Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve
Reserva Ecológica Manglares Churute
A mangrove and dry forest reserve about 50 km southeast of the city, where boats glide through mangrove channels and you can spot howler monkeys and over a hundred waterbird species.
Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve covers about 50,000 hectares and is one of Ecuador's key mangrove and coastal dry forest reserves, and also a Ramsar wetland. Inside are several hiking trails, including one that climbs to see howler monkeys, as well as lakes. Community canoes or small boats take visitors through the mangrove channels to see herons, cormorants, roseate spoonbills and fiddler crabs. With luck, you'll hear the roar of the mantled howler monkeys. The visitor centre is on the E25 highway toward Machala, about 1 hour's drive from Guayaquil. Entry is free, but boat rides and guides cost extra, so it's best to join a local tour or contact park rangers in advance. Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.
Opening hours
About 08:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Isla Santay
- Mercado Artesanal de Guayaquil
- Torre Morisca (Clock Tower)
- Palacio Municipal de Guayaquil
- Guayaquil Municipal Museum
- Malecón 2000 (Malecón Simón Bolívar)
- Parque Seminario (Iguana Park)
- Hemiciclo de La Rotonda