Ecuador travel
Tourist attractions in Ecuador
Explore the tourist attractions of Ecuador.
Santa Marianita Beach
Santa Marianita Beach is located to the south of Manta, a few minutes from San Mateo, it is a small town dedicated primarily to fishing. It is a tourist place that you cannot miss due to its attractive extreme sports. Kitesurfing is a very popular sport on this beach, it is practiced by national and foreign tourists, it also has 2 schools which are ready to teach you the practices of kitesurfing, without a doubt it is an adventure that you will never forget. It is a very popular beach since it is located in the ideal rural area for those who want to get out of the routine and the smock of the city. This beach offers almost 8 kilometers of ideal beaches to enjoy with family or friends. It offers a unique landscape where you can enjoy its warm waters with the tranquility of the sector. From the upper part you can see two elevations known as Punta Cangrejo and Tarima. Location It is located to the south of Manta, a few minutes from San Mateo, it is a small town dedicated primarily to fishing.
277.11 Km.
The Trail of the Howler Monkeys
Howlers are the largest monkeys in the West and the main mammals present in the Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve. It is possible to observe and listen to them on the Howlers Trail. Churute has an area of 50,000 hectares of mangroves and forest. Because of its importance it was declared a RAMSAR Site in 1990. People in the cities go to bioparks or zoos to observe wildlife. In Manglares Churute, a few kilometers from Guayaquil, you can find animals in a wild state. There are two conditions, the time of year when you visit the place that can mean a different adventure and the presence of particular species. The Howlers Trail is a 2.6 kilometer round trip walk in the middle of the dry forest. You have to keep your eyes open to see the monkeys in the bush. Their howls are sure to reach the visitor. Other species typical of the sector are the white-faced monkey or mico, threatened by the persecution of hunters and deforestation, and the savannah squirrel, which is not afraid of man. It is important that there are protected sites like Churute, to guarantee the life of these animals. Between December and May is the rainy season in Ecuador. Those who visit Churute during this period have the opportunity to swim in the waterfall at the top of the Howler Trail. It is recommended to be accompanied by a guide. Carry in a backpack water, food, hat, sunscreen with skin protection, repellent. Light clothing. Bathing suit and towel, in case it is possible to swim in the waterfall. Change of clothes and shoes in case of rain and mud. Other alternative trails in Churute are La Flora, to visit mangroves and El Mate which gives access to the foot of the mountain.
280.56 Km.
Churute Estuary in the Manglares-Churute Reserve
Estero Churute is part of an extensive complex of channels and islands. It is the result of the union of the Churute and Ruidoso rivers. It also receives the contribution of the Cañar River. At the mouth of the latter river is the Isla de los Ingleses, a nesting site for birds, especially between December and May. The estuary can only be visited by renting a motor canoe. A three-hour trip for the sighting of birds such as white, brown and pink herons, pelicans, frigates, kingfishers and ospreys. With good luck you could see bottle nose dolphins, crocodiles and iguanas. The boats are hired from community members. All visitors must be accompanied by official guides. The estuary is located within the Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve, created on July 26, 1979. The most common invertebrates of the estuary and mangrove are red crabs and mussels, collected by the surrounding population to sell them in Guayaquil. Other species are the Mangrove Root Crab and the Mangrove Tree Crab. The important contribution of the waters of the Churute estuary give life to the mangrove, with a very productive coastal ecosystem. Ecologically, mangroves are considered the nurseries of the oceans. Of all the mangroves in the South American Pacific, only the mangroves in Ecuador are accessible to the public. Estero and mangroves are part of the inner estuary of the Gulf of Guayaquil and the lower basin of the Guayas River. Here the salt water of the ocean and the fresh water of the Taura, Churute, Cañar and Naranjal rivers are mixed. The wetland of El Canclón Lagoon is part of the Reserve. Deforestation to build shrimp farms is the main threat to Churute. The numbers show the life protected by Churute: 450 species of plants, including five species of mangroves and 25 species of timber trees; 8 types of plant formations; 45 species of mammals including howler, white face or monkey monkeys, cusumbo, two-toed sloth, Guayaquil savannah squirrel, bats; 300 species of birds; threatened amphibians, iguanas, lizards and snakes. It is home to the dry forest of the Ecuadorian coast, unique in the world.
282.25 Km.
Pacoche Coastal Marine and Wildlife Refuge
This protected area owes its name to the Pacoche hills, located on the cape of San Lorenzo south of Manta. The refuge protects 5,045 hectares of terrestrial ecosystems and 8,500 hectares of coastal marine environments. The coastline attached to the refuge has 13 kilometers of sandy and rocky beaches, as well as large cliffs that are equally very attractive. There are two trails inside the Reserve, these are: Sendero el Faro, Sendero Pasaje del Mono.It is a place whose mountains contain archaeological remains of the Manta culture. Location Pacoche Wildlife Refuge is located 26 kilometers from Manta.
285.33 Km.
Toquilla Straw Craftswomen of the Puertas del Cielo Cooperative
The Artisan Production Cooperative Puertas del Cielo (COPROARPU) is an organization of the Popular and Solidarity Economy (EPS) of Ecuador. It brings together 120 women weavers of hats, bags and toquilla straw handicrafts, 100% handmade, from the cantons of Azogues, Déleg and Biblián. COPROARPU has product lines for children, ladies and gentlemen. Its bags are woven with the techniques of crochet or needlework in various sizes, designs and colors. They also offer key rings, headbands, earrings and baskets. It is located in the headquarters of the Cañar Bar Association, Borrero parish, Azogues canton. The place has the machinery to process the hat: a masticating machine, metal moulds, blistering and dyeing tanks. The cooperative promotes the traditional weaving of Ecuadorian toquilla straw hats abroad, participating in international fairs. Their craftswomen are always willing to show their skills in public. Puertas del Cielo during 2017 exported 10.000 hats to European and South American markets. Monthly it produces between 500 to 1,000 hats. It sends products to the United States, Singapore, China, Russia and crocheted bags to Brazil. The results of the organization and community cooperation are the corporate image and brand "Azohat" whose motto is "hands weaving art", the website of the cooperative and the product catalogue. COPROARPU is committed to strengthening the social organization of the toquilla straw artisans associations. It wants to boost the tourist development of Azogues by promoting and disseminating tourism in order to generate more employment and work opportunities. The toquilla straw hat weaving was declared by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 5, 2012. The fabric is native to the province of Manabí. In the 19th century it spread to the south of the country, to Cañar and Azuay, contributing to the development of handicrafts. In the province of Cañar it employs 9,000 people. It is an activity whose knowledge passes from one generation to another in Azogues, Guapán, Luis Cordero, Mazar, Solano, Zhud, Biblián. The Azohat and Bibliak brands of women's organisations have opened up export routes to Europe, Asia and North America.
285.74 Km.
Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocío
Of gothic style, place of devotion and visit of thousands of believers from different parts of the country. It was restructured and raised in magnificent work. Its construction began in 1893. The chapel was built on a rock, on August 26, 1894, people from all over Ecuador come to this place, and it was also restructured and built in a magnificent work, using carved stone. The adoration of the Blessed Virgin of El Rocio, is one of the most important manifestations of the Christian faith, it has a tower and naves supported by 49 granite columns, among which more than 36 arches alternate and beautiful wrought iron and glass chandeliers hang. the light highlights the rocky walls of the hill. It has a unique architectural and cultural beauty, it was declared "Cultural Heritage of Ecuador" in 2007. It is also a natural viewpoint from which the rich landscape of the area can be observed. Location It is located on the steep hill of Zhalao, located east of the city of Biblián, in the province of Cañar. The Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocío has different activities that are: Walks, hiking, photographs and videos, knowledge of the history of the place, visits to temples, cemeteries The highlights of Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocío The top of Zhalao: It offers an impressive panoramic view of the cities of Biblián and Azogues. Architecture: The Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocío was carved out of rocks leaving areas of bare rock inside the church. This sanctuary is supported by 49 granite columns between which arches alternate and hang beautiful wrought iron and glass chandeliers.
286.12 Km.
San Lorenzo beach in Manabi
It has a very characteristic landscape, with rock formations, caves and cliffs. At the top of the mountain is the Mirador del Faro with a wonderful view of the ocean and nearby beaches.It is a very popular beach for wave lovers, such as surfers and bodyboarders. It has restaurants and accommodation. The landscape is predominantly maritime with a clear horizon, facing the west with full visibility from north to south, except for the point 230º south-east where the silhouette of the Isla de la Plata can be seen, towards the back collineation continues to form in some sections cliffs with rocky outcrops. Location San Lorenzo Beach It is located on the cape of the same name, it is the most outstanding point of the Manabi coast, where the rural parish of San Lorenzo is located.
287.46 Km.
Cacao & Mango Family Farm
Ecuador is a land of entrepreneurs. A large segment of the production moves through initiatives of what is called Popular and Solidarity Economy (EPS). Cacao and Mango, a small family farm, gave a twist to its business. Now it not only carries out agricultural activities. It also has experience in adventure tourism taking advantage of its proximity to the Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve, gastronomy and EPS. The history of Cacao & Mango begins in the 1950's, when the Ecuadorian state distributed mangrove plots of 12 hectares each to farmers in the area of Puerto Inca, to expand the agricultural frontier. Since then, generations of the Lara family have grown cocoa, mangos, dragon fruit, bananas, lemongrass and spices. Today a new generation, the brothers Jairo, Leni, Jamil and Ninfa Lara, have merged agriculture with tourism since their professions. Jairo is a naturalist guide who does adventure tourism to the nearby Manglares-Churute Ecological Reserve. The reserve covers 50,000 hectares of winding mangrove channels, dry tropical forest and salt flats. Leni Lara, a professional chef, prepares cocoa in all combinations, with fruits such as mango, araxá, coconut and passion fruit, to serve the most delicious desserts to visitors. Ninfa and Jamil Lara attend with passion to proudly show their heritage. Cacao & Mango is a farm that produces these and other fruits. The cocoa beans are transformed into rich chocolate. Ecuador is internationally recognized as the producer of the finest cocoa. The Lara family loves to share this experience with people. Tourism is an important source of income for this company. There is a symbiosis with the neighboring farms, which provide other products to Mango and Cocoa: meat, fish, crabs, eggs, in order to serve the tourists. Additional jobs are generated and the owners and workers are enthusiastic. A tour of the farm starts with the botanical garden where they grow orchids, a tilapia pool, rice plantations and the tropical fruit garden. There is also a nursery for the cocoa plants in the growing stages, planted or grafted. In the cocoa plantations you learn about their cultivation, pollination and production. During the harvest season, the tourist has the experience of picking ears of corn and using them to make cocoa juice or the house cocktail. In the traditional chocolate workshop, the process of changing from cocoa to chocolate is practiced by roasting, peeling and grinding. Finally, a hot and spicy chocolate is prepared. As a souvenir, you have to buy handmade chocolate bars.
290.07 Km.
Cojitambo Archaeological Complex
Knowing this complex is a magical experience that will take you on a trip to the past, the structures of Cojitambo are solidly built based on edged blocks of andesite rock, placed one on top of the other forming natural rows, joined with black earth mortar and filled with masonry. All these sets, which are complemented by other evidence of a military and religious nature, are articulated with the Inca trail that passes through the base of the hill, and that in aboriginal times communicated the ancient Tomebamba with the Cañari lordship of Peleusí. The archaeological complex is quite extensive and has constructions with a level of complexity; Due to this, it has been divided into 3 architectural ensembles, based on their spatial distribution and some features that differentiate the sectors from each other: Set I: Which is made up of a large square with a central usnu in the shape of a "U" with round corners open to the east. The walls that make it up are 1.80 meters high by 1.53 meters thick, inside there is a circular water well lined with stone that measures 2.20 meters high by 1.80 meters in diameter. Set II: Which is made up of a large residential terrace, with a retaining wall, and two platforms with retaining walls, and two platforms with retaining walls in the lower part. Complex III: Which is made up of a rectangular structure with two rooms, 6 platforms with retaining walls, 5 housing bases, 4 stairways and a space delimited by a curved wall that covers an area of approximately 682.5 square meters, to the southeast of Square. All these sets of structures and stone foundations cover an area of approximately 25 hectares, on the west side of the hill. In these sets there are: Next to the access road there are three rooms for lodging and administrative activities. A set of several housing and farming terraces that follow each other in a staggered manner from the top to the base of the hill, on the north and west sides. Location Cojitambo Archaeological Complex It is located 11 kilometers west of the city of Azogues, on the western foothills of the eponymous hill, in the Cojitambo parish.
290.73 Km.
Cojitambo Hill
The Cojitambo hill is of a multiform type according to the angle from which it is seen: From the north: looks like a sleeping lion From Azogues: looks like a greyhound sitting on its hind legs From the south: it appears gallant and imposing, in a pyramidal shape, like a peak that hurts the blue part of the sky. Precisely because of its morphology, the Cojitambo hill is a perfect natural viewpoint, as it offers a 360-degree panoramic view and at a distance that exceeds 30 kilometers; for which from its top you can appreciate beautiful and varied landscapes. For these reasons, the Cojitambo hill is perfect for photography lovers, as it offers several perfect places to photograph, which is why it attracts professionals and amateurs in this art. Location: The Cojitambo hill is located 11 km west of the City of Azogues, in the Cojitambo parish, of the Azogues Canton. Activities that can be performed: Get to know the Cojitambo Archaeological Complex Knowledge of Cañari - Inca history. Lookout. Contact with the nature. Hiking and camping. The area is free camping. Rappelling and climbing practice. Recreation for children and adults. Photo shooting. To take into account: A guide is not required, but if you are a novice you should go with one for safety. There are hostels in the surrounding areas from 5 to 10 dollars a night.
290.86 Km.
Agua Blanca Sulphurous Lagoon
Its waters attribute healing properties and antioxidant effects that help fight aging. It is the most visited tourist site in the Aguas Blancas community, the people who attend the place undergo mud therapy (application of mud on the face and body) in order to acquire the benefits that mud offers. Geography: This beautiful place is located within the Agua Blanca community, within the Machilla National Park, it has a tropical forest in its surroundings, in the center of the Manabí Province, it has a depth of 1.2 meters to 4 meters, This lagoon is fed by volcanic sources. Accessibility: If you are coming from Quito you can take a Quito bus terminal. The distance is about 470km (10 hours of travel). Once in Puerto López you can take buses that make the tour to the place or taxis, the approximate distance is about 10Km. Activities that are practiced: Walks, bike rides, swimming, mud therapies, photography, camping.
292.74 Km.
Machalilla National Park
It is an ecological and archaeological reserve area of great importance. Its charm lies in the combination of desert, the low areas of the park are dry and semi-desert, they present beautiful landscapes, beaches, bays and cliffs. It has an infinite range of marine and terrestrial species. The park is a true natural museum of the pre-Columbian history of Ecuador and South America. For several researchers, dry forests are of the greatest importance in the world due to their high degree of endemism. The protected area includes beaches, several islands and picturesque islets such as Isla de la Plata, Salango, Horno de Pan, Sucre, Pedernales and El Sombrerito.In 1990, the marine area of the Park was declared a Ramsar site. Its name comes from the Machalilla culture, one of the most important pre-Hispanic cultures. Location It is located to the southwest of the province of Manabí, in the cantons of Jipijapa, Puerto López and Montecristi.
293.72 Km.
We have 413 tourist attractions listed in Ecuador.