Churute Mangroves

Churute Mangroves is one of  Ecuador’s first protected  mangrove area. Only 50 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Guayaquil, the Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve awaits you. It is one of the best-preserved natural regions of the Ecuadorian Pacific Coast. A large part of the almost 50,000 hectares of the natural reserve is made up by the fragile mangroves’ ecosystem, which helps to prevent floods during the rainy season.

Many species live in the reserve that is also a formal RAMSAR site, but what usually gets the attention of locals and foreigners is the mangroves and the red crabs that dance around.

As a cultural complement, when there is low tide, you will observe how the locals collect the coveted red mangrove crabs. You will then hike through the tropical dry forest of the reserve. Many species live in the reserve and there is a good chance of spotting howler monkeys in little groups. Finally, you will visit a small family farm.

During a short tour of the farm, you will learn a lot about the cultivation of different tropical fruits and plants, particularly about the world-famous Ecuadorian cocoa.  We will show you how chocolate is made from raw cocoa beans. And of course, we will also taste the final product.  After an unforgettable and very varied day in the tropical plain, you will return to Guayaquil. There you will have a free afternoon to enjoy the surroundings.