Western Slopes to the Pacific Coast - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 264

Around Muisne
Trips by boat to the local estuary and mangrove forests are available
through local hotels and the conservation organization FUNDECOL.
Efforts support preservation of the last remaining mangroves in the
area, most of which have been devastated by the shrimp farming in-
dustry, resulting in near ecological collapse for the local marine eco-
system and subsistence lives for the people. These excursions are a
great way to view the local marine environment, while supporting a
worthwhile cause. See Muisne in Touring and Sightseeing , page 257,
for contact information and directions.

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

Esmeraldas & Las Palmas

In downtown Esmeraldas at Libertad 407 and Ramón
Tello, the Hotel Apart Casino ,

6-728-700, fax 6-728-
704, is the best hotel in the city, though that isn't saying
much in this relatively downtrodden town. It is modestly
priced, with modern rooms and amenities, decent service and a good
restaurant. $

One of the good things about this region is the
great seafood and many tasty dishes prepared
with coconut milk.

At the budget end downtown, try the El Cisne , centrally located near
the plaza, at 10 de Agosto and Olmedo, 6-723-411. $

The best hotel in the area is the Costa Verde , Luis Tello 809 and
Hilda Padilla,

6-728-714 or 6-728-715, fax [phone], just a stone's