Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Adventures
Culture & Nature,
on Foot & by Water
In addition to a few lodge-based packages described below,
community-based ecotourism at places such as Playa de
Oro and San Miguel offer great multi-day excursions. In
fact, getting to these places is half the adventure, espe-
cially when one considers bad roads, rough weather, not necessarily
friendly villages and long dugout canoe rides. Activities include hik-
ing, birding and water-based travel upriver, as well as more cultur-
ally focused events, depending on where you are visiting. Heading
farther into the reserve will provide the opportunity for better birding
andwildlife viewing, in areas that monkeys and even jaguars still call
home. Keep inmind, though, that this is relatively undeveloped terri-
tory for tourism and there are few tour operators. The best approach
is to go through outfitters or non-profit organizations that have con-
tacts with these communities and can help to make arrangements,
and then visit them directly, using local guides to explore the region.
See
Eco-Travel
section below for more details.
On the Beach & in the Surf
Just southwest of Esmeraldas, in Atacamas and surrounding com-
munities, are beachside resorts, complete with all the adventurous
amenities. During peak Ecuadorian and Colombian holiday season,
expect crowds, kids, parties and beach-going nightlife. During other
times of the year, strolling along the beach, swimming and just plain
old hanging out is common. Note that during the busy season the
beaches aren't as clean or safe for walking, especially at night. Head
farther southwest of Atacames for the more tranquil communities of
Súa and Same. Northwest of Esmeraldas, the beaches are generally
safer, cleaner, more quiet and less crowded than aroundAtacames, as
there is less resort build-up here.
Whale-Watching
From June to September, whale-watching excursions near shore are
popular in the resort areas southeast of Esmeraldas. The main sight-
ing destination is
Punta Galera
, between Atacames and Muisne. In
Atacames, on the Malecón (the waterfront street),
inquire at
6-731-246) for whale-watching trips. In
the smaller bay and resort village of Súa, inquire at your hotel about
arranging an excursion. And in the eco-reserve of Playa Escondida,
Cabañas Caida del Sol
(
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