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WHALE-WATCHING SEASON!
During the months of the austral winter (June to September), HUMPBACK WHALES (Megapter novoaengliae) migrate from the Antarctic to tropical waters to mate and give birth to their calves. Ask our sponsors for organized tours to live this unique experience, offered all throughout Ruta del Sol.
Additionally, following this route, nature lovers have the opportunity to explore unique dry forest with their two contrasting seasons, cloud forest and their rare fauna and flora, to dive within coral reefs surrounded by exotic sea life, to admire the numerous bird species of the region, and submerge in isolated and exotic beaches. The “Chongón-Colonche” Mountain Range at the north of the Guayas province has unique ecosystems with an amazing diversity of endemic plants and birds: one can climb from very dry forest at the hills, only a few kilometers away.
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Typical handcrafts of the region include those made from a natural straw called “paja toquilla”. The famous “Panama Hats” were first manufactured in the town Montecristi (Manabí), however, because, they were sold to Panama during the construction of the Channel, they have maintained the name. One can make special arrangements to observe the whole process of harvesting, cooking, drying, and weaving the paja toquilla hats in different towns around the region. Other typical handicrafts are those made of “tagua”, known as the vegetable ivory. This material comes in clusters from a palm tree. They are carefully worked by the locals to make jewelry and other handicrafts.
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