Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
were once common along Ecuador's lower elevation western slopes. It
is well worth the $5 entrance fee, which pays for the services of a
Spanish-speaking guide. Your dollars go a long way in showing sup-
port for a battle to protect the region's biodiversity. Camping on the
reserve is permitted, but you must bring your own equipment and
supplies.
Suzanne Sheppard, Bosque Protectora La Perla, Casilla 17-24-128,
Santa Domingo de los Colorados,
2-2725-344 or 2-2759-115. From
Santo Domingo, head south toward Quevedo on the Santo Domingo-
Quevedo Road.
Río Palenque Science Center
A forested island in a sea of banana, palm, and cacao plantations, the
Río Palenque Science Center is a research facility on one of the last
stretches of intact primary western lowland forests in the country.
Situated along the Río Palenque about an hour south of Santo
Domingo, the station was established nearly 30 years ago to allow re-
searchers to study the region's flora and fauna. Although relatively
small (about 247 acres), the private reserve is a haven for threatened
plants and animals. More than 1,000 species of plants, many of which
were not previously known, have been catalogued in the area, as have
hundreds of bird, butterfly and other insect species.
Contact Calaway Dodson, Centro Cientifico Río Palenque, Casilla 95,
Santo Domingo de los Colorados,
2-2232-248. Head south from
Santo Domingo on the road toward Quevedo and turn left into the en-
trance road at Km 48. Follow the sign and head north for another 35
miles to the station entrance.
Where to Stay
ACCOMMODATIONS PRICE SCALE
Unless otherwise noted, prices are per room, up to double
occupancy. Some prices are per person, particularly with all-
inclusive packages, but these generally include meals, lodging,
guide services and other amenities.
$........................Under $25
$$.......................$26to$50
$$$......................$51to$100
$$$$ ......................Over $100
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