South Coast

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Iguana lounging at Parque Bolivar public garden.

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Overview

Wide sandy beaches, lush nature reserves and biologically rich islands are just a few of the attractions of Ecuador's southern coastal region. For wildlife watching, outdoor activities (like surfing, hiking and paragliding) or just relaxing on the beach, this is a great place to be.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo

Guayaquil

Marking the end of the riverfront is the modern MAAC, a museum of anthropology and archaeology that hosts a superb permanent collection of pre-Colombian…

La Chocolatera

South Coast

The westernmost point of Ecuador has three main attractions:La Fae Beach, with a boarded walkway where you can watch a seal colony;El Morro (or little…

Fossilized trunks in the Petrified Forest of Puyango in southern Ecuador.

El Bosque Petrificado Puyango

South Coast

A 4km boardwalk loop leads to the petrified forest (take the trail behind the toilet block; another dirt road to the left leads to private land). The dry…

People visiting Playa de San Lorenzo in Salinas, Ecuador.

San Lorenzo Beach

South Coast

Salinas' main, and most crowded, beach sits on the malecón opposite dozens of restaurants and hotels. It has volleyball courts, a pier (from which you can…

Chipipe Beach

South Coast

To the west of San Lorenzo Beach is Chipipe – equally well maintained, but with a fraction of its neighbor's crowds. If you're looking for a quieter beach…

Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco

South Coast

This private reserve is administered by Fundación Pro-Bosque. There’s an organic farm, an education center with exhibits on the local ecology and birdlife…

Plaza Lagos

Guayaquil

One of Guayaquil's most charming and upscale settings for a bite or a drink is Plaza Lagos, a handsomely designed complex of restaurants, designer…

Cacau E Mango

South Coast

Learn how cocoa is produced at this pleasant, rustic 10-hectare farm, run by the friendly and welcoming Lara family. Day trips include a tour of the farm,…

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