Description: Located on the way to Macas, only a 10-minute ride from Puyo, next to Rio Chilca Yacu, Paseo Ecologico Los Monos is a place my girlfriend and I came across purely by chance, having picked up a leaflet from Parque Omaere. The staff at Parque Omaere raved highly about this place, even saying that it was more enjoyable than Centro Fatima, an animal rescue centre, which we were planning on visiting. We certainly were not disappointed by visiting Paseo Ecologico Los Monos.
The best way to get here is by taking a taxi from Puyo, costing approximately $3. Upon arrival you come to a house owned by Sr. Jaime Caiza and Sra. Maria Elena Congacha, who run Paseo Ecologico Los Monos, consisting of 200 hectares of primary rainforest that backs onto their home.
After putting on a pair of gum boots you are firstly taken around their home to a few cages of animals that they have rescued from city dwellers. As well as snakes and turtles, several free-roaming
tame agoutis (a large rodent) follow your every move. One of these had recently been rescued and was still a little aggressive, so I certainly wouldn't recommend trying to stroke any of them like I did, especially if they are eating.
A family of monkeys, also rescued live wild nearby, apparently always enjoy the arrival of visitors, as it gives them the perfect opportunity to try and steal anything not attached to you. I almost lost my camera but I managed to escape unscathed. For me this was the best part of the trip as it's an exhilarating experience to have squirrel monkeys jumping all over you, checking your hair for lice and even showing affection. I could have played with the monkeys all day, but the monkeys are only half of your experience here.
Followed by a groupie of trusted dogs and agoutis and an even more trusted guide, you dive into the untouched primary rainforest along trails and paths that look like they don't even exist. As the guide points out the flora and fauna surrounding you, watch out for the creepy crawlies, especially the tarantulas and army ants, which I had the pleasure of meeting at close quarters. After 2 hours of trekking through the rainforest and getting the opportunity to swing from the vines, Tarzan-style, it was time to return to the house for more monkey playing.
All of these activities cost only $2, and it is an excellent opportunity if you are only making a trip to Puyo for a short time and cannot afford to go fully into the jungle. Food can also be provided as well as a variety of other tours, including a 4-day trip to stay with a local tribe in the jungle. More information can be found by contacting 088-05324 or 088-04550 or by emailing them at paseoecologicolosmonos@yahoo.es.
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