the giant swing. It’s built on the edge of a cliff, and it is just as heart-pounding as it looks. The operators strap you in securely, so you feel safe, more or less, before they give you a big push out over the immense green space below.

That first moment on the swing is, honestly, just a pure shot of adrenaline. For a few seconds, you’re literally flying above the Pastaza River, with a sea of treetops stretching out as far as your eyes can possibly see. You get this incredible bird’s-eye view, you know, and the feeling is sort of a mix of fear and total wonder. Still, this spot is much more than just a thrill ride. The viewpoint is actually managed by a local Kichwa family, who have a small, very neat area where you can relax. You can, for instance, try some traditional food or just sit with a cool drink and absorb the mind-blowing scenery around you. It gives the place a very real and welcoming personality that some other tourist spots kind of lack.

To be honest, the best time to visit Indichuris is in the morning, right, when the mist is still burning off the jungle canopy. It is a little bit magical, and you often have the place pretty much to yourself.

I mean, remember to bring some cash with you, as the small fee for the swing and any snacks is how you directly support the community that keeps this place so wonderful. Also, bug spray is a really good idea; you’re right next to the jungle, after all. You might be tempted to just do the swing and leave, but I suggest you hang around a little. Just listening to the sounds of the forest from that high up is an experience in itself, seriously.

Mirador Cruz de Lomo: A City-Meets-Jungle View

Okay, so our next spot, the Mirador Cruz de Lomo, offers a totally different kind of spectacle. Unlike the wild, untamed view at Indichuris, this viewpoint is all about perspective on Puyo itself. It’s much closer to the center of town and, frankly, it’s a lot easier to get to. A short taxi ride can get you most of the way there, or if you feel energetic, it’s a bit of a steep walk that definitely gets your heart pumping. At the top, you are greeted by a very big white cross, a local landmark that you can probably see from different parts of the city. The space up there is pretty simple, just a platform with some benches, but the view, well, that’s what you came for.

From this vantage point, you can really appreciate Puyo’s unique position. You see the grid of streets, the colorful rooftops, and all the activity of daily life, but it all just stops, like, very suddenly at the edge. And right there, the thick, deep green of the Amazon begins. It is an amazing contrast, you know, watching the world of concrete and cars press right up against the endless expanse of nature. It’s a very visual story of the relationship between the people here and the massive forest they live beside. Going up there in the late afternoon is, you know, sort of the perfect plan.

You can actually watch as the sun begins to set, casting these long shadows over the jungle. Then, as dusk settles in, the city lights begin to pop on one by one, creating a completely new and, frankly, quite beautiful scene. It’s a peaceful spot, a little bit quieter than the more adventure-focused viewpoints. It’s the kind of place where you can just sit for a while, catch your breath, and really think about where you are. As a matter of fact, it gives you a great sense of direction for exploring the rest of the city when you get back down.

Mirador de Fátima: A Calm Riverside Scene

Finally, let’s talk about the Mirador de Fátima, which is just a little bit different once again. This one is on the other side of the Puyo River and combines a scenic overlook with a well-known religious site. To get to the top, you pretty much have to climb a long flight of stairs, which are painted in bright, welcoming colors. At the very top stands a large statue of the Virgin of Fátima, and it’s a spot that clearly holds some meaning for local residents. You’ll often see families there, or people just taking a quiet moment. The atmosphere is noticeably more serene, just a bit calmer than the other miradores.

The view from here is, basically, focused on the Puyo River. You can watch the water flowing below, sometimes muddy and powerful after a rain, other times a little more calm and clear. It’s also another great place to see the city, just from a slightly different angle than Cruz de Lomo. You can see the main bridge spanning the river and the buildings climbing up the hillside beyond it. In a way, it’s a very calming and pleasant location, ideal for a slow afternoon rather than a quick photo opportunity.

Frankly, this is a great option if you’re traveling with kids or maybe just want a less intense walk than the one up to Cruz de Lomo. The stairs are wide and there are places to rest, you know. On your way back down, you could, for instance, walk along the river’s edge for a bit. There are often little riverside restaurants or spots to sit and watch the world go by. It’s just a nice, simple Puyo experience that feels very genuine and not too touristy, at the end of the day. It’s one of those spots that just sort of rounds out your understanding of the city.

Read our full review: [Puyo Pastaza Viewpoints Full Review and Details]
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Tours in Puyo Ecuador])