Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
kinkajous drop fruit from the treetops during the evenings,
and the bird life here is spectacular.
The cabaña in the forest offers primitive facilities and can
comfortably accommodate up to 10 people (bring a sleeping
bag and pad). Groups are encouraged to visit and, with
enough notice, arrangements can be made through People
Allied for Nature to provide guides and cooking equipment.
If you have a special interest, such as birding or botany, give
themplenty of time so they can find the appropriate person.
If you speak Spanish, however, or don't mind a little com-
munication barrier, hiring the knowledgeable community
members as guides is recommended (PAN can also arrange
this).
In the US, contact Claude Nathan, People Allied for Na-
ture,
212-279-7813. If you are already in Ecuador, con-
tact Marlene at the Hostería Mara Caya in Manglaralto,
4-2901-294, to make arrangements. Pro Pueblo,
in
4-2901-
208, propueblo.org.ec, is working with another organiza-
tion, PMRC, across from the church,
Manglaralto, just north of Calle Constutución,
4-2901-343, on local
sustainable development programs. They can alsomake ar-
rangements for these and other ecotourism excursions.
Contact Earthwatch in the US at
800-776-0188, info@
earthwatch.org, www.earthwatch.org.
Strolling on the Beach
Beaches are a highlight in this part of Ecuador. With miles and miles
of white sand shores and pounding Pacific surf, the beaches offer ev-
erything from casual day strolls to multi-day camping treks from
north to south (or vice versa). There are so many endless expanses, it
is easy to find a secluded stretch along the coast once you move away
from the resort towns. For those wanting to explore a large section of
the coast, a decent map with the location of periodic towns and vil-
lages should suffice, as the coastline straddles the main highway.
North of Bahía and San Vicente, for example, there is plenty of beach
exploring to be had, with minimal development, but enough small
towns and villages to keep you going. Farther south near Puerto
López and toward the Santa Elena Peninsula, there is much of the
same, but note that even outside of the resort towns, the closer you get
to Guayaquil, especially during the holiday season, the more crowded
the beaches become.
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