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Puyango Petrified Forest
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Forest
The Puyango Petrified Forest is located on the border between the provinces of Loja and El Oro in southwestern Ecuador. It is one of the most significant paleontological sites in the world, housing a vast collection of petrified tree trunks and marine fossils from the Cretaceous period. The fossils are estimated to be between 60 and 100 million years old, testifying to an era when the area was covered by lush forests that were later buried by volcanic activity and tectonic shifts. The protected area covers approximately 2,659 hectares and also safeguards an important remnant of tropical dry forest, providing a habitat for numerous bird species. Visitors can admire petrified Araucaria trunks that reach lengths of up to 15 meters. Puyango was declared a national natural heritage site in 1987 and currently serves as an open-air museum for scientists and tourists. The site provides unique insights into South America's geological evolution and climatic changes over millions of years.
- Location: Ecuador
- Top sights: El Bosque Petrificado de Puyango · Mirador 1 · Mirador 2
- Nearby: Arenillas (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 54 | 95 | 105 | 52 | 25 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 9 | 20 | 23 | 33 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The Puyango Petrified Forest is located on the border between the El Oro and Loja provinces and is accessible by road from cities such as Machala or Loja.
Best season
The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to November, as the unpaved trails within the park can become difficult to navigate or closed during heavy rains.
Terrain & paths
The terrain consists of tropical dry forest with rolling hills and well-laid-out paths that lead to the various fossil discovery sites.
What to bring
Due to high temperatures, lightweight clothing, a hat, plenty of water, and sun protection are advised; comfortable sneakers or hiking sandals are often sufficient.
Parking
There is a parking lot for visitors directly at the main entrance of the park, which also houses the information center and a small museum.
Safety
Visitors must not touch or remove the petrified trunks; additionally, due to the heat and limited shade, it is important to ensure adequate hydration.
Time needed
A tour through the main areas of the petrified forest typically lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on one's interest in the paleontological details.
Geography
Facts
- The Puyango protected area was officially established on January 9, 1987.
- It contains the world's largest concentration of petrified wood.
- The fossils primarily date back to the late Mesozoic era.
- Some of the petrified trunks have a diameter of nearly 2 meters.
- Over 130 bird species have been recorded in the surrounding dry forest.
- The site is located at an altitude between 360 and 500 meters above sea level.
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Sights in the town Puyango Petrified Forest (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you see in the Puyango Petrified Forest?
You can see fossilized tree trunks that are millions of years old.
How old are the fossils?
They date back to the Cretaceous period, about 65 to 100 million years old.
Where is the park located?
On the border between El Oro and Loja provinces in southern Ecuador.
Is there a visitor center?
Yes, there is a small museum and marked trails through the forest.
When is the best time to visit?
During the dry season (June to December) to avoid mud on the trails.
Puyango Petrified Forest: where is it located?
Puyango Petrified Forest is located in Ecuador.
Puyango Petrified Forest: what is there to see?
Highlights include El Bosque Petrificado de Puyango, Mirador 1, Mirador 2.
Puyango Petrified Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Nov.
Puyango Petrified Forest: why is it worth visiting?
The Puyango Petrified Forest is located on the border between the provinces of Loja and El Oro in southwestern Ecuador.
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