Ecuador Travel

Puyango petrified forest

Destination

Puyango Petrified Forest is the largest known area of exposed petrified wood in South America. It sits four hours south of the town of Loja, near the border of Peru, in the El Bosque Petrificado de Puyango reserve. The site is filled with the relics of what was once a thriving forest filled with Araucarias trees but that have since been turned to stone. Not only is the forest unique for its size, it’s also a rare geological phenomenon. Although it’s not uncommon to find petrified trees, those from the Araucarias family are seldom found fossilized. For this reason Puyango is an important research site for geologists.

History

Petrified wood occurs during a process called permineralization, when a tree is physically turned into stone. This happens when a tree becomes buried under sediment where no oxygen can reach it. Because the tree cannot get oxygen, which it needs in order to decompose, it remains preserved like a mummy in a tomb. It could remain this way untouched but when mineral-enriched water seeps though the sediment surrounding the preserved tree, the minerals rest in the trees cells causing the cell to decay and a stone mould to form in its place. Cell by cell the tree decomposes as minerals harden until the entire tree is gone and what is left is a stone replica.

Five hundred million years ago, in the area that is now the south Ecuadorian Andes, a lush forest dense with trees grew along the bottom of a dried seabed. Over time, volcanic eruptions covered the forest with sediment, entombing the trees. Sea water from the Pacific eventually found its way to the buried forest, penetrating the sediment. Once that had happened, it was only a matter of 100 years before the minerals in the water had turned the trees into stone. The sediment eventually eroded leaving the Petrified Forest exposed.

In 1988 the forest was made into part of the El Bosque Petrificado de Puyango reserve in order to protect the fossils, as well as the wildlife in the area. It was also declared a National Heritage Treasure by the Ecuadorian government.

Attractions

While wandering thought the park, visitors can expect to find petrified tree trunks up to 11 meters/36 feet long and 1.6 meters/5.2 feet in diameter. Some fossils are extraordinary detailed and in some places it is possible to get up close and see each ring on a petrified trunk or to feel the rough texture of what was once tree bark.

Some trees fossilized at a much higher temperature and with more pressure than others—turned black as a result. Specimens of this type can be found near the Los Sábalos Brook. If you look closely into the cracks of the trunk, you can see the formation of tiny pieces of quartz.

This 2569 hectares/6570 acres forest has plenty of options for hiking. There are several trails including the Araucarias Trail, the Giant’s Trail, the Los Ajos Trail, and the Lodos Fósiles Trail. The Giant’s Trail will lead you to the largest petrified tree in the park. Lying across the forest floor, it stretches 15 meters/49.2 feet long and is 2 meters/6.5 feet in diameter. If you’re interested in seeing a large variety of tree fossils, head over to the Ajo Trail where the area is full of small yet distinct specimens. Lodos Fósiles Trail offers something very different. Although the area is primarily known for its petrified wood, there are also several examples of sea life fossils including star fish, ammonites, sea turtles, fish, snails and sea shells. These can be found on the Lodos Fósiles trail. Many local guides are available to lead you on tours of the area or you can explore on your own.

In addition to hiking, birdwatching is another popular pastime here. To date there have been over 130 species recorded. The park also has a variety of native plant life, butterflies, and wild life. If you’re interested, bring some binoculars or a sketchpad, and hope for good luck.

Camping is available in the park. In fact, the campground runs along the shore of the lovely Chirimoyo River. There are also natural lagoons nearby that make for a peaceful end to a day spent in the Petrified Forest.

Seasons

The word Puyango means “dry, dead river,” which is fitting for the area because it receives less rain than a typical Ecuadorian tropical forest. Although the land is somewhat dry, it is still possible to get caught in a downpour. For this reason, visiting during the dry season (June to November), is best. The Park is open to visitors from 8 am to 4:30pm, year round.

Travel From Quito:

The easiest option for getting to the park is first heading to the nearby town of Loja. Flying is your best bet for getting there in a timely manner. Each day there are a few flights that go to and from Loja and cost about $170 roundtrip. The Loja airport is 40 minutes away from the town so you’ll need to take a taxi, which should cost about $10-$15. Once in Loja there are buses that can drop you off in the village of Puyango.

If you have more time than money, the 11 hour bus trip to Loja might be your best option. You can go to the Quitumbe Terminal and ask for more information, several bus companies have routes heading to Loja.

From Guayaquil:

Generally overnight buses leave from here. The cost is $10 and the trip takes about nine hours. Ask at the bus station for more information.

Budget

The park entrance fee is $1. Camping will cost extra depending on the time of year, the location of the campground, and how many sites you need. Contact the park for price quotes either by email at bosquepuyango@hotmail.com or telephone at 593 7 2960055.