The
Esmeraldean
Beaches
The
province's
beaches are
among some
of the most
beautiful
in the country,
attracting
many tourists
from in and
outside the
country.
The most well-known
beaches are
Atacames,
Sua, Tonsupa,
Playa Ancha,
Tonchigue,
Camarones
and Same.
The beach
closest to
the city of
Esmeraldas
is Las Palmas,
which has
decreased
in size due
to the growth
of the town.
The beaches
of Atacames
and Sua accommodate
good tourist
infrastructure
with regards
to hotels,
restaurants
and beach
activities.
Temperatures
average 20-25
degrees centigrade
in summer
and up to
30 degrees
centigrade
in winter.
Archaeology:
La Tolita
The
name "La
Tolita"
or "Tumaco-Tolita"
has been assigned
to the collection
of Pre-Colombian
vestiges that
have been
found in the
region, from
the estuary
of the river
Saija in Colombia
to the Bay
of San Mateo
in Esmeraldas.
The
most important
archeological
site is situated
in the Isla
de La Tolita
in the estuary
of the river
Santiago.
Archaeologists
have determined
that there
a process
of change
and cultural
development
took place
around the
time of the
Christian
era.
Folklore
Esmeraldenean
folklore is
mainly mainifested
in music and
dance.
Marimba is
the typical
tradition
of the Esmeraldas,
not only in
music but
the entire
party that
comes with
it!
Marimba is
an African-influenced
style of music,
extremely
popular in
these parts.
Women
and men dance
barefoot.
Poetry is
also a popular
foem of artistic
expression
in the province,
which has
its origin
in colonial
times.
The
Chachis
Chachi,
the village
also known
as Cayapas,
is one of
the only remaining
aboriginal
villages of
the Ecuadorian
coast, which
still maintains
its own culture
and traditions.
It is located
in the jungle
zone towards
the north
east of the
province.
Its origins
date back
to before
colonial times
and it is
believed that
the group
were originally
from Ibarra
from where
they emigrated
in an attempt
to flee from
the Incas
during their
conquest.
The
Chachi village
is not protected
and no action
has been proposed
to preserve
the community.
Colonisation
and exploitation
of the area
has greatly
affected their
existence.
Coral
Negro (Black
Coral)
One
of the most
important
materials
used in artisan
crafts during
recent years
is black coral.
An abundance
of the material
has been discovered
in the Esmeraldas
sea, particularly
Atacambes.
Bracelets
and necklaces
are popular
among tourists
and visitors.
Traditional
Food and Drink
The
regions most
typical dishes
and beverages
are:
Pusandao,
made with
pork, plantain
and yucca.
Tapao
made with
salted and
dried beef
cooked with
plantain;
encocados:
fish,
beef or pork
cooked with
coconut sauce;
cazuela
made with
plantain fish
or shrimp.
Beverages
include batidos
(fruit and
milk); mazato
(ground maduro
and water).
Last Updated
21st August
2006 (DLW)
