Head inland from Machala and you will discover a peaceful corner of the country. The Uplands are devoid of the most commonly spotted species: the tourist. Scenic roads meander through the countryside, winding past quiet colonial cities and the characteristic gold mines that give the region its name. A network of trails crisscrosses the landscape, running to hidden waterfalls and through expansive tracts of forests. As a transition zone between the rugged mountains of the Andes and the smooth sandy beaches of the coast, this region presents travelers with a unique climate conducive to walking and trekking.