Iguana lounging at Parque Bolivar public garden.

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

South Coast

Wide sandy beaches, lush nature reserves and biologically rich islands are just a few of the attractions of Ecuador's southern coastal region. For wildlife watching, outdoor activities (like surfing, hiking and paragliding) or just relaxing on the beach, this is a great place to be.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Salinas, Ecuador - April 14, 2016: The lighthouse at La Chocolatera, the point of land that sticks furthest out into the Pacific Ocean from Ecuador. ; Shutterstock ID 436830718; your: Sloane Tucker; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI 436830718

    La Chocolatera

    South Coast

    The westernmost point of Ecuador has three main attractions:La Fae Beach, with a boarded walkway where you can watch a seal colony;El Morro (or little…

  • Fossilized trunks in the Petrified Forest of Puyango in southern Ecuador.

    El Bosque Petrificado Puyango

    South Coast

    A 4km boardwalk loop leads to the petrified forest (take the trail behind the toilet block; another dirt road to the left leads to private land). The dry…

  • People visiting Playa de San Lorenzo in Salinas, Ecuador.

    San Lorenzo Beach

    South Coast

    Salinas' main, and most crowded, beach sits on the malecón opposite dozens of restaurants and hotels. It has volleyball courts, a pier (from which you can…

  • Playa de Chipipe in Salinas, Ecuador.

    Chipipe Beach

    South Coast

    To the west of San Lorenzo Beach is Chipipe – equally well maintained, but with a fraction of its neighbor's crowds. If you're looking for a quieter beach…

  • Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco

    Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco

    South Coast

    This private reserve is administered by Fundación Pro-Bosque. There’s an organic farm, an education center with exhibits on the local ecology and birdlife…

  • Plaza Lagos

    Plaza Lagos

    Guayaquil

    One of Guayaquil's most charming and upscale settings for a bite or a drink is Plaza Lagos, a handsomely designed complex of restaurants, designer…

  • Cacau E Mango

    Cacau E Mango

    South Coast

    Learn how cocoa is produced at this pleasant, rustic 10-hectare farm, run by the friendly and welcoming Lara family. Day trips include a tour of the farm,…

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

Plan with a local

Go Beyond

South Coast and beyond

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