COASTAL TRAILS

Ecuador’s mainland is renowned for its colonial cities, volcanic peaks, highland markets, and Amazonian wildlife. However, the Pacific coast, often overlooked by foreign visitors, offers a wealth of attractions that make it a destination well worth exploring.

Here, you can wander through laid-back fishing villages, discover the archaeological sites of the central coast, or surf and sunbathe on remote beaches. Visit the largest petrified forest in South America, savor some of the finest Ecuadorian gastronomy, and explore the country’s most important coffee and banana plantations.

Experience the rhythm of Afro-Ecuadorian marimba in Esmeraldas, sail to La Plata Island, often called the “Little Galapagos”, or witness the majestic humpback whales from June to October. For nature lovers, the coast also offers hikes through pristine tropical forests, the chance to admire the tallest mangroves in the world, and access to vast untouched landscapes along the Pacific Ocean.

The list is endless—and Ecuador’s vibrant coastline will never disappoint.