Must-see attractions in North Coast & Lowlands

  • Tsáchila Communities

    North Coast & Lowlands

    The Tsáchila people number about 3000; their eight communities spread across a 10500-sq-km reserve around Santo Domingo. A community tour is available…

  • Museo Historico de Montecristi

    North Coast & Lowlands

    Revolutionary and two-time president Eloy Alfaro was born in Montecristi, and here is an amazing tribute to the man: a hilltop museum with a panoramic…

  • Reserva Ecologico Jama-Coaque

    North Coast & Lowlands

    We're hoping this reserve, 26 km south of Perdanales and 3km off the main highway, opens to tourism soon. Last we heard, Third Millenium Alliance (www…

  • Playa de Oro Reserva de Tigrillos

    North Coast & Lowlands

    Half an hour upstream from Playa de Oro, this 100-sq-km reserve is owned and operated by the community of Playa de Oro. It borders the Reserva Ecológica…

  • Tarqui Beach

    North Coast & Lowlands

    The east end of this stretch of sand is a hive of activity early in the mornings, as vendors sell row upon row of shark, tuna, swordfish, dorado and other…

  • Los Naranjos Community

    North Coast & Lowlands

    A stay at the Los Naranjos community includes meals, a tour, and a language class. If you're just coming for the day, the tour and an 'aura cleaning'…

  • Museo Arqueologica Playa Africa

    North Coast & Lowlands

    See a collection of more than 6000 pieces of artifacts from the region. Get off a northbound bus in Montalvo and ask for local transport (car or motorbike…

  • Isla Corazón

    North Coast & Lowlands

    Bird-watchers shouldn't miss a visit to Isla Corazon, where you can take guided tours through mangroves in search of frigate birds, herons, egrets and…

  • Congal Bio-Station

    North Coast & Lowlands

    Only 2km from Muisne, this 6.5-sq-km marine reserve established by Jatun Sacha in 2000 focuses on mangrove conservation and organic aquaculture…

  • Playa Murciélago

    North Coast & Lowlands

    This beach is less protected than most beaches in the area and has bigger waves (although they’re not very big) along with a powerful undertow. It’s a…

  • Basilica Santisima Virgen de Montserrat

    North Coast & Lowlands

    Dating back to the early 20th century, this beautiful church contains a statue of the Virgin to which miracles have been attributed. While the Museo…

  • Church of La Merced

    North Coast & Lowlands

    Built of materials imported from the US and Europe in 1912, this church has survived two big earthquakes. Alberto Santos, a big-time businessman of the…

  • Centro Cultural Esmeraldas

    North Coast & Lowlands

    This combined museum, library and bookstore contains materials ranging from recent local history to fine ceramics and gold work from the ancient Tolita…

  • Museo Arqueológico del Banco Central

    North Coast & Lowlands

    The fully modernized city museum opened in its current location in 2009, and showcases valuable artifacts from pre-Colombian Manta culture, a selection of…

  • Museo Bahía de Caráquez

    North Coast & Lowlands

    You’ll find a good introduction to the area’s indigenous history at this well-curated modern museum. The collection includes hundreds of pieces of pre…

  • Malecon Las Palmas

    North Coast & Lowlands

    This new walkway along the bay features cell-charging stations, a skate park, a dozen food stands and the largest Ecuadorian flag you will ever see. A…

  • Mirador La Cruz

    North Coast & Lowlands

    High above the peninsula and boasting great views of the city, sea and river, this viewpoint at the south end of town can be reached on foot or by a short…

  • Big Tuna

    North Coast & Lowlands

    An incomparable photo op: the city's iconic fish, a gargantuan albacore tuna (atún), with tin can attached.

  • Church

    North Coast & Lowlands

    This Catholic Church frames Esmeraldas' main square.