Refugio de Vida Silvestre Manglares Estuario Río Esmeraldas

The conservation area spans 242 hectares where the Esmeraldas River meets the Pacific Ocean, containing mangrove forests and tropical dry scrubs.

The refuge, established in 2008, preserves the remaining mangrove forests that decreased due to urban development and shrimp farming expansion.

Local communities depend on the estuary's resources through traditional fishing practices and shellfish gathering in the mangrove ecosystem.

Visitors reach the refuge by taking a bus to Esmeraldas from Quito, then proceeding to Puerto Pesquero Artesanal for mangrove exploration.

The area maintains 37% native vegetation with white mangrove dominance, while black mangrove species occupy secondary positions in the ecosystem.

GPS coordinates: 0.96840,-79.63999

Latest update: March 4, 2025 07:56