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Chongón-Colonche Mountain Range
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The Chongón-Colonche mountain range extends for about 330 kilometers along the Ecuadorian coast through the provinces of Guayas, Santa Elena, and Manabí. This range plays a vital ecological role as a barrier to moist air masses from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the formation of cloud forests at higher elevations. The region preserves one of the last significant fragments of tropical dry forest and coastal humid forest in Ecuador. Historically, the area was home to major pre-Columbian cultures such as the Valdivia, Machalilla, and Chorrera civilizations, with archaeological traces dating back to 3500 BC. Today, the range is of central importance for the protection of endangered species like the Great Green Macaw and the Ecuadorian Mantled Howler Monkey. Despite its ecological significance, the region is threatened by agriculture, mining, and uncontrolled urbanization, requiring strengthened conservation measures.
- Location: Ecuador
- Top sights: Pk. 244 sector · Pk. 245 sector · Pk. 249. Sector
- Nearby: Daule (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 123 | 215 | 212 | 126 | 38 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 24 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The approach is mostly from coastal cities like Guayaquil via reasonably well-maintained highways, from which smaller dirt tracks later branch off directly into the hilly landscape.
Best season
The cooler, more humid Garúa season from June to November is often optimal as the vegetation turns lush green and the temperatures become significantly more bearable for hiking.
Terrain & paths
The terrain consists mostly of gentle, often forested hills and drier coastal slopes, featuring trails that are generally significantly easier to traverse than those in the high mountains.
What to bring
Light hiking shoes, adequate sun protection, and a pair of binoculars for birdwatching are generally perfectly sufficient for a typical excursion into these expansive coastal hills.
Parking
Parking is usually easily found at the local entrances of smaller protected reserves or within the quiet rural villages scattered along the main roads crossing the mountain range.
Safety
The area is generally considered very safe for nature lovers, however, on unpaved dirt tracks after heavy rains, one should remain cautious of possible landslides and deep mud.
Time needed
The mountain range can often be easily explored via day trips from the major coastal centers, with various routes allowing for excursions ranging from just a few hours to a full day.
Geography
Facts
- The mountain range reaches a maximum elevation of about 800 meters above sea level.
- It is home to over 30 tree species that occur exclusively in this ecosystem.
- Ceramics from the Valdivia culture dating back to 3500 BC have been found here.
- Approximately 100,000 hectares of the range are designated as protective forest.
- Over 200 bird species have been documented in the Chongón-Colonche forests.
- The mountains are the primary freshwater source for the Santa Elena Peninsula.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Chongón-Colonche Mountain Range (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Chongón-Colonche mountains?
They stretch along the coast from Guayas province to Manabí.
What ecosystems are found there?
There are tropical dry forests and, in higher elevations, cloud forests.
Why are these mountains important?
It is the most important water source for the surrounding coastal regions.
Can you go birdwatching there?
Yes, it is a birdwatcher's paradise, with species like the Great Green Macaw.
Are there hiking trails?
There are trails in areas like Loma Alta or Dos Mangas.
Chongón-Colonche Mountain Range: where is it located?
Chongón-Colonche Mountain Range is located in Ecuador.
Chongón-Colonche Mountain Range: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pk. 244 sector, Pk. 245 sector, Pk. 249. Sector.
Chongón-Colonche Mountain Range: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Chongón-Colonche Mountain Range: why is it worth visiting?
The Chongón-Colonche mountain range extends for about 330 kilometers along the Ecuadorian coast through the provinces of Guayas, Santa Elena, and Manabí.
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Nearby cities
Guayaquil
The largest city in Ecuador and the main economic center on the Pacific coast.
Durán
An industrial city connected to Guayaquil by a bridge over the Guayas River.
Daule
Known as the rice capital of Ecuador due to the enormous production of this grain.
Milagro
The sweetest city in Ecuador, named after its extensive sugarcane production.
Velasco Ibarra
Commonly known as El Empalme, it is a strategic transport hub between three provinces.
Balzar
Center of cattle breeding and teak production in rural Guayas.
Naranjito
A lively small town characterized by extensive banana and cocoa fields.
Naranjal
The starting point for excursions to indigenous communities and the hot springs of Churute.
General Villamil Playas
A very popular beach destination that flourishes due to its proximity to Guayaquil.
Yaguachi
An important religious pilgrimage site for the veneration of San Jacinto in Ecuador.
Samborondón
A wealthy suburban community known for its exclusive residential complexes and historic rice fields.
History & landmarks
Monumental Stadium
The largest football stadium in Ecuador and home to the famous Barcelona Sporting Club in Guayaquil.
George Capwell Stadium
Home of the Emelec football club, known for its steep English-style stands and electrifying atmosphere.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Guayaquil
A neo-Gothic cathedral facing Iguana Park, characterized by its impressive twin towers.
Gazebo of Seminario Park
An ornate wrought-iron gazebo in Guayaquil's Iguana Park, serving as an elegant focal point of the square.
Crystal Palace
A striking iron and glass building in Guayaquil that once served as a market and now hosts art exhibitions.
Malecón 2000
A famous boardwalk along the Guayas River, showcasing both the modern and historical faces of Guayaquil.
La Perla Ferris Wheel
A massive Ferris wheel on the Malecón 2000 offering spectacular views over the Guayas River and Guayaquil.
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MAAC Museum
The anthropological and contemporary art museum of Guayaquil, known for its sail-like architectural design.
Nature
More places
Pescanova Shrimp Farm
Large-scale aquaculture farms for the breeding of whiteleg shrimp, one of Ecuador's most important export goods.
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Cerro Blanco Protected Forest
One of the best preserved dry forest areas near Guayaquil, where monkeys and wildcats live.
Port of Posorja (DP World)
A new deep-water port in the Gulf of Guayaquil, designed to handle Post-Panamax ships.
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Holcim Cement Plant Guayaquil
A large cement production facility on the outskirts of Guayaquil, serving the coastal market and export routes.
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El Pantanal Zoo
A privately run zoo near Guayaquil specializing in the conservation of tropical fauna.
Pilsener Brewery Guayaquil
The main production facility for Pilsener, the best-selling beer brand in Ecuador.
La Universal Confectionery
A traditional Ecuadorian brand that produces chocolate and confectionery, deeply rooted in the country's cocoa history.
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.