Manglares Majagual (The Majugal Mangrove Swamps)

The Majagual Mangroves are reputedly the highest mangrove forests in the world, with trees measuring between forty and fifty metres high and estimated at being around a hundred years old. Given that the roots of the mangroves are gradually gaining territory at the expense of the sea creating a mud-silt shoreline, the landscape is extremely striking. Arrival at Majugual is possible by boat departing from either San Lorenzo, Valdez or La Tola.

 

La Tolita (Pampa de Oro)

The archaeological remains of the La Tolita civilisation, which inhabited this area between 500BC and 500AD, are situated here. Thanks to discoveries made at this site, archaeologists have concluded that this civilisation was extremely knowledgeable in the domain of ceramic and metal work, gold and platinum in particular.

 

Several artificial hillocks can be observed here, which served either to safeguard the residences from the crashing movement of the waves or to bury the dead, in the majority of cases along with domestic utensils and other artefacts used for the deceased. The cultural handicrafts produced by this civilisation that have been found so far are of extreme beauty and complexity. One such example is the undertaker’s mask in the form of the sun, which is now the Ecuadorian Central Bank’s logo. This along with the majority of the other artefacts belonging to this culture, which have been recovered, are now located in the Central Bank’s museum. Other places of interest in this area include the La Tolita de los Ruano and La Tolita de los Castillos, both which are accessible by boat from San Lorenzo .

 

Palma Real

Situated towards the northern part of the Reserve and therefore the country’s northern border, the community of Palma Real constitutes an attraction due to its exceptional social set up and furthermore the beautiful coastal landscape it has to offer. This area is rich in palm trees, hence the name, and a hub of commercial activity. Its handicrafts and tourist spots for dining out are famous. Passing through this town is unavoidable if wishing to cross the coastal border, which separates Ecuador and Colombia .

 

La Cascada o Salto (The Waterfall)

Situated in the area known as San Antonio , this waterfall is actually just outside the Reserve’s borders, where the swamp ends. Generally known by the name El Salto del Tigre or the Tiger’s Waterfall, it provides a particularly impressive view given that it functions as a transition area between mangrove swamp and tropical rainforest.

 

La Marimba Esmereldena (Marimba Music and Dance Festival)

One of the most eye-catching and appreciated cultural manifestations of the communities here is the interpretation of Marimba music (using the xylophone) and dance of the Esmeraldas. It constitutes a magnificent display of rhythm, music, seduction and colour. San Lorenzo ’s Marimba schools teach a diverse repertoire of dances with various themes. Every June the town comes alive as it hosts an international Marimba festival with participants from neighbouring countries.

 

San Lorenzo

The town of San Lorenzo is located just outside the Reserve’s border. Hotels, restaurants and amenities required to embark on journeys towards the interior of the area are available here.

 

La Chiquita Ranger Station

The ranger station La Chiquita is extremely didactic for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of tropical rainforests. It owes its name to the swamp, La Chiquita , which can be located within its 1,400 hectares . Research into floral species floral species is the main activity that is taking place in the area.

 

A very attractive and not too strenuous pathway is situated very near to the offices in La Chiquita. A variety of trees and plants can be observed along the way, it’s necessary to cross a small inlet where tortoises and a diverse variety of birds can be seen, especially in the early morning or late afternoon before nightfall. In this zone the flora typical of this area can be enjoyed. The path leads to an orchard with species removed from primary forest and placed in the surrounding area to be studied for the purpose of the research being carried out. The nursery, where germination trials of tree species take place, is situated at the end of the path.

 

Another path, Sabalera, so-called because it leads to the swamp of the same name, takes around two hours to complete. It is also possible to observe trees that go deep into primary forest, along with a countless number of species of flora and fauna in an almost unspoiled state. Another peculiar sight typical of this path is the orchids, which graciously hang from the tree branches.

 

From La Sabalera it’s possible to go towards the Chanul area, the third footpath situated inside the ranger station, where the chanul tree, which is a species endemic to the area and also endangered due to overexploitation of its