When people think of Ecuador, most people probably conjure images of the magnificent Andes mountains, fluffy alpacas grazing on green slopes, the equator, and maybe the giant Galapagos tortoise. But not so many people know that Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet! Due to its variety of geographical regions as well as altitude, you can visit the Amazon, the Andes, cities of eternal spring, and yes, beaches on the Ecuadorian coast.

La Costa, as the locals call it, is an often-underrated region for international tourism, but surfers have been flocking to Ecuador’s coast for decades. Here are some reasons we love the Ecuadorian coast:

 

Machalilla National Park

Machalilla National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the region. Head here to see wildlife, islands, forests, and pristine beaches while avoiding large crowds.

 

Whale Watching in Puerto López

Humpbacks migrate every year between June and October as the gentle giants swim north from Antarctic waters to warmer seas off the coasts of Ecuador and Colombia. Embarking from Puerto López will give you prime opportunities to spot them!

 

Bahía de Caraquez: an Eco-City

Bahía has the unique designation of “eco-city,” due to a local effort to rebuild and protect the area after flooding due to climate change caused widespread destruction. This will be one of the home bases for our summer 2021 La Costa Project focusing on disaster recovery.

 

Bustle of Guayaquil

Guayaquil is known as the “Pearl of the Pacific” and is Ecuador’s largest city. There are plenty of museums, parks, and cafes to pass the days. Stroll along the modern Malecón 2000 waterfront and head to the Las Peñas neighborhood to see some of the oldest architecture in the country.

 

Did somebody say chocolate?

Ecuador’s cacao is known for its high quality—and the coastal region produces the majority of the world’s high-grade cacao. Visitors to Ecuador’s coast will find many opportunities to visit cacao growers and taste fine chocolates.

Ready to travel to the Ecuadorian coast? Apply now for the La Costa Project!