Esmeraldas: 15 Apr 2009 to 16 Apr 2009

Esmeraldas, “The Green Province,” is an increasingly popular gateway to the attractions of this appealing region of Ecuador. Beach lovers have their choice of Atacames, noted for its lively nightlife and resort atmosphere, or far mellower Súa, both within easy reach by car. Spend a day canoeing through nearby Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve, noted for having the world’s tallest mangroves among its 52,000 sea-level hectares. The far larger Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve encompasses a more diverse bionetwork, ranging from volcanic mountains to thick forests, harbouring jaguars, tapirs, armadillos, spectacled bears, anteaters and a variety of birds. Visit a small Chachi village within the reserve, where the indigenous residents produce quality handicrafts.