Pacoche Forest with Specialist Naturalist Guide

Coastal Ecuador is largely covered in dry forest, which makes the lush green Pacoche Forest all the more unique and ecologically complex. Forests such as Pacoche once covered vast areas of the coastal region and were home to an enormous wealth and diversity of species.

  • Visit one of the last remnants of semi-dry tropical forest on the Ecuadorian coast.
  • Admire the lush green forest along the trails less congested which offer higher-percentage wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Delight your eyes with the green abundance of interesting flora and fauna: from the palm plants that are used to make the Panama hats, to the giant palm that produces Tagua, known as vegetable Ivory, and the beautiful Heliconia flowers that attract hummingbirds among others.
  • Enjoy the fresh air as you look up into the trees in search of howler monkeys and Capuchin monkeys.

  • Season

    Spring

  • Difficulty level

    Level 3: Active - good mobility needed

  • Duration

    2hrs30

  • Max. passengers

    30

  • Booking code

    A-MEC4

  • From

    89 €

  • Please note

    Guests are recommended to wear comfortable light clothing, hat, sunglasses. They should bring bug spray and comfortable walking shoes with a firm grip. Binoculars if possible, and camera.

Coastal Ecuador is largely covered in dry forest, which makes the lush green Pacoche Forest all the more unique and ecologically complex.  Forests such as Pacoche once covered vast areas of the coastal region and were home to an enormous wealth and diversity of species. Now they have been reduced to a dispersed chain of forest remnants under constant threat and facing an uncertain future.  

We depart the quayside and travel via the coastal route to the Pacoche trailhead. Along the way, we take note of the predominant dry forest and the stark contrast between the dry and wet forest areas delineated by what looks like an invisible boundary, the change is so radical. 

The route that has been chosen for this walk is specifically away from the typical tourist routes in Pacoche Forest, and so will appeal to those with a keen interest in nature. The forest is home to hundreds of bird species, as well as a unique species of howler monkey endemic to the forest. After spending a few hours with our specialist nature guide, we enjoy fresh fruit and a refreshing drink at the end of the route before heading back to the ship.       

Practical information: 

  • Language: English, French, German (Extra cost for French and German).

  • Included: 1 x 500 ml bottle of water per person on the coach. Includes 2 Fruits, 1 cool drink, plantain chips, granola or chocolate bar. 

  • Remarks/requirements: Guests are recommended to wear comfortable light clothing, hat, sunglasses. They should bring bug spray and comfortable walking shoes with a firm grip. Binoculars if possible, and camera. 

  • Walking information: Distance: 1000 metres /  Trails can be very muddy and wet, specially during rainy season (Dec-May) and they cover uneven and hilly terrain and some dirt steps.

  • Wheelchair accessible: No.