Attractions and Places To See in Puellaro - Top 4

Puellaro and its surroundings offer diverse natural beauty. You can visit the Pululahua Dome, a unique dormant volcano crater with a distinct ecosystem, offering trails with wonderful views. Another significant natural site is Laguna Grande de Mojanda, part of a complex of three high-altitude lagoons, known for its panoramic views and hiking opportunities, including to Fuya Fuya. Additionally, Cerro La Luz provides breathtaking views of Puellaro and the Ruta Escondida, featuring trails and unique art installations.

Puellaro is rich in cultural heritage. The town is notable for its three patrimonial churches, including the monumental "New" Church (Iglesia de San Pedro) and the historic "Old" Church, which houses an Avocado Museum. The central park and old cemetery also hold historical significance. You can experience local culture through artisan fairs featuring clay crafts and products inspired by the region's fruits.

The area around Puellaro is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find various hiking trails, such as those around the Lagunas de Mojanda, including ascents to Fuya Fuya, or trails within the Pululahua Dome. For cycling, the Calacalí–Pululahua Dirt Road offers a scenic and challenging ride. You can explore more options for hiking and road cycling in the region.

Yes, Puellaro offers options for families. Cerro La Luz features a children's play area and unique giant figures made from recycled materials, which can be engaging for younger visitors. The artisan fairs and central park also provide a pleasant environment for families to explore local crafts and enjoy community spaces.

As the "Fruit Garden of Ecuador," Puellaro boasts a vibrant culinary scene and unique local products. You can find delicious tangerine, coffee, sweet potato, and squash breads, as well as empanadas with diverse fillings. Gastronomic specialties include traditional fermented beverages like chicha de morocho and chicha de quinua, roasted cuy (guinea pig), hornados (roasted pork), fritadas (fried pork), quimbolitos, tamales, and fruit wines. Artisan fairs also offer local crafts.

The Ruta Escondida (Hidden Route) is an ancestral pre-colonial path that traverses five rural parishes, and Puellaro serves as its starting point and "door." This route offers a journey through diverse landscapes, microclimates, and unique flora and fauna, providing opportunities to experience local culture, traditions, and gastronomy across the region. It's a great way to explore beyond Puellaro itself.

The difficulty of trails varies. For instance, the Pululahua Dome offers trails ranging from easy to medium difficulty. Hiking around the Lagunas de Mojanda can be challenging, especially the dirt road leading up to them, but the hiking trails to Fuya Fuya are well-trodden. The Calacalí–Pululahua Dirt Road is known for being quite steep and curvy, suitable for intermediate cyclists.

Yes, Puellaro offers several impressive viewpoints. Cerro La Luz is a prominent spot providing breathtaking panoramic views of Puellaro and the surrounding parishes of the Ruta Escondida. Additionally, the Pululahua Dome offers wonderful views of its unique crater, and the Scenic viewpoint Lagunas de Mojanda provides a panoramic perspective of the three Mojanda lagoons.

Cerro La Luz is a community tourism project that offers more than just panoramic views. It features trails for exploration, a children's play area, and even camping facilities. A unique highlight is the giant "cuy" (guinea pig) statue, considered the guardian of the hill and a symbol of Andean ancestral identity, along with other large figures crafted from recycled materials.

Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty and the unique experiences. The Calacalí–Pululahua Dirt Road is praised for its wonderful ride, despite being steep. The Pululahua Dome is appreciated for its unique ecosystem and the beautiful views of the crater. The Lagunas de Mojanda are loved for their hiking opportunities and stunning high-altitude landscapes.

Yes, the historic "Old" Church in Puellaro houses an Avocado Museum. This reflects the region's strong agricultural heritage, particularly its reputation as the "Fruit Garden of Ecuador," and highlights the importance of local produce.