Explore Ecuador Coast
Located along the Pacific Ocean, west of the great Andean range, the Ecuadorian coast holds three main ecosystems; the northern tropical rainforest, central and southeastern tropical savannas, and the dry forest on the west and southern peninsula. There are also two additional ecosystems, especially noted for their plant and animal communities, the mangrove forest, beaches and rock cliffs. Ecuador Coast is a destination that offers you an array of activities such as nature exploration; birds, dolphins and whale watching; explore ancient cultures and its archeological vestiges; visit coastal haciendas with banana and cacao plantations or just relax along the wide and sunny beaches.
Guayaquil is Ecuador´s largest city; it is located on the western bank of the Guayas River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. Because of its location Guayaquil is the main sea port of the country and the center of Ecuador's business and manufacturing industries, about 80% of the country´s imports and more than 50% of its exports are handled in Guayaquil. Guayaquil is a modern city but with a fighters and pirates attacks history. It still conserves some of the colonial coastal architecture, historic houses show the typical wooden construction used at that time. Explore Guayaquil main attractions; visit legendary parks and the famous Malecon (waterfront) along the Guayas River. Visit the historical Las Peñas neighborhood which is the artistic center of the city where notable artists have their studios and galleries. Enjoy the great Ecuadorian Coastal gastronomy famous by its sea food preparations.
Visit a traditional farm on the Ecuadorian coastal area, located approximately 2 hours from Guayaquil. This is called an agro tourism visit, as you will be able to feel, see, and share the traditions of our coastal farm workers. You will see Banana and Cacao plantations, products that have made famous Ecuador all around the world due to its great quality and flavor. You will also see plantations of some other tropical fruits. Enjoy a typical coastal lunch served at the Hacienda.
Cerro Blanco Protected Forest is located only 15 kilometers west from the city of Guayaquil, with an approximate extension of 2000 hectares of dry tropical forest. It is home to 213 species of birds such as the “Red Forehead” Parrot (Ara rubrogenys) an endemic specie that changes its habitat every night; and the Great green macaw (Ara ambigua guayaquilensis) a symbol of the reserve, an endangered specie. Cerro Blanco Protected Forest presents a type of vegetation typical of the tropical dry forest of the Ecuadorian Coast; the forest protects six species of birds near - threatened, including the Pale-browed Tinamou, Red-masked Parakeet, Grey-cheeked Parakeet and the Black-and-white Tanager. Continue to visit the mangrove estuary of Puerto Hondo; here by paddle canoe you will discover the fauna of this special ecosystem. This excursion is highly recommended for bird lovers.
Approximately two hours away from Guayaquil is located Puerto El Morro, an area covered by mangroves and with an extraordinary ecosystem. Learn about the different types of mangroves existing in Ecuador and the importance of this type of tree for local fauna. Visit the Dolphins estuary where you will have the opportunity to see Bottlenose dolphins swimming very close to you. El Morro is also the home of the frigate birds and other tropical birds like pelicans and herons.
Machalilla National Park climate and therefore the vegetation are influenced by the convergence of the Humboldt’s Cold Current and the Panama’s Warm Current at the Ecuadorian coast. Machalilla is distinguished for the importance and dimension of its fascinating marine and land wildlife. Isla de la Plata is the habitat to a large number of animals, commonly found in the Galapagos Islands including blue footed boobies, pelicans, and gulls. This is why “Isla de la Plata” is also known as “Poor’s men Galapagos”; it definitely is a good and affordable option to get a good feeling of the Galapagos Islands. During the months of June to September you will have the wonderful opportunity to observe dolphins and Humpback whales who migrate the South Pole to tropical Ecuadorian waters to mate and give birth to their calves during the austral winter. Machalilla is also an important archeological center, besides observing and learning about Machalilla natural richness, you will also learn about important pre-Hispanic cultures.