Reserva Biológica Cerro Seco

Overview

Description

The Cerro Seco Biological Reserve is by the Pacific Ocean, southwest of the "eco city" of Bahía de Caráquez in the province of Manabí in Ecuador. The reserve has a tropical dry forest that drops its leaves during the dry season, receives 20-40 inches (500 to 1,000 millimeters) of rainfall per year, and has a rainy season from the end of December to the beginning of April. Bahía de Caráquez has a high number of endemic flora and fauna species per square acre, all of which are endangered due to careless development practices. There are also eight different biomes within a 31 mile (50-km) radius.

Some of the sights to see include the tropical dry forest and rainforest, tours in the estuary and visits to the mangroves, bird-watching, migratory whale-watching, and archeological ruins. You can also go diving and play other sports. On your visit, you can also enjoy local folklore and cuisine, many fiestas, and fun.

Our reserve was declared an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 10

We work in conservation, research, environmental education, sustainable development, and the promotion of natural resources in the región; we also try to support the municipal authorities and civil society in Bahía de Caráquez, which has been declared an “eco-city”.

We also use latrines and compost wastes to save water.

We have programs for volunteers to help with sustainability projects.

Rates

$25 or less

US$5 per night, with breakfast included.

For volunteers, the cost is US$250 per month, including all meals.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Quito (UIO); Guayaquil (GYE)

Nearest local/national airport: Manta (MEC)

Distance, by land, to the nearest airport: 31 miles (Manta).

To reach Cerro Seco, take a taxi from the bus terminal or from the center of Bahía de Caráquez to the Cerro Seco Reserve or walk for 10 minutes to the southwest in the community of Bellavista.

Additional Information

Date This Information Was Provided

June 2008.

Photo courtesy of Reserva Biológica Cerro Seco, Ecuador, for SustainableTrip.org.