From Papallacta the road follows the steep descent of the Papallacta and Quijos rivers for 37km before reaching Baeza, the largest town between Quito and Lago Agrio. Before the arrival of the conquistadors, the Baeza region was populated by the Quijos group. In 1559, Captain Gil Ramirez Davalos was sent here to bring the 50,000 indigenas under control, and he founded Baeza with an eye to its strategic position.

It's a quiet place where not much happens - a perfect base from where to explore the surrounding mountains and countryside. Baeza is particularly noted for its rich birdlife.

Last updated 14th June 2006