Jungle Stadiums Hidden in the Tropics

4. Estadio Teodoro Méndez – Puyo, Ecuador

Tucked away in Ecuador’s Pastaza Province, Estadio Teodoro Méndez is a modest yet significant sports hub for the town of Puyo. This city sits at the edge of the Ecuadorian Amazon, where dense rainforest meets the rugged slopes of the Andes, creating a diverse ecological mosaic. While not as large or modern as other stadiums, Teodoro Méndez hosts passionate local football matches and community events that capture the essence of Amazonian camaraderie. One of the stadium’s standout qualities is its integration into the natural surroundings. Attendees can often hear the distant calls of tropical birds during matches, a reminder of the city’s close relationship with the rainforest. This closeness to nature extends to Puyo itself, where eco-lodges, waterfalls, and jungle treks are part of everyday life. Adventurous visitors can explore the Puyo River, raft through exhilarating rapids, or hike into biodiversity hotspots teeming with orchids, monkeys, and exotic birdlife. Beyond football, Estadio Teodoro Méndez offers a window into local culture, with celebrations and gatherings that unite Puyo’s diverse communities. Whether cheering in the stands or venturing out to explore pristine rainforest trails, visitors will find that sport and nature intertwine seamlessly in this unassuming Amazonian gem.