Full Day Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve
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The precious Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve protects one of the few outstretched mangrove forests that largely has been spared. These provide a cradle for marine life and attract predators and countless wading, aquatic and sea birds. Surrounding hills covered with tropical dry and drizzle forests hide wildlife that you rather would expect in the Amazon than close to Guayaquil. Exotic bird song and parrot screams accompany the imposing roar of mantled howler monkeys, and there even occur elusive sloths, anteaters, agoutis, armadillos, peccaries, ocelots and jaguars...
Leaving Guayaquil you will cross the impressive Bridge of National Unity (total length 2,186m/7,172ft), which four bridges span Babahoyo and Daule Rivers, just before joining into Guayas River. The basic Interpretation Centre exhibits a relief maquete of the reserve. This gives an overview of the extended mangles (35,000ha/86,500ac), tolerated shrimp farms (6,700ha/16,500ac), floodplain wetlands and the Churute Hills (680m/2,230ft; 5,500ha/13,600ac) along its northern fringe. East of the highway this crest embraces Chanclón Lake. Rio Guayas Estuary is most important outflow of sweet water at the South American Pacific coast. At high tide, you will first visit the mangles; otherwise you start in the hills. Churute's mangrove forest is a jungle labyrinth, intersected by muddy tidal creeks. Some narrow creeks form alluring green tunnels, merely accessible by Amazon-type motorized canoe. Admire highly salt water-adapted red mangrove (and 4 more species) with its entangled aerial roots. Find yourself amidst countless wading and sea birds. Easy/Moderate, 1:30hrs, 1.4km/0.9mi While following the Howler monkey trail on Pancho Diabo Hill you can enjoy an impressive concert of mantled howler monkeys; you might catch a glimpse of them between the dense foliage, or even witness a spectacular jump! To reach this exuberant drizzle forest, you have to cross a short stretch of contrasty tropical dry forest, where – very unusual for the tropics – trees drop their leaves to prevent dehydration in the dry season. Included : English speaking guide, private transportation, Entrance Fee, Lunch |