Rio Esmeraldas

This nature reserve is located in the mouth of the Rio Esmeraldas, between the town of Esmeraldas and the Parroquia de Tachina, where the airport is located. The area covers the mangroves that lie at the mouth of the Esmeraldas River and a surrounding area with patches of dry scrub. The mangroves in this area are the last vestiges of a network of extensive forests that existed in the area, but were transformed by the development of the town of Esmeraldas and the degradation of agricultural areas, as well as shrimp farming ponds. It is a little known and visited area due to limited access and lack of tourist infrastructure.