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The Pacific Coast / Esmeraldas

Discover Esmeraldas: beaches, marimba and food

Esmeraldas tells its stories through music, cooking and mangroves. Its heritage should be considered separately from current travel conditions.

Esmeraldas · Atacames · Mompiche3–4 suggested days
Las Palmas beach in Esmeraldas
Las Palmas beach in Esmeraldas

Find your way around the province

Map of Esmeraldas : Esmeraldas, Atacames, Muisne
Simplified map · provincial capital in yellow · key towns and settlements
  • Esmeraldas
  • Atacames
  • Muisne

What to discover

Atacames, Súa and Mompiche reveal different coastal landscapes. Their interest does not amount to a recommendation to travel under current security conditions.

Heritage and traditions

Esmeraldas’s marimba music, chants and dances share a UNESCO inscription with Colombia’s southern Pacific region. Encocados and tapao also open culinary conversations.

A suggested stay

For a future stay, choose one area and identified hosts. Musical or food conversations deserve time and consent.

Plan this stop

Consult official advice before booking. This page also invites you to explore the region’s heritage from afar.

Practical information

When to go

December to May is generally warmer and wetter on the coast; June to November is often drier and cooler, with overcast days possible. Conditions differ between the humid north and the southern coast.

What to book or arrange

Arrange cultural visits with the hosts. For mangroves and water outings, confirm guide, boat, times and local conditions.

Local forecast · INAMHI

Local food to try

Watercolour: Encocado de pescado — Fish in coconut sauce
Encocado de pescadoFish in coconut sauce

Encocado pairs fish or seafood with a coconut sauce. Tapao brings together ingredients such as fish and plantain in a gently cooked dish with family variations.

Useful links