Playa Escondida

Location:
Nr.Tonchigue
Tonchigüe, Ecuador

Hotel

By Katie Tibbetts

Playa Escondida is located in a beautiful bay, just 10 kilometers from Tonchigüe and 6 kilometers from Punta Galera. The words “Playa Escondida” mean hideaway beach and, indeed, it is way off the beaten track. The ecological refuge based here is large, covering nearly 100 hectares, and boasts a variety of flora and fauna. As an ecological retreat, Playa Escondida is not just for tourists: it is committed to protecting the surrounding plants and animals from local hunters, logging, cattle and shrimp farming, and commercial tourism. The retreat currently has capacity for thirty people. There is a camping area with plenty of shade and showers. There are no cooking facilities, but small campfires are allowed. For something a bit more private, ask to stay in Casa Wantara, a large house with its own kitchen and private bathroom ($25/person).

Getting There:
Overland, the route on the bus is spectacular via the cloud forest. The journey takes about 6 hours to Esmeraldas City. If you are coming by bus from Esmeraldas, or from Atacames, Súa, Same or Tonchigüe, there are 2 bus lines which make 5 round trips a

Room Prices:
Lower:Low season: shared shower, $10, private shower, $12-15
Higher:High season: shared shower, $20, private shower, $30-36
Price Description:Camping: $5

Contact Information:
Phone: 733368
E-mail: judithbarett(at)remove-this.hotmail.com,
Reservation URL: www.ecuadorexplorer.com/playaescondida.