Ecuador North Coast

Ecuador’s north coast is a less popular region of the country among international tourists, yet is arguably home to its best beaches. Canoa, framed by cliffs and a vast horizon, offers a lovely beach fringed by bars and backpackers, and fantastic surfing conditions which reach a peak in the first part of the year when it hosts several international surf competitions. Same is home to a surprising number of excellent restaurants for its size. For more glitz, stay in the chic resorts at Manta and enjoy some good casinos and clubs. The 100-square-metre Playa de Oro Reserva de Tigrillos is a wonderful nature reserve protecting native jungle cats, and is conveniently close to the Reserva Ecologica Cotacachi-Cayapas. In the ‘green province’ of Esmeraldas, meet the country’s unique Afro-Ecuadorean community, which holds distinctive music, cuisine, and customs.