The town of Puerto Hondo is situated on the southern coast of Ecuador, close to the bustling modern city of Guayaquil. Here you will find one of the best-conserved mangrove eco-systems in the region, managed by the community itself. The town is surrounded by a beautiful sunlit coastal landscape which can be explored by canoe - along the estuary and the ocean inlet – in the company of experienced naturalist guides who are available on site. Many different species of mangroves can be seen, along with the coastal and marine life typical of this sort of forest, including numerous species of interesting and colourful tropical birds.

Puerto Hondo’s Environmental Education Center is designed to give visitors the opportunity to get to know and learn about maritime diversity and the cultural wealth and conservation objectives of the community managed mangroves. Guests will also enjoy the rich typical food of the area, such as “maduros con queso” (a thick, sweet variety of banana combined with a rich cheese), rice, beans and fried fish, plantain patties filled with fresh shrimp; and best of all the clam and oyster “Ceviches” (a delicious dish of shellfish marinated in lime juice, with tomato, onion and spices) which are served at pleasant community-run restaurants.