Mache
Mache-Chindul
Ecological
Reserve
houses
an
extensive
stretch
of
rainforest,
which
has
traditionally
been
the
home
of
the
Chachi
and
Afro.Esmeraldena
communities.
There
is
no
doubt
that
the
Reserve’s
principle
attraction
is
absolutely
incomparable
with
other
reserves.
Apart
from
the
exotic
landscape
encompassing
waterfalls
and
natural
pools,
such
as
those
by
River
Ene
and
La
Boca
de
Tasone,
the
most
important
characteristic
of
the
Reserve
is
the
high
level
of
biodiversity
which
it
accommodates.
Chachi
and
Afro-Esmeraldena
Communities
These
groups
have
co-existed
in
this
area
for
decades,
taking
advantage
of
the
forests
natural
resources,
nevertheless,
the
pressure
exercised
by
timber-producing
firms
in
the
area
and
their
colonization
not
only
poses
a
threat
to
the
area’s
natural
resources,
but
also
the
preservation
of
Mache-Chindul’s
culture.
Biodiversity
Research
carried
out
in
the
area
has
so
far
only
confirmed
the
extraordinary
quantity
of
different
plant
and
animal
species
waiting
to
be
studied
here.
This
section
of
Ecuadorian
forest
is
considered
as
one
of
the
world’s
ten
hotspots
with
regards
to
biodiversity.
Public
baths
and
beaches
Beautiful
beaches,
such
as
Muisne,
Agua
Dulce
de
Tabiazo,
Atacames,
Sua
and
Same,
which
house
ample
tourist
infrastructure
and
enjoy
an
extremely
pleasant
climate,
are
located
here.
Tourist
infrastructure
here
caters
for
all
types
of
visitors,
offering
budget
to
first-class
accommodation
and
serving
typical
Esmeraldena
seafood-based
cuisine,
which
comes
highly
recommended.
Reserva
de
Bilsa
(Bilsa
Reserve)
This
Reserve
constitutes
a
privately-funded
forest
situated
towards
the
eastern
border.
The
forest
provides
shelter
to
a
variety
of
flora
and
fauna
similar
to
that
found
in
Mache-Chindul.
Tourist
infrastructure
is
limited,
but
is
able
to
accommodate
visitors,
scientists
and
students
wishing
to
stay
in
the
area.
Last
Updated
21st
July
2006
