Jungle, mangrove forests, quaint fishing villages, and stunning beaches run the length of the more than 2000 kilometre expanse of Ecuadorian coast. Generally, the region is warm and humid with temperatures averaging 25 degrees C (76 F) to 31 C (90 F).
Esmeraldas, the "Green Province" In the northwestern corner of Ecuador, cultures with roots spanning the globe come together amidst jungle, river, and sea. This intriguing nexus of peoples and ecosystems is the essence of the province of Esmeraldas, and its primary allure for the visitor.
Manabí Province, at the south of Esmeraldas, features towns as Puerto López, Montañita, San Clemente and Bahía de Caráquez, as well as Machalilla National Park, with the near perfect beach of Los Frailes - unquestionably the best on South America's Pacific Coast - and plenty of wildlife.
Machalilla national park is a real jewel. The main section of the park protects a full range of vegetation from arid scrub and tropical dry forest near the sea, through moist forest, up to true cloud forest: great for hiking, birdwatching and just being out and about. Within the park, the indigenous Manteño community of Agua Blanca welcomes visitors. Volunteers show you their village and the smallholdings where they grow grenadines, papaya, mango, oranges, limes, maize, chilli and much more. At the river the village laundry is washed by hand using the fruit of the barbasco tree as a soap.
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