Pasaje

Pasaje is a significant city in the El Oro Province, located at the foothills of the Andes where they meet the coastal plains. Officially founded in 1894, the city has since evolved into one of the world's premier banana production centers. Its strategic position along the Jubones River allows for intensive irrigation of the surrounding plantations, which yield not only bananas but also cacao and various tropical fruits. Pasaje serves as a gateway to the highlands and acts as a vital trade link between the coast and the interior provinces. The humid tropical climate supports lush vegetation year-round. Economically, the city is heavily dependent on agricultural exports, with its proximity to Puerto Bolívar streamlining international logistics. Culturally, Pasaje embodies the dynamism of the El Oro agrarian society, characterized by its agricultural workforce and lively local market traditions.

Nearby cities

Machala

Often referred to as the banana capital of the world.

Santa Rosa

Known for its excellent shrimp farming and small regional airport.

Huaquillas

A bustling border town serving as the main commercial crossing between Ecuador and Peru.

El Guabo

An agricultural center characterized by its cooperative banana farmers.

Arenillas

An arid town with a military presence near the Peruvian border in El Oro.

Piñas

The orchid city of the Andes, famous for its floral diversity and foggy forests.

Zaruma

A picturesque historic gold mining town built on steep hills.

Durán

An industrial city connected to Guayaquil by a bridge over the Guayas River.

Naranjal

The starting point for excursions to indigenous communities and the hot springs of Churute.

Macará

An important and warm border crossing to Peru in the southernmost part of Loja.

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.

Milagro

The sweetest city in Ecuador, named after its extensive sugarcane production.

Daule

Known as the rice capital of Ecuador due to the enormous production of this grain.

Vinces

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

History & landmarks

Crystal Palace

A striking iron and glass building in Guayaquil that once served as a market and now hosts art exhibitions.

Guayaquil Historical Park

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

Monumental Stadium

The largest football stadium in Ecuador and home to the famous Barcelona Sporting Club in Guayaquil.

Sanctuary of the Virgin of El Cisne

A monumental Gothic church in the mountain town of El Cisne, the center of one of Ecuador's largest pilgrimages.

More places

Port of El Oro Province

The official name for Puerto Bolívar, a multipurpose port crucial for the export of bananas, shrimp, and gold.

Zaruma Coffee Farm

Traditional coffee plantations in the mountainous region of El Oro, famous for some of the best Arabica beans in South America.

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Arenillas Ecological Reserve

This reserve protects the tropical dry forest on the coast of Ecuador, which is home to many endemic species.

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Yasuní National Park

Yasuní National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, a vast area of pristine rainforest in the Ecuadorian Amazon basin.

Jardín del Río Port (Durán)

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

La Universal Confectionery

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

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Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve

An important mangrove conservation area in the Guayas delta, home to a rich waterfowl population.

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Ingenio Valdez Sugar Mill

One of the oldest and largest sugar mills in the country, processing sugarcane from the Guayas province.