Western Slopes to the Pacific Coast - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 266

more expensive than the rooms, up to $30 per night. Some organized
tours beginning in Quito now use Pura Vida as an overnight stop be-
fore continuing on to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve in the morning.
From Río Verde, it's another hour of driving along a mostly paved
road to the jumping-off point at Borbón. $-$$

South of Esmeraldas

While the province of Esmeraldas has no shortage of ocean water, it
does lack good fresh water for urban use. Many of the hotels, there-
fore, use brackish water for showers. Fresh water is trucked in and
shortages can sometimes occur before a new delivery. If you don't
mind a little salt in the water, save money and stay at the more mod-
est accommodations. Also, keep in mind that hotel suites in resort
towns are often set up to accommodate families. Economizing with
groups is very convenient. Again, the prices here are based on double-
occupancy. Single travelers should expect to pay more.

Bring a mosquito net when traveling in this
region, and a lot of insect repellent, as malaria
is rampant here

Tonsupa
Hotel Club de Pacífico , in Tonsupa at Km 20 on the “Vía a
Atacames” road, 6-731-056 or 6-731-053, fax [phone], is pleas-

antly located along the beach a fewmiles northwest of Atacames. Re-
lax poolside or on your own private beach for as long as it takes to get a
tan or finish your novel. Rooms include cable TVs, ceiling fans, pri-
vate baths, and hot water. Good eats are also available from the res-
taurant's appetizing menu. $

Atacames
In Atacames itself, the main drag between the Ocean and the Río
Atacames is where you'll find most of the hotels, bars and restau-
rants. One of the best higher-end values in town is The Villas Arco
Iris , or “rainbow bungalows,” 6-731-069, fax [phone], arcoiris@

andinanet.net, www.villasarcoiris.com. They offer comfort, seclu-
sion, and a nice ambiance. The individual cabañas come complete
with hammocks on open-air porches. Each air-conditioned cabin also
has a private bath with hot water. Tucked away neatly behind the
main section of town at the north end of the beach, the hotel can be dif-
ficult to find. Ask for directions. $$