Esmeraldas is a coastal city, close to some of the best beaches in Ecuador, including Mompiche, Atacames, Same and Súa. Once a beautiful place in the green province, the city is now somewhat run-down. The buildings are badly constructed and ugly. A lot of them are falling down or were never finished in the first place and, due to the processing plant of the oil refinery, the city is noisy and polluted. It's also considered one of Ecuador's most dangerous cities, however, most of the locals will go out of there way to prove to you that this is not the case.

Around and closeby
If you love the ocean you should go to Súa, it is an important fishing village where you'll see sea birds diving for their supper. There are also whale watching tours offered from June to September.

Sightseeing
Covering an area of 70 hectares of tropical forest in the bay of Mompiche and its nearby surroundings, you will find natural attractions which have been preserved intact over time. The area along the coast is one of the most extraordinary nature and sea experiences that Ecuador has to offer.

Getting there
There are regular buses from Guayaquil, Bahía de Caráquez-vía Santo Domingo, Portoviejo, Manta, Quevedo, Quito, La Tola, San Lorenzo, Muisne, Ambato, Súa, Same and Atacames. There are daily flights, except on Saturdays, to Quito.