The Mangrove Swamps of Churute

Located in the Taura parish, on the 46 kilometer of the Guayaquil – Machala highway it is 49000 hectares long, which makes it the biggest reserve of the Gulf of Guayaquil. It is named after the Churute mountain range, which has seven mounts. The swamps have five dependant ecosystems: swamp, estuary, tropical, dry forest and lacustrian. Each has different flora and fauna. The temperature varies according to the maritime currents and the area’s conditions.

Swamp forest and estuary

Its important support of sediments next to the sea currents have formed a complex chain of islands in the Reserve, which, combined with continental land, both high and humid locks beep swamp forests. 70% of the protected area belongs to this forest.

El Canclón Lagoon

The northeast side of the reserve has an enormous plain space where the lagoon was formed. Made out of rain and 800 hectares long, it has a singular scenic charm. It is named after a bird species of the same name and the sound this bird makes.

El Mate Path

Located on the mount of the same name. You can appreciate the transition from the secondary to the primary dry forest. Its main attractions are birdwatching and the observation of exotic plants and monkeys, squirrels and invertebrate animals in general.

El Mirador Path

This is a short hike. From the top you have a 360 degree panoramic view of splendid contrasts, due to the different elements in the environment.

Mounts Pancho Diablo and Cimalon

This mounts keep a sample of the humid tropical forest of the coast with many species since they harbor the main forests in a great state of conservation, 300 meters above the sea level.

Mount Más Vale

The gradual ascension to Mount Más Vale’s highest parts makes the observation of the flora and fauna of the reserve possible, and in company of howler monkeys. On the north end of the Mount you can see a hidden cascade that is 30 meters tall.