The Northern Coast and Lowlands

Few visitors to Ecuador come solely to visit the beach, however, those who do have the time to head to Westernn Ecuador will find that the region boasts some of the world's most diverse rain forests and cloud forests, amazing uncrowded beaches, tiny fishing villages, ruins from ancient civilizations, and a cultural richness much different than other regions of Ecuador.

The Northern Coast and Lowlands spans the lower Andean regions like Mindo, which is world famous for its birdwatching to the beaches of Esmeraldas and Manabí.

The major cities in the region are:

• Esmeraldas is little visited except to change buses to the spectacular beaches just to the south,
  
• Manta and it's airport is a jumping off point to some of the country's best beaches like Canoa, San Clemente and Bahia de Caraquez to the north, and Montañita, Punta Ayampe and Machalilla National Park on Ecuador's Southern Coast.
  
• Santo Domingo de los Colorados is a sprawling transportation hub which itself is nothing spectacular, but nearby indigenous sites prove to be very interesting, and there is excellent rafting nearby with trips booked in Quito.

Popular destinations on the actual coast include Atacames, which is known for its lively nightlife and Canoa, which has a chill surfer scene. If you want surf and sun without the crowds, Mompiche is an excellent choice, offering big waves, beautiful beaches and an ultra-relaxed atmosphere. The larger cities of the area, such as Esmeraldas and Manta are less popular with visitors, because of their dirty industrial feel.