Geography
Esmeraldas
is the most
northern of
the Ecuadorian
coastal provinces.
The terrain
is mainly
flat with
some small
elevations
extending
no more than
300 metres
above sea
level.
Small elevations
exist in Atacambes,
Cojimies,
Punta Gorda
and San Francisco.
From a geographic
point of view,
the rivers
are the most
important
natural communication
routes for
the transportation
of products
such as balsam,
rubber, bananas)
and also for
the purposes
of irrigation.
Rivers
The
two important
hydrographical
systems are
river Santiago
and river
Esmeraldas.
River
Santiago
Originating
in the western
cordillera
in the paramos
of Pinan,
it also collects
the waters
of Lachas,
Chacras and
Cayapas.
Its main tributeries
are Uimbi,
el Bogota,
el Tululbi
and el Palabi.
River Cayapas
has stronger
currents than
River Santiago
and is therefore
more favourable
for navigational
purposes.
Cayapas originates
in the mountains
of Intac and
its main tributaries
are Onzole
and Zapallo
Grande.
Rivers Santiago
and Cayapas
irrigate the
province's
entire northern
zone.
River
Esmeraldas
River
Esmeraldas
is formed
of rivers
Blanco, el
Guayllabamba,
el Toachi
and el Quininde.
It originates
in the thas
of the cordillera;
river Guayllabamba
is its main
tributary.
River
Blanco
This
river originates
on the western
outskirts
of Pichincha,
at the foot
of Mindo,
joining river
Toachi to
enter the
province and
water its
fertile terrains.
River Blanco
can be navigated,
its tributaries
include river
Caoni and
Quininde.
Other
rivers in
the area worth
mentioning
are: Cojimies,
Atacames,
San Francisco,
Bunche andl
Muisne.
Bays
and Ports
Between
the estuaries
of rivers
Santiago and
Mataje is
the archipelago
of Pianguapi,
accommodating
mangroves.
The principle
bays are Ancon
de Sardinas
towards the
north and
Cojimies bay
towards the
south.
Principle
inlets are
Sua, Atacames,
San Francisco
and Muisne.
Esmeraldas,
San Lorenzo,
Baloa (oil
terminal),
Poliducto,
Gasero are
the area's
main ports.
Climate
The
province's
climate varies
depending
on the zone:
subhumid tropical,
subtropical
humid and
subtropical
with high
humidity.
Temperatures
average 23
degrees centigrade.
Last Updated
21st August
2006 (DLW)
