Tours and Excursions

Esmeraldas is poor in money, rich in wildlife and nature. Popular beaches for miles in the areas of Atacames, Tonsupa, Sua and Same are full of people specially on holidays and weekends, it can get quite crowded at times. These are considered Quito´s beaches. Nightlife is great, but be carefull there is lots of drinking.

Esmeraldas is overlooked though, it can be a true paradise for nature travellers. In the northern side of the province is the Choco rainforest, one of the worlds most biodiverse regions with more rainfall than in the Amazon itself. This overlooking has its price though many trees are logged every day, local communities have no other way of sustenting themselves. Several sustainable development and tourism  projects are starting to help save the forest.

To the South of Atacames and the popular beaches we find hidden treasures as Playa escondida, Mompiche and Portete. With few places to stay and not so easy access these are less visited and ideal places to relax and enjoy the Equatorial sun, the sand and the sea.

Esmeraldas is also a great place for adventure. Sea kayaking and river canoe expeditions can be available into hidden rainforest areas. Birdwatching is also great in the Choco region, common finds are the Umbrella bird and the Cock of the Rock.