Plizio Visual Lab
Pacoche Forest
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Forest
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Pacoche Marine and Coastal Wildlife Refuge is located in the Manabí province, south of the city of Manta on Ecuador's central coast. It covers an area of approximately 13,500 hectares and is characterized by a remarkable transition from tropical dry forest to coastal humid forest. This 'island effect' of the Pacoche hills captures mist from the Pacific Ocean, allowing for a green oasis in an otherwise dry coastal region. The protected area is particularly known for its population of mantled howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys, which can be observed in the dense tree canopies. Besides the forest, Pacoche also protects a significant marine section that serves as a nesting site for sea turtles. The local population traditionally relies on fishing and the processing of toquilla straw for the famous Panama hats. Pacoche is a key destination for ecotourism, offering hiking trails through various forest formations that showcase high biodiversity in a compact area.
- Location: Ecuador
- Top sights: Columpios · San Lorenzo Lighthouse · Cerro El Cabuya
- Nearby: Salango (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 102 | 162 | 155 | 87 | 35 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 21 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The Pacoche Forest is easily accessible by car or public bus via the coastal highway (Ruta del Spondylus) south of the city of Manta.
Best season
Visitors might choose the wetter period from January to April when the forest is most lush, or the cooler dry season from June to November for more comfortable hiking.
Terrain & paths
The terrain features rolling hills and well-marked forest trails that lead through dense vegetation and can occasionally be slippery due to the high humidity.
What to bring
Lightweight clothing, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended; binoculars are handy for spotting howler monkeys and diverse birdlife.
Parking
There is a designated parking area at the refuge's visitor center, where information about the available hiking trails can also be obtained.
Safety
Hikers should stay on the trails to avoid disturbing the local flora and carry plenty of water, as conditions in the forest can become very humid and stifling.
Time needed
A guided hike through the forest typically lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the frequency of wildlife sightings along the way.
Geography
Facts
- The protected area was officially established on September 2, 2008.
- Approximately 5,000 hectares of the area consist of terrestrial forest.
- Over 200 bird species have been identified in Pacoche to date.
- Four species of sea turtles nest on the beaches of the reserve.
- The hills of Pacoche reach an elevation of up to 363 meters.
- It is one of the few places on the coast where howler monkeys live in the wild.
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.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pacoche Forest (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pacoche forest?
A protected coastal forest with a humid microclimate in a dry region.
Where is it located?
In Manabí province, about 20 minutes away from the city of Manta.
What animals can you see there?
It is especially known for howler monkeys and many exotic bird species.
Are there hiking trails?
Yes, the 'Senda del Mono' trail is very popular for seeing monkeys in the trees.
What should I bring?
Insect repellent, water, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Pacoche Forest: where is it located?
Pacoche Forest is located in Ecuador.
Pacoche Forest: what is there to see?
Highlights include Columpios, San Lorenzo Lighthouse, Cerro El Cabuya.
Pacoche Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Pacoche Forest: why is it worth visiting?
The Pacoche Marine and Coastal Wildlife Refuge is located in the Manabí province, south of the city of Manta on Ecuador's central coast.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Ecuador →
Nearby cities
Portoviejo
Known as the City of the Royal Tamarinds due to the many trees in the area.
Manta
One of the largest port cities in Ecuador, famous for tuna fishing and beautiful beaches.
Chone
A center for cattle breeding and agricultural traditions in Manabí.
Bahía de Caráquez
One of the first cities in the world declared ecological, featuring a beautiful bay.
Jipijapa
The Sultana of Coffee, historically famous for coffee cultivation on the Ecuadorian coast.
Montecristi
The true home of the Panama hat and the birthplace of Ecuadorian president Eloy Alfaro.
Calceta
A traditional agricultural town in Manabí, characterized by rivers and cocoa haciendas.
Muisne
Muisne is an island town surrounded by mangroves, famous for its pristine beaches and eco-friendly, car-free environment.
Pedernales
The place where the first French Geodesic Mission determined the equator line in Ecuador.
Salango
Salango is a tranquil fishing village in Ecuador's Machalilla National Park, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.
Ayampe
Ayampe is a tranquil, eco-friendly beach town nestled between lush jungle and the ocean, ideal for surfing and yoga.
Puerto Cayo
Puerto Cayo is a beautiful coastal village favored for its wide beaches, surfing spots, and humpback whale watching.
Crucita
A scenic fishing village celebrated as a premier destination for coastal paragliding.
Canoa
Canoa offers one of Ecuador's longest beaches, providing a relaxed, uncrowded alternative for surfing, paragliding, and dramatic ocean su…
Mompiche
A small fishing village on Ecuador's Pacific coast known for its excellent surf breaks and relaxed atmosphere.
More places
Tagua Processing
Workshops that process the tagua nut, also known as 'vegetable ivory', into buttons, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Puerto López Fishing Port
A small but lively fishing port that also serves as a starting point for whale watching tours.
Agua Blanca
The remains of a major city of the Manteño culture on the Ecuadorian coast.
Palo Santo Distillation
Facilities for the distillation of essential oil from the wood of the Palo Santo tree, valued for its aroma and spiritual purposes.
Port of Manta
A major seaport on the Pacific, important for tuna fishing and as a port of call for cruise ships.
Machalilla National Park
This park protects the unique tropical dry forest on Ecuador's coast, as well as stunning beaches and nearshore marine ecosystems.
Pesquera Polar Tuna
A leading company in Manta specializing in the processing and canning of tuna for export.
Isla de la Plata
Often referred to as 'Mini-Galapagos', this island is known for its blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.