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
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…
Reserva Ecológico de Manglares Cayapas-Mataje
North Coast & Lowlands
Millions of migratory birds pass through this coastal paradise in June and July, creating a cacophonous and memorable spectacle. The 513 sq km reserve…
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
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
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
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…
Los Naranjos Community
North Coast & Lowlands
A stay at the Los Naranjos community includes meals, a tour, and a language class. If you're just coming for the day, the tour and an 'aura cleaning'…
Museo Arqueologica Playa Africa
North Coast & Lowlands
See a collection of more than 6000 pieces of artifacts from the region. Get off a northbound bus in Montalvo and ask for local transport (car or motorbike…

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"
}