Machalilla National
Park
With virgin white beaches, lush endemic vegetation and the Isla de
la Plata, where some Galapagos species live, national and foreign
tourists frequently visit Machalilla National Park throughout the
year, especially from June to October, the time when whales arrive
from Antarctica for mating. It is found 80 km to the south of Portoviejo,
it also houses interesting archeological sites with remains from the
Machalilla culture, like Agua Blanca. It also includes the Salango
island where species in danger of extinction, like the anteater, are
protected.
Súa
Súa is a fishing beach that is found 6 km on foot
from the beach at Atacames. Fishing activities are the main attraction
at this beach. There are few hotels here in comparison with Atacames
but there are three or four good hotels and places to eat. If you
are looking for peace and quiet, this is the ideal beach.
Muisne
Muisne is an island paradise and is almost virgin, visited
only by the few people who go there. This island is a port where you
can still find mangroves. The mangroves of Muisne are currently in
danger from the shrimp farms, however, because there are few mangroves
remaining on the coast, it is worth the effort to protect them.
Crucita
Crucita is a fishing beach, long and surrounded by other beaches that
are just as or more beautiful. Manta is near Crucita and you can get
to it easily from this city. Also nearby are San Jacinto and San Clemente,
two beaches that are also inhabited by fishermen. In Crucita, you
can find more hotels than in the two previous beaches and you can
also find restaurants with delicious coastal food.
Cayapas-Mataje Ecological
Reserve
This mangrove ecological reserve consists of 52,300 hectares
and counts on the presence of six different species of mangrove. The
tallest mangrove forest in the world is also found in this reserve.
During June and July, a large number of migrating bird species pass
through this reserve. In the middle of the reserve is San Lorenzo,
a city that has some restaurants and hotels. For moving around within
the reserve, you need a small boat, the entire area is found at sea
level.
Cotacachi-Cayapas
Ecological Reserve
This ecological reserve is very large, 204,420 hectares. Numerous
animal species live within the reserve and it is a great place to
watch birds. The reserve extends from the volcano of Cotacachi at
4,939 m down to the San Miguel river at 200 meters above sea level.
The difference between these two altitudes creates a variety of climates.
The thick forests that unite the upper and lower parts limit access
to people which is good for conserving the biodiversity of the reserve.
In the lower section is found the Chachi indigenous community, a community
that produces a lot of handicrafts and sells them in the markets in
the Mountains. In the reserve there are jaguars, tapirs, spectacled
bear, anteaters and armadillos.
