Súa

Súa is an appealing fishing village in the Esmeraldas province, offering a peaceful alternative to its bustling neighbor, Atacames. Travelers flock here for its calm, wave-free bay, which resembles a large natural pool, making it well-suited for families with children. The relaxed atmosphere invites visitors to unwind on the sandy beach, enjoy fresh seafood, and witness spectacular sunsets. Beyond the beach, Súa is famous as a prime departure point for humpback whale watching tours between June and September. The nearby Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island) and the Suicida cave are popular local excursions. The region's lush mangroves and coastal forests provide a haven for diverse bird species, attracting nature enthusiasts. Gastronomy in Súa revolves around fresh catches of the day, with encocados (seafood cooked in coconut sauce) being an absolute must-try. The village is easily accessible by bus or taxi from Esmeraldas or Atacames. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to November, which coincides with the magnificent whale watching season.

Nearby cities

Esmeraldas

An important coastal town known for its Afro-Ecuadorian culture and oil refineries.

Quinindé

A major oil palm hub in the heart of the lush Esmeraldas province.

San Lorenzo

A port city near the Colombian border, surrounded by pristine mangrove forests.

Atacames

A bustling coastal town famous for its lively nightlife, expansive sandy beaches, and vibrant Afro-Ecuadorian culture.

Tonsupa

A rapidly growing beach resort destination known for wide sands and modern high-rises.

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Same

An exclusive, quiet coastal destination characterized by its distinctive white Mediterranean-style architecture and pristine sandy beaches.

Cojimíes

Cojimíes is a quiet fishing village on the Pacific coast, famous for its endless palm-fringed beaches and delicious seafood.

Muisne

Muisne is an island town surrounded by mangroves, famous for its pristine beaches and eco-friendly, car-free environment.

Mompiche

A small fishing village on Ecuador's Pacific coast known for its excellent surf breaks and relaxed atmosphere.

Pedernales

The place where the first French Geodesic Mission determined the equator line in Ecuador.

Chone

A center for cattle breeding and agricultural traditions in Manabí.

Balzar

Center of cattle breeding and teak production in rural Guayas.

Velasco Ibarra

Commonly known as El Empalme, it is a strategic transport hub between three provinces.

Calceta

A traditional agricultural town in Manabí, characterized by rivers and cocoa haciendas.

Vinces

Known as Paris in miniature due to its architectural influence from the cocoa boom era.

History & landmarks

National Unity Bridge

A major bridge complex connecting Guayaquil with the neighboring cities of Durán and Samborondón across the Babahoyo and Daule rivers.

Nature

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Esmeraldas River

The Esmeraldas is a major river in northwestern Ecuador that flows through dense coastal rainforests to the Pacific Ocean.

Guayas River

The Guayas River is the most important river on the Pacific coast of South America, flowing into the massive Gulf of Guayaquil.

More places

Esmeraldas Refinery

The largest and most important oil refinery in Ecuador, operated by Petroecuador.

Esmeraldas Commercial Port

The main port in northern Ecuador, specializing in the export of crude oil and the import of vehicles and consumer goods.

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Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve

A huge mangrove area on the northern coast, where some of the tallest mangrove trees in the world grow.

Chocó Rainforest

One of the wettest and most biologically diverse lowland rainforests on the entire planet.

Awá Rainforest

A dense tropical forest in northwestern Ecuador serving as an important sanctuary for the indigenous Awá people.

Guayaquil Historical Park

A park combining history, culture and nature, with a large area for native wildlife and agriculture.

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El Pantanal Zoo

A privately run zoo near Guayaquil specializing in the conservation of tropical fauna.

La Universal Confectionery

A traditional Ecuadorian brand that produces chocolate and confectionery, deeply rooted in the country's cocoa history.