This is a 50,000 ha reserve located 45 minutes from Guayaquil, on Km 23 of the Guayaquil-
Puerto Inca road. This is one of the most important national protected areas, due to its rich biodiversity held together by 5 ecosystems. There is an information center at the entrance and the admission fee entrance is US$10.00
*.
The reserve has a very important habitat and mangrove protected areas. The only one remaining in the coastal region. This forest supports a wide biodiversity and a high level of endemism.
A wide variety of birds, water birds, animals and even dolphins can be seen here.
Things to do.
Canoe trips into the mangroves can be arranged by Ministerio de Ambiente, Departamento Forestal, Avenida Quito 402 and Padre Solano, 10th floor. Tel. 2397730, in Guayaquil. Or, through the park rangers at the entrance of the reserve.
For a whole day tour into the mangroves it is about US$70.00
*, for up to five people. Another cheaper option is to go hiking over the hills as there are many trails in the reserve.
Getting there.
There is a frequent
bus service at the terminal terrestre [
bus station] in Guayaquil. Take a bus leaving to
Machala and ask to be left off at the Churute information center.
*The prices are approximately
