Manabí is the most extensive province of the coastal region of Ecuador and is famous for its beautiful beaches.
Nearly 350 km kiss the coastal profile of this province -the perfect alchemy comprising comfort, infrastructure, seaside, sunshine, natural wonders, water sports and recreation- and, of course gastronomy. Food is a feast of flavors combining fresh seafood and the good and fully acknowledged coastal seasoning.
ADVENTURESOME BEACHES
Manabí offers vast diversity. The mosaic of ecosystems is the wonderful aftermath of a combination of geological, maritime and tectonic factors that have turned the region into a place of impressive contrasts. It is easy to visit the coral reefs, the coastal dry forests and tropical wet forest along the slopes of the mountain range of Chongón and Colonche, within a few hours.
The seaside and its beaches offer opportunities such as adventure tourism, ecotourism, relaxation, the study of insects and bird watching, and also whale sighting. Some of the most recommended sites include: Ayampe, Puerto López, Canoa and Jama, where one of the most attractive beach real estate projects is being built.
Ayampe lies right on the boundary line between Manabí and Guayas. The charming beaches and serene waters are the perfect scenario for water sports such as sailing, fishing or simply refreshing while enjoying the delicious climate. Treks to the wet forest can be arranged, or else along the garden-like riverbanks, you can also stay in the beautiful inns to rest. Some of them are Finca Punta Ayampe or the Spondylus Lodge. Both have been acknowledged for their excellent service and first-rate accommodations.
Following the route toward the North, one reaches Puerto López, well known for sighting hunch-back whales that approach the shoreline beginning in mid June through to mid September. Hotel accommodations at this fishing town are plentiful. Hostería Puerto López is a kaleidoscope of services adapted to all tastes; Mantarraya is perched on a rock at the southern tip, while at the northern end—on a miles-long beach—you will find Hostería Mandala in which its owners have achieved a peculiar architecture that perfectly combines wood, bamboo and tagua.
Trekking from Puerto López to visit various ecological attractions such as Los Frailes can be arranged. Los Frailes holds jungle paths, transparent waters and grey-whitish sands; Isla de la Plata, which with its 14km2 area is one of the major attractions of the Machalilla National Park; it is home to colonies of blue-footed and red-footed boobies, masked boobies, frigates, albatrosses and diverse varieties of tropical birds. Dolphins, rays, and green turtles will startle you while touring the island. A curious fact concerning the historical-cultural importance which the Isla de la Plata has is that it served as safe harbor for pirate Sir Francis Drake. It is said that he hid the booty stolen from Spanish galleons at this island.
Following the shores afoot, the commune of Agua Blanca, at the heart of Machalilla National Park, is an excellent option for those who enjoy archaeology. Agua Blanca is comprised by a complex of temples, plazas and typical housing units of the Manteña culture, an archaeological museum and natural ecological tourist attractions such as the sulfur springs.
Canoa is a tropical haven and fishermen town where water sports and paragliding broaden the options. With its 17 km of sand and ocean, it is one of the longest beaches in Ecuador. Surfing is one of the most popular sports, beginners can rent a surf board and launch themselves into this sport. At the time of pampering your palate, the Hotel Bambú restaurant caters a varied range of Ecuadorian gastronomic dishes.
You can’t finish your trip without a visit to the beaches of El Matal, just about 5km from Jama. Its turquoise clear waters are the perfect scenario for snorkeling; in fact, this is one of the most visited beaches in the region and a very valued location for investing in high end real estate.