Tonsupa

Tonsupa is a rapidly developing coastal resort town located in the Esmeraldas province, celebrated for its expansive, warm-water beaches and striking modern skyline. It has become one of the premier weekend escapes for residents of Quito, offering a lively mix of relaxation and animated nightlife along the Pacific coast. The town is defined by its wide sandy beach lined with tall apartment buildings, boutique hotels, and bustling beachfront cabanas. While it may not offer rugged wilderness, the ocean here is excellent for swimming, banana boat rides, and watching spectacular coastal sunsets. During holidays, the boardwalk transforms into a massive open-air party. Gastronomy in Tonsupa is heavily influenced by Afro-Ecuadorian traditions. You must try the "encocado", a rich dish of fish or shrimp cooked in fresh coconut milk. It is easily reachable by a 5-6 hour bus or car ride from Quito. The absolute best time to visit is during the coastal wet season (December to May) when the sun is out and the water is delightfully warm.

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.

Súa

Súa is a peaceful coastal village in Esmeraldas, known for its tranquil bay, whale watching, and relaxed atmosphere.

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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.

Velasco Ibarra

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

Chone

A center for cattle breeding and agricultural traditions in Manabí.

Balzar

Center of cattle breeding and teak production in rural Guayas.

Vinces

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

La Concordia

A young and emerging agricultural city on the border between the coast and the Andes.

History & landmarks

Guayaquil Historical Park

A theme park that combines historical architecture, the traditional way of life, and the native wildlife of the coastal region.

Nature

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.

Jardín del Río Port (Durán)

An inland port in Durán specializing in the handling of bulk cargo such as grain and fertilizers.

Monumento a Guayas y Quil

A monument in Guayaquil honoring the indigenous chief Guayas and his wife Quil, after whom the city is said to be named.

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El Pantanal Zoo

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