Central & South Coast - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 313

fice for guides or special arrangements: Edificio Multicomercio,
Calles Cuenca and Eloy Alfaro, Local 16, 4-2416-975 or 4-2417-004,

[e-mail].

Playas

A small but important fishing village, Playas is the closest beach-
resort area to Guayaquil. It is ideal for a day-trip away from the city
and along the beach. During hot-season weekends and holidays,
Playas is jam-packed with Guayaquileños looking to cool off. During
this time the beaches away from the main town area are best. Things
slowdown during the off-season andweekdays, when fishing, wildlife
viewing, and squawking seabirds become the main attractions.
Surfing is also popular here. Look and ask around for the best surfing
spots and you're sure to find suitable waves.

Playas is about 19 miles due south of Progresso, which is 40 miles
west of Guayaquil. FromGuayaquil, catch a bus to Salinas, but get off
in Progresso and then take the local bus from there to Playas. By car,
take the main coastal highway, Vía a Salinas, toward Salinas, and
then turn south (left) in Progresso to Playas.

Machalá: Manglares Churute
Ecological Reserve
This reserve protects one of the last remaining mangrove forests in
the country. With over 86,450 acres of protected land, the reserve con-
sists of mangroves, tall grass swamps, and tropical dry forest in the
hills. This area is typical of what used to line the shores of coastal Ec-
uador before the shrimp industry and urban development devastated
this crucial ecological life zone. This is a great day-long excursion
from Guayaquil.

The coastal highway south toward Machalá passes through the re-
serve to the administration and information center, where maps and
guides are available. There are many trails, but it's best to go with a
guide or someone familiar with the reserve. Beyond the visitors cen-
ter is the village of Churute and the road into the mangrove forest.
Dolphins are commonly sighted here, as are various species of fish,
crabs, and seabirds. The elevated dry tropical forest provides habitat
to a variety of unique plants and animals, including two species of
monkeys. The only practical way to visit the reserve is via motorized
canoe.