Bosque Seco Lalo Loor

Location:
To arrange a visit or volunteering, contact: CFTC. Eugenio de Santillán N34-248 y Maurián, Casilla Postal 17-12-867, Quito
Jama , Ecuador

Birdwatching

By Katie Tibbetts

Just 20 minutes south of Pedernales (by bus) and a short jaunt north of Jama is a network of recently opened trails winding through unique coastal dry forest, past a stunning variety of flora and fauna and spectacular views of the expansive Pacific Ocean. Bosque Seco Lalo Loor is a great place to get out and about in nature: a number of self-guided trails introduce visitors to dry forest ecology, as well as the area’s endemic wildlife, which includes White-Fronted Capuchin monkeys, Mantled Howler monkeys, Red-masked parakeets, Pacific Royal-Flycatchers, boa constrictors, Jaguarundi and a mixed bag of frogs and lizards.

Bird fans and orchid aficionados will also find the area full of interesting sites and sounds. The 45 minute Mariposa Trail begins at the reserve’s entrance, winding past tumbling waterfalls, while the Pacifico Trail starts from the Biological Station, eventually climbing a number of ridgelines and presenting visitors with ocean views. The Buco Trail is scheduled to open this year (let us know how it’s coming along!). Lodging is available in the new Biological Station. Opened in March 2005, the station can accommodate up to 24 people, providing basic lodging for visitors, researchers and volunteers, as well as serving as a research center for reforestation and conservation projects.

To arrange a visit, contact CFTC (Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation). For a few more creature comforts, you can also arrange to stay at Punta Prieta Guest House, just a few kilometers south of the Reserve, or Hacienda Camarones just a 20 minute walk south from the reserve. While in the area, be sure to check out the wave-carved natural monument, El Arco del Amor, located 3 kilometers south of the reserve, along the coast road towards the town of Tasaste. For maps of the Reserve and its trails head to www.ceiba.org/loormaps.htm.

Contact Information:
Phone: Quito phone numbers: 593-2-243-2240, 243-2246
E-mail: mail(at)remove-this.ceiba.org
URL: www.ceiba.org.

Traveler Reviews of Bosque Seco Lalo Loor

Nature and beach

Rating: 100%

This place is great! Close to the beautiful beaches and near the mountains... I like the monkeys near to the house in the morning and in the afternoons!

By davesmith from Germany, Aug 12, 2007