Discover El Oro: Beaches, Nature and Cultural History

At Playa de Jambelí, beaches and nature watching come together. El Oro also offers destinations for travelers who want to include natural areas, viewpoints or cultural history in their plans. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip.

Coast, Activities and Birdwatching

At Playa de Jambelí, possible activities include birdwatching and photography, as well as beach soccer, volleyball and boat trips. Check locally before your trip to see which activities can actually be planned. Birdwatching can also complement a visit to the beach: migratory birds that can be spotted there include blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed, so do not plan them as a definite experience.

At Isla Santa Clara, observing seabirds and coastal birds is the main tourist attraction. Sightings there are also seasonal and cannot be predicted with certainty. Visitors can hire tour operators in Puerto Bolívar for the trip to the island; the speedboat ride takes approximately two hours. Because both operator availability and travel time can vary, it is advisable to check locally.

Playa de Bajo Alto offers a different experience: on weekends, it attracts many visitors seeking relaxation and a variety of dining options. Visitor numbers and offerings may vary by season. This is a useful distinction when planning compared with destinations where seasonal birdwatching is a major part of the visit.

Nature, River and Landscape

Bosque Petrificado de Puyango lies partly in Las Lajas Canton in El Oro Province and partly in Loja Province. It provides a habitat for more than 130 bird species and is home to specific and endemic flora and fauna. A report dated November 28, 2022, described improvements to the area, including repairs to the access road, a visitor center, new paths and animatronic dinosaurs. Check current conditions before setting out.

The Río Puyango is classified as Class III under the international whitewater scale for canoeing. River conditions and access vary by season and should be checked before the activity. Nature experiences in El Oro therefore vary considerably: the forest provides a habitat for numerous bird species, while the river offers a classified canoeing route whose conditions depend on the season.

Several named viewpoints offer wide-ranging views. Cerro El Calvario is in Zaruma Canton at an elevation of 1,500 meters; its summit has a viewpoint overlooking the “Sultana of El Oro.” Parque Mirador del Sitio La Colina offers panoramic views of Zaruma and a natural setting for relaxation. Parque Aventura at Cerro Pata Grande, meanwhile, features a large swing as a landmark of adventure tourism in the region and offers views of Piñas, the surrounding greenery and the sunsets.

Cultural History and Local Cuisine

Centro de Interpretación de Yacuviña complements a visit to the archaeological complex with an educational and sensory experience. Museographic and educational spaces present the history of the Inca and Cañari through museological concepts and archaeological and historical studies. Archaeologists consider the complex to be an ancient Inca city. The center’s construction was reported in August 2024; check opening arrangements before visiting.

Zaruma was declared a cultural heritage site of the State of Ecuador on September 9, 1997. The protected heritage includes first-order protection areas and a historic center. This makes Zaruma a distinct cultural-history destination alongside the province’s nature and coastal experiences. Local cuisine also contributes to the character of the place: Tigrillo is considered a representative dish of Zaruma and is made with mashed green plantains, egg, cheese and pork cracklings.

When choosing a hotel location, your planned focus can serve as a starting point: beach activities and seasonal birdwatching, nature and river experiences, or cultural history and viewpoints each cater to different travel interests. Check the relevant activity, access and opening conditions wherever they matter for your plans.

Discover more destinations: Machala Canton, San Pedro, Huaquillas Canton, Arenillas Canton, El Guabo Canton, Zaruma, Santa Rosa, El Retiro, Pinas, Pasaje Canton.

For the overarching travel guide: Ecuador.