TOURISM

General - Attractions - Accommodation - Airlines - Transport

ATTRACTIONS - Coast Region

Indian Markets - Highlands - Amazon - Coast - Galapagos - Birdwatching - Adventure Sports - National Parks - City Tours

San Lorenzo
Ecuador's most northern coastal town in linked to Ibarra in the highlands by the extraordinary "autoferro" railway that takes most of a day to descend from an altitude of 2,210 m to the coastal plains. Whichever way you come, you may be mildly surprised when you arrive in this hot, tropical coastal town, where the streets are mostly unpaved, full of pot holes and sprouting weeds.

Atacames
A row of round straw huts stretches along the big beach at Atacames. Each has an identical framework with a palm thatched roof, a circular bar inside, bamboo furniture and open walls to let in the warm night air. Hammocks are strung between palm trees or poles in the sand.
Atacames is a party town. If you like salsa, samba, reggae, rock, techno, jungle or just plain rock'n'roll, this is the place to be.

Tonsupa and Súa lie respectively just north and south of Atacames, like two younger twin brothers who haven't learned to party with adults. Tonsupa is upmarket with condos and timeshares while Súa retains some fishing village charm, with pelicans and boats lying at anchor in its placid bay.

Bahía de Caraquez
More recently, Bahía was an important banana shipping center. Ecuador is still the world's leading banana republic, though most exports are now shipped through the bigger ports of Guayaquil and Machala down the coast. While still functioning as a port, tourism is increasingly important for Bahía. It is one the country's leading and best-appointed coastal resorts, even if it might seem a tad sedate for those who prefer the party mood and beach culture of hangouts like Atacames.