The Coast

West of the great Andean range, is an area traversed by a coastal cordillera, and a relatively Flat plain with extensive alluvial stretches. The coast supports three main types of ecosystems: northern tropical rain forest, central and south-western tropical savannas, and dry forest on the western and southern peninsula strip. Along the coast are two additional ecosystems, especially noted for their plant and animal communities; the inlets of mangrove forest and the tidial areas.

Mangrove and marine environments provide a habitat ideal for fish and shell Fish, which are harvested by thousands of small-scale fishermen. The construction of more than 311.000 acres of shrimp farms has provided employment for many people. Shrimp is one of Ecuador´s major export products, but the mismanagement of the industry has caused the destruction of massive mangrove areas in some of the inlets. Guayaquil, Puerto Bolivar, Manta and Esmeraldas are ports of call along more than 2790 km of coast and beaches. It is an excellent area for fishing and water sports.