About Esmeraldas

Esmeraldas, Ecuador's northernmost coastal province, is a vibrant Afro-Ecuadorian heartland where lush rainforests meet the Pacific Ocean. Known as 'La Provincia Verde' (The Green Province), it offers travelers pristine black-sand beaches, dense mangrove forests, and a rich cultural tapestry. Key destinations include the lively capital city of Esmeraldas with its infectious marimba music and dance, the tranquil beach town of Atacames with its palm-fringed shores and vibrant nightlife, and the ecological paradise of Muisne with its protected mangrove islands. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth, home to jaguars, howler monkeys, and countless bird species. The province's unique Afro-Ecuadorian heritage shines through its cuisine—don't miss encocados (seafood in coconut sauce) and tapao (fish stew)—and its annual Carnival celebrations, considered among Ecuador's most colorful. Esmeraldas offers an authentic, less-touristed experience of coastal Ecuador, blending natural wonders with deep cultural roots.