Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Central &
South Coast
O
n the southern stretches of
the Ecuadorian coast you
will encounter ecological life
zones that you would not expect
in a tropical Latin American
country, much less in one situ-
ated right on the equator. As op-
posed to the stark and rugged
topography of the Andes or the
tropical rainforests of the
Oriente, the south coast is almost
desert-like in appearance. Yet
these dry forests and scrubland
areas adjoin moist cloud forests
and rich mangrove estuaries.
And some of the cloud forests,
particularly those in the
Colonche range of southwestern
Ecuador, offer exceptional wild-
life viewing, hiking, and horse-
back riding through some of the
least explored parts of the country.
From Muisne south to Bahía de Caráquez, transportation is limited
and development is slow. Generally, the land transforms into dry
tropical forest as you head south. The coastal desert begins near the
border between Ecuador and Peru. Mangrove estuaries, shrimp
farms, and sandy beaches lie in-between, while banana plantations
dominate the lowlands and premontane cloud forests struggle to re-
main intact. The major hub and international entry point is
Guayaquil, which is a good base fromwhich to organize tours into the
coastal region. This chapter covers, first, the coastal region south to-
ward Guayaquil and then Guayaquil itself and its surroundings.
IN THIS CHAPTER
The Coast
History
274
Flora & Fauna
274
Getting Here &
Getting Around
275
Visitor Information
275
Touring & Sightseeing
276
Adventures
284
Eco-Travel
290
Where to Stay
294
Where to Eat
300
Guayaquil & Vicinity
History
303
Flora & Fauna
303
Getting Here
304
Getting Around
304
Visitor Information
307
Touring & Sightseeing
308
Eco-Travel
312
Where to Stay
314
Where to Eat
318
Nightlife & Shopping
319
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