Jambelí Ranch

Jambeli farm is located in Balao Chico 90 minutes from Guayaquil. Jambeli is found near the foothills of Molleturo, which is part of the Andes Oriental Mountain Range, and is adjacent to more than 1,200 hectares of mangrove that border Jambeli Channel, from where the farm takes its name. Visitors can experience one of the most complete ranches on the coast, being its main attraction our wildlife rescue center, the Jambelí Ecological Rescue Foundation where endangered species are taken care of and reproduced. The most representative species are the crocodile and the spider monkey, as well as the parrot. Other activities include visits to cocoa and banana plantations, Beef and Dairy cattle and shrimp pools. Finally, limiting the ranch, there are about 1000 hectares of swamp forest, which is the habitat of a great diversity of species, and allows for interesting birdwatching. A few minutes in the opposite direction of Balao Chico, we can find a Shuar community. This community offers thermal pools that emanate naturally from the mountain; the temperature is 26 degrees Celsius.

There are two main zones with life:

• Dry tropical forest
• Extremely dry tropical forest, unique on the planet.

The vegetation is typical of a clear forest, thickets, and herbs. The original vegetation is made out of trees like balsam, black wood. Species like “guachapelí”, “bototillo”, “barbasco”, “cascol”, “malva” “algarrobo”, “uña de gato”, oaks, and the ceibo tree are worth of admiration.                              

There are over 160 species of birds, with the most common being the “Aboricola” duck, the white stork, the pelican,  swallows, frigate, sparrows, goldfinches,  parakeets and more.

The woods have deers, jaguars, monkeys, possums, racoons and bats among other species.