The coast of Ecuador and the hidden gem Esmeraldas

Table of Content

IntroductionMust-Sees! Marimba Esmeraldeña! Playa Same! Island hopping “Bonita”! Museum of local archaeology! Natural Reserve of Mangalres! The dry forest Chocó! The Awá community! The “Princesa Tari” WaterfallsActivities! Surfing! Hiking! Bird watching! The coastFoodConclusion

IntroductionThe province of Esmeraldas is located in the northwestern corner of Ecuador. The province is known for its exotic flora and fauna, a humid climate and beautiful white sanded beaches. It is often referred to as the “green province” as it has several national reserves such as the Cotocachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve and the Bilsa Biological Reserve which turns the mostly dry coast of Ecuador into a lush tropical terrain, riddled with estuaries, mangroves and flooded forests.

Esmeraldas is often left out in many travel reports, country portraits and travel guides, although it has great tourist attractions such as beaches, virgin forests, great afro-ecuatoriana music and an extraordinary cuisine.

In this freebie we want to give you a first impression of what to expect when traveling to Esmeraldas. The must-sees, activities, the food and general travel tips that should help you to enjoy your adventure Ecuador.

“SMELL THE SEA, AND FEEL THE SKY

LET YOUR SOUL AND SPIRIT FLY”

Van Morrison

Must-Sees

The music of the province “Marimba Esmeraldeña”

With its African people and culture, Esmeraldas wouldn’t be the same without its own type of m u s i c , t h e “ M a r i m b a Esmer ldeña”. This t ropical , upbeat music is played with often self-made instruments such as marimba, bass drum, the banter and maracas. The Marimba music is one of the cultural expressions in the province and functions as a representative of the African roots.

Playa Same

The beach of Samé is one of the most exclusive beaches in Esmeraldas and provides a tranquil and quite environment with decent waves and warm water all-year-round. The beach is surrounded by two mountain edges which protects visitors from winds. Between June and September you’re very likely to be able to see whales passing by. The beach offers good surfing conditions for beginners as the tide is not too strong. Samé is also known for its decent sailing conditions. During the weekends, locals sell fresh ceviches and other seafood directly at the beach.

Island hopping “Bonita”

The small island of Bonita (beautiful) is located a 25 min boat ride off the shore of Musine. Its a sandy island which long broad beaches. Bonita seems to almost be deserted as just a few locales come there to enjoy the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere Ecuador’s coast is so famous for.  Even though, the island is very small it possesses six different types of mangrove which easily exceed 30 meters in height. These mangroves provide perfect conditions for other plant species such as Bromeliads, Orchids and Polipordiosida.

The rich environment also attracts wildlife such as gulls, frigates, pelicans, sandpipers and several types of crabs.

Museum of local archaeology

The museum of local archaeology is a fantastic place to learn not only about the history of Esmeraldas but whole Ecuador. The museum informs about living conditions of the last century, cultural development and traditions.

The displayed exhibits tell the story from pre-columbian times, the Tolita culture as well as the different periods of Ecuadorian prehistory and especially in the region of Esmeraldas and its first traces of men coming to this part of South America 800 years B.C.

Natural Reserve of Mangalres Cayapas-Mataje

Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve is located in the northern province of Esmeraldas, characterized by extensive mangrove forest, where rise the tallest mangroves in the world. Has an area of 51 300 hectares, the high percentage of species that inhabit the area made it a unique source of plant and animal biodiversity.

The reserve was created only 20 years ago in order to counter the process of exploitation and environmental pollution that takes place in Ecuador. With many different species such as oysters, fish, shrimp and blue crabs, the reserve is a becoming the food resource number one for locals.

Visiting the reserve will give you a chance to spot a variety of bird species as well as reptiles and monkeys. The reserve is open all days and the entry fee is $ 5.

The dry forest Chocó

The chocó forest is located between the provinces Carchi and Esmeraldas and has a size of over 80,000 square kilometres. The forest is an extension of the Colombian Cocó forest and is known for its high, both animal and plant endemism. The forest has a harsh climate. While it might be sunny and warm in the morning, the afternoon can be dominated by fog which can lower the temperature down to 10 degrees or less.   The flora and fauna reminds of the Cayapas-Mataje reserve. Bird watcher and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the Chocó forest. In addition, local tour operator offer kayak and hiking tours through parts of the forest.

The Awá community

We also recommend to visit the Awa Awa community. The community is one of the most unknown and marginalized. Paradoxically, the indigenous people who live in this community have a well-structured hierarchy and are considered to be the best organized community in Ecuador. Something you won’t find w h i l e v i s i t i n g t h e Aw a Aw a community is electricity, tap water nor radio waves. Being inside this t e r r i t o r y f e e l s l i k e a t o t a l disconnection from the world we know. Pure adventure.

The “Princesa Tari” Waterfalls

The Princess Tari waterfalls are lots of fun as they invite tourists to take a break from the missionary expeditions through the forest of Esmeraldas and go for a swim. The waterfalls are at a point where he river water mixes with the salty water from the ocean. You are surrounded by the transition from mangrove to humid tropical forest, and as you bath in the little pool that the waterfall makes, if you swim behind the waterfall you will find a rock wall full of little crabs that enviously watch you swim in this paradise. The waterfalls can be accessed by boat and local tour operators in San Lorenzo offer day trips through the jungle up till the waterfalls and beyond.

ActivitiesEsmeraldas is known for its prosper nature, jungle-like forest, sandy beaches and extraordinary food. But the green province in the North of Ecuador also provides a perfect playground for several outdoor activities

and exploring.

Surfing

The beaches of Esmeraldas provide great surf conditions almost all-year round. From beginner to advanced levels, the Pacific Ocean is something for everyone. Local surf shops can be found in almost every small fishing town which connects to the beach. Boards and wetsuits as well as surf curses can be booked directly there.

Hiking

With its flushing green environment, Esmeraldas invites visitors to go for a hike. Tour operators as well as locals offer tours to the national reserves of the province. A true Indiana Jones experience is waiting for you.

Bird watching

Ecuador is one of the most exciting countries in the world to watch birds, due to the range of species and habitats which you can see in a short trip. More than 1,500 species have been counted here including several which are endemic.

A large variety of species can be encountered in the natural reserves en Esmeraldas. Local tour operators offer one-day and multiple day trips into Ecuador’s wilderness.

Enjoy the coast

Sometimes, we don’t need a jungle expedition, surfing trips or bird-watching tours. Sometimes a cold drink and fresh food at one of the many beaches along the coast is all what matters. Esmeraldas has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country which invite to just relax, take a swim and let go. Welcome to Ecuador.

FoodAs with almost all the province in Ecuador, Esmeraldas does not offer a great variety of food. You won’t find much imported food, no expensive wine, no fine cheese or high quality meat. But, the food you’ll get here is as authentic as it gets. And it is fresh!

Basically, everything you consume in Esmeraldas did not travel more than 150 km. Everything is made locally and will be consumed locally. In the morning you are able to see how fishermen bring in fresh fished seafood. From lobster, shrimp, oysters and other types of seafood, Esmeraldas has it all. And even better, for a very reasonable and fair price.

Lets check out some typical dishes from Esmeraldas:

Ceviche: This is a dish made with seafood (their favorite are raw dark oysters, shrimp, squid, mussels, or raw fish cooked in lemon juice!) It is made with lots of red onion, chili, other spices, and herbs. The secret in making cebiche is knowing how to regulate the amount of the seafood’s juice, according to the type. It is served cold and together with green banana chips and a really cold beer. You can also ask for mixed cebiches.

Encocados:This dish is made with grated coconut and coconut milk added to the fish or to any kind of seafood before cooking them. Encocado Rice: The rice is cooked with coconut; it is served alone or with seafood.

Smoked mullet: Mullets are smoked (placed about 50 cm, 20 inches above the coal) and a r e b a t h e d w i t h coconut milk. This c a n b e

made and enjoyed on the beach.

Green-banana ball soup: Green bananas are cooked, mashed and shaped in balls with cheese inside. The soup also has shrimp and coconut milk.

Fish or shrimp casserole: This is a dish made with mashed green banana, coconut milk, grated coconut, ground peanuts, and fish or shrimp (or both!). It goes to the oven until it is light brown.

Fish and Green-Banana Tapao: Layers of fish and green bananas are cooked in water and seasoned with coconut and chillangua. It is important to cover it with banana leaves.

Masato or Chucula: This dish is made of boiled ripe banana mashed on a stone together with milk or coconut milk, butter, cheese, egg, all wrapped in a bijao leaf and baked.

Esmeraldas Cocada: This is a sweet made of brown sugar loaf and

coconut, milk, and peanuts. It is cooked long, depending on the stage desired.

Cazabe: This is another sweet based on cooked corn and coconut juice, sugar, cinnamon, clove, and orange leaf. It is a Caribbean sweet that arrived to Esmeraldas a long time ago.

Frutipan:This is made with the bread tree fruit which is cooked and grinded. It also includes sweet spices, butter, and cheese. It is made by the Chachis and Cayapas Indians.

Non-alcoholic beverages: Among others, borojo juice, and chocolate-coconut beverage.

Drinks and cocktails: Sugar cane liquor (42º); anisette; curio, which is a strong but energizing drink with several aromatic herbs; beer blended with an egg (to wake up a dying man!)

ConclusionEcuador is considered one of the 17 mega diverse countries in the world. With confident we can say that Esmeraldas contributes a huge part to this beautiful country.

The Rampiral, located between the small fishing villages of Sua and Muisne, the hotel not only lets you enjoy beautiful beaches, unforgettable sunsets and excellent service.

Built in 1984 and renovated in 2012 the Rampiral sets new standards for luxury vacations along the coast line of Ecuador. With the access to some of the best beaches in the country as well as a safe and quiet environment, the Rampiral is the perfect place to sit down, relax and enjoy a fresh breeze from the Pacific Ocean.

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