Rio Amazonas Airport (PTZ)

Rio Amazonas Airport (PTZ) is a primary regional aviation hub serving the town of Shell Mera and the Pastaza Province of Ecuador, located approximately 5.5 miles (9 km) west of the city of Puyo. The airport operates as a specialized facility, acting as the main base for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in Ecuador and the headquarters for the 17th Jungle Brigade of the Ecuadorian Army. It acts as a critical infrastructure link, providing essential medical, supply, and logistical support for isolated indigenous communities throughout the Amazon basin.

The terminal infrastructure is functional and focused on essential mission-critical services rather than traditional commercial tourism. Facilities include basic passenger waiting areas and administrative modules for the various missionary and military organizations, but the building lacks modern commercial luxuries such as duty-free shops, large food courts, or private VIP lounges. Travelers typically utilize small local eateries and convenience stores located immediately outside the airport perimeter in the town of Shell, which maintains a high level of hospitality for visiting pilots and expedition groups.

Operationally, the airport features a substantial 5,052-foot asphalt runway (12/30) situated at an elevation of 3,465 feet above sea level, where the Andean foothills meet the tropical lowlands. While the facility currently hosts no scheduled commercial airline services, it remains one of the busiest airfields in the country for small bush planes and helicopter charters. Ground transportation to central Puyo is well-supported by local taxi services and frequent bus links situated near the terminal entrance, providing a quick 12-minute connection to the provincial capital and the diverse natural attractions of the surrounding rainforest.