To get to Atacames from Esmeraldas, walk down 10 de Agosto to the Malecon (Esmeraldas), where you’ll find the TransCostenita main bus station. Buses leave frequently, tickets can be bought once on the bus. The road to Atacames is marked by crossing with simple dirt roads and the gross orange flame-bearing pipes marking the site of yet another oil refinery. Beyond the grasp of oil-mongers the picturesque green hills of Esmeraldas roll freely, interrupted only by the white and black colorings of the odd cow. A number of hotels and hosterias (Hostería Pradera) and large eateries (Samanes Restaurant) line the route from Esmeraldas to Atacames; to check them out just walk to the front of the bus and ask them to stop. Buses from Esmeraldas to Atacames cost $0.50.