Western Slopes to the Pacific Coast - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 259

which is closer to Punta Galera, arrangements are easily made to
search for whales.

Sea Kayaking
The infrastructure for sea kayaking isn't very well developed in this
part of the country, but the sport is an excellent way to see the coast,
offering opportunities to visit places that you can't get to on land. A
multi-day trip fromEsmeraldas to Muisne, for example, incorporates
visiting remote beaches, sea cliffs, ancient fishing villages, estuaries,
mangroves, coastal rainforest, as well as viewing whales and an
abundance of unique coastal bird life.

Another wonderful option, incorporating the adventure of kayaking
with a cultural and nature journey, is a multi-day trip inland around
the Cotacachi-Cayapas region. Kayaking from village to village and
into the reserve, staying with local communities and hiking in low-
land rainforest are highlights of such an experience.

For trips that include all of this, contact the US-based Amazon Adven-
tures , 2711 Market Garden, Austin, TX 78745,

512-443-5393, fax 512-
442-8515, [e-mail], www.amazonadventures.
com, for set itineraries and to make arrangements. Or go directly to their
outfitter in Quito: Eco-Adventur , a recommended rafting and
kayaking company, at Calama 339 between Juan León Mera and
Reina Victoria, 2-2520-647, fax [phone], [e-mail].

Eco-Travel
Most travelers in this region, particularly young back-
packers andColombian vacationers, head to the coast for a
little R&R on the beaches. More recently, however, people
are discovering that the riches of this land go far beyond
that. Ecotourism, with an emphasis on local culture, is picking up
speed as more communities adjust to the tourism industry, particu-
larly in the region around the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve. Trips in-
clude local coastal rainforest excursions via dugout canoe and hiking
on nature trails. The birding is exceptional here as well, and photo-
graphic opportunities are excellent.

North of Esmeraldas
Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve
From 600 feet above sea level to the summit of Cotacachi Volcano at
16,150 feet, Cotacachi-Cayapas protects the largest expanse of eco-