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Versión Española de la Secci?n del Ecuador

 



Ecuador Nature > Costa del Pacifico

| Protected Areas | Private Reserves |
| Adventure Tourism | Fishing Villages | Urban Beaches |

Protected Areas

The Ecuadorian coast, from its northern most stretch which borders Colombian to its southern limit with Peru, contains various protected areas.

The Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve, in the province of Esmeraldas, is noteworthy for its exuberant vegetation. The Majagual Forest is the Reserve’s principle attraction and is home to the tallest mangroves in the world, some of which reach over 60 meters in height. It has five trails that can hiked with ease. Giant crabs, parrots, and herons, among other species, all dwell in the area. The climate is humid and tropical. Another zone in the same provincial area is the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, which shares its territories with the province of Imbabura. At over 204,420 hectares in size, the Reserve’s coastal Pacific region enjoys a tropical climate. Some of its attractions include the beaches of El Salto de Bravo, very close to the junction of the Lachas and Santiago Rivers. The vegetation includes various species of ferns, trees, lianas, and herbs. In Mache-Chindul, another reserve located between Esmeraldas and Manabi, has a variety of microclimates within its borders. In some sectors there is constant moderate rainfall. This territory constitutes one of the last remnants of humid tropical forest in western Ecuador. The most frequently spotted animal species here are monkeys, guantas, and pumas. There are also various types of birds present in this area.

Machalilla National Park, in Manabi, is one of the destinations most visited by adventure travelers and ecotourists. The Park has traditionally drawn travelers from all over the world who come to sun on its virgin beaches and explore Isla de la Plata, commonly known as “the poor man’s Galapagos” due to the abundance of wildlife which abounds just a two-hour ($25) boat ride from the Ecuadorian mainland. During the summer, tourists delight in coming to Machalilla to witness migrating whales from the Antarctic who come to mate in warm waters of Manabí. Tours to see the whales can be made on any given day in Puerto López, a popular tourist destination with a well-developed tourist infrastructure.

In the Manglares-Churute Reserve, in the province of Guayas, the vegetation is characterized by the presence of mangroves. The 50,000-hecatare reserve is home to exotic species such as pelicans, howler monkeys, and sloth. In the Santa Clara Wildlife Reserve, on the island of the same name, located just off the coast from Puerto Bolívar, we find the largest concentration of marine birds in Ecuador. There is a small fishing beach here that is used by tourists who visit the island.

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Private Reserves

Cerro Blanco Woodland Reserve is located 15 km from Guayaquil. Consisting primarily of a tropical dry forest that covers an area of 2,000 ha., the Reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, the most noteworthy of which is the Red Fore-headed Parrot, an endemic species that changes habitat with nightfall. Cerro Blanco is a vital part of the 2% of the dry forest which remains in the world.

Puerto Hondo is a large expanse of mangrove located 17 km from Guayaquil along the left-hand side of the Guayaquil-Salinas Highway. The area’s crystal waters and its prevailing tranquility make it an excellent place to relax.

Los Esteros is another protected forest located in Guayas. With an overall area of 1,532 hectares, the forest’s mangroves are its principle attraction. Observational stations are available to visitors as is an environmental education center.

The 247-hectare Río Palenque Scientific Research Center protects a tropical rain forest containing an amazing wealth of biodiversity. Within the Center, there are 1,216 species of plants, 360 species of birds, and 350 unique species of butterflies, among others. The Center can comfortably accommodate 26 people and also contains an extensive library.

Located in the province of Los Ríos, the Pedro Franca Davila Biological Research Center is home to 321 hectares of tropical rain forest. Among other natural resources and wonders, this area hosts 723 identified species of vascular plants and 231 epiphytes. There are various facilities available here to visitors. The center is looked after by The University of Guayaquil’s Natural Sciences Department.

Puyango Petrified Forest, South America’s oldest forest, lies 110km from Machala, covering an area of 2,659 hectares. In this small valley, we find an incredible variety of tree, vegetable, and animal fossils that date back to prehistoric times and constitute one of the planet’s most important ecosystems.

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Sport and Adventure Tourism

In Montañita, Guayas, adventurers can find the best beaches to surf, with waves that reach three meters in height. Moreover, one doesn’t have to surf to enjoy the area’s waves as Montañita is home to a variety of national and international surfing competitions that amaze onlookers. Extremely popular among international tourists, Montañita has become the beach of choice of locals, as well, as locals from the neighbouring city of Guayaquil congregate here on the weekends. With beautiful beaches and a variety of restaurants, the area offers various options for relaxing and eating. Another spectacular area for surfing is the beach of Canoa, in northern Manabí close to San Vicente, especially from December to April. Fishing and sailing are also popular in this part of the country. Punta Blanca, Punta Carnero, and Manglaralto have all gained international fame for their fishing and boating opportunities, as well. The bay of Salinas offers an ideal spot to jet ski, windsurf, and dive. Amateur fishing is also popular here.

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Fishing Villages

Approximately one hour from the city of Esmeraldas we find Súa, a peaceful fishermen’s beach that offers several lodging options and delicious local food. Eleven km to the southwest is Same, a resort rising from green palms and crystal waters. Forty eight 48 km from Same lies the Island of Muisne, with its warm waters caressing its virgin beaches. Other beaches known for their hospitality are Playa Ancha, Tonsupa, and Castelnuovo, 20 km from Esmeraldas. There are also other beaches to the north, near the Colombian border, such as Camarones, Colope, and Río Verde, similarly surrounded by small fishing villages. In the province of Manabi, San Vicente, San Jacinto, San Clemente, Puerto Cayo, Puerto Rico, Puerto Lopez, Crucita, Canoa, Cojimies, Perdernales, and Jaramijo are all incredible beach destinations surrounded by fishing communities, and in total, comprise some 300 km of Manabí’s coastline. Visited year round, they offer peace, tranquility, and a variety of gastronomic delights.

The surrounding vegetation is primarily composed of mangroves, brush lands, and timber areas. Places such as Puerto López and Pedernales have grown into populated centers that serve as departure points for many other ecological destinations. On the Santa Elena Peninsula, Guayas, 15 km from Salinas, Punta Blanca offers various free-time activities including various water sports. Here you’ll also find Punta Carnero, known internationally for its amateur fishing. On the other hand, the high waves of Montañita provide excellent opportunities for surfing. Water sports are popular in Manglaralto, where you can also find shrimp larva laboratories. The central attraction of El Oro is the archipelago of Jambelí. It is composed of a collection of small islands surrounded by mangroves, with clean, peaceful beaches full of vegetation. It can be accessed from Puerto Bolívar, crossing the ocean by motorboat.

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Urban Beaches

Thirty km from the city of Esmeraldas, in the province of the same name, you’ll find Atacames, which receives tourists year round. Atacames has an ample hotel infrastructure. Along the beachfront are the main restaurants, boasting the region’s best traditional dishes. Next to the beach, bars offer typical beverages made from water and coconut. There is also a market walkway offering handicrafts, personal accessories, and objects made of coral. In Manabí, we find Manta, the second largest maritime port in the country, which also is home to a large hotel industry. Manta’s main beach, Murciélago, has a modern boardwalk that offers all of the traditional culinary specialties and beverages that the region has to offer. In recent years, it has become a favorite stop for international cruises that travel through the Caribbean and the Pacific of Latin America. Restaurants and discotheques are one of the local attractions that causes Manta to overflow with tourists every weekend. Bahía de Caráquez, another beautiful beach, also offers first-class hotels and many places to relax or have fun. One of its principal tourist attractions is the opportunity to sail up the Chone River by motorboat, all the way to San Vicente. And, in Guayas, a little more that 100 km from Guayaquil, you find Playas. Surrounded by shrimp farms and a variety of palms, Playas boasts rich delicacies based on any seafood imaginable. Further onward, at the end of the Santa Elena Peninsula, 144 km from the principal port, Salinas displays a modern and developed hotel industry. This is an ideal location to partake in water sports and savor the rich foods of the region.

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| Protected Areas | Private Reserves |
| Adventure Tourism | Fishing Villages | Urban Beaches |

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