Canoa, Ecuador - February 20, 2015: Activity in the late afternoon on the beach in Canoa, Ecuador on February 20, 2015

Getty Images

North Coast & Lowlands

Ecuador's north coast doesn't make it onto the itineraries of many international travelers – it's hard to compete in a country that offers so much variety. But for surfers, backwoods explorers and nature lovers, this is a hidden treasure.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Tsáchila Communities

    Tsáchila Communities

    North Coast & Lowlands

    The Tsáchila people number about 3000; their eight communities spread across a 10500-sq-km reserve around Santo Domingo. A community tour is available…

  • Museo Historico de Montecristi

    Museo Historico de Montecristi

    North Coast & Lowlands

    Revolutionary and two-time president Eloy Alfaro was born in Montecristi, and here is an amazing tribute to the man: a hilltop museum with a panoramic…

  • Reserva Ecologico Jama-Coaque

    Reserva Ecologico Jama-Coaque

    North Coast & Lowlands

    We're hoping this reserve, 26 km south of Perdanales and 3km off the main highway, opens to tourism soon. Last we heard, Third Millenium Alliance (www…

  • Playa de Oro Reserva de Tigrillos

    Playa de Oro Reserva de Tigrillos

    North Coast & Lowlands

    Half an hour upstream from Playa de Oro, this 100-sq-km reserve is owned and operated by the community of Playa de Oro. It borders the Reserva Ecológica…

  • Tarqui Beach

    Tarqui Beach

    North Coast & Lowlands

    The east end of this stretch of sand is a hive of activity early in the mornings, as vendors sell row upon row of shark, tuna, swordfish, dorado and other…

  • Isla Corazón

    Isla Corazón

    North Coast & Lowlands

    Bird-watchers shouldn't miss a visit to Isla Corazon, where you can take guided tours through mangroves in search of frigate birds, herons, egrets and…

  • Congal Bio-Station

    Congal Bio-Station

    North Coast & Lowlands

    Only 2km from Muisne, this 6.5-sq-km marine reserve established by Jatun Sacha in 2000 focuses on mangrove conservation and organic aquaculture…

View more attractions
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "destination": "North-Coast-&-Lowlands",
  "region": "Americas",
  "continent": "South-America",
  "country": "Ecuador"
}

Plan with a local

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "destination": "North-Coast-&-Lowlands",
  "region": "Americas",
  "continent": "South-America",
  "country": "Ecuador"
}