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