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From
Reserves to Traditions
With an unbeatable tropical climate and a temperature which almost
always oscillates between 22 and 23 degrees centigrade, Los Ríos,
lying in the Guayas River Basin, is a great place to visit privately
run protected areas and witness coastal traditions such as rodeos.
Babahoyo
Babahoyo, Los Ríos' capital, is flanked by two rivers, the San Pablo
and the Caracol, which join to form the Babahoyo river which, in
turn, flows into the Guayas River, eventually ending in the sea.
One of the most interesting excursions that the area offers is sailing
down the Babahoyo, taking in the countryside and the traditional
lifestyle of the area's campesinos who live off of the land,
sowing crops and raising cattle. One feature of this journey that
is sure to catch your eye will be the floating houses unique to
the area. Another interesting sight is that of the house of Olmedo,
a famous writer who penned the "Canto a Bolívar".
Noteworthy attractions of the capital itself include the verdant
gardens of Parque 24 de Mayo and the city's main cathedral, which
is decorated with an enormous mosaic mural depicting the Virgin
Mary. Another impressive sight is that of Vinces (a.k.a. Little
Paris). This district, with its well-preserved colonial mansions
once belonging to wealthy cocoa merchants, is a charming relic of
days gone by.
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Playas
- Guayaquil Was Here
El Salto and Río Seco, both on the Playa Farms, are two interesting
places to visit.. Another must-see attraction is the Dimas inlet.
In past times one of the first foundations of Guayaquil was laid
here.
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Río Palenque
Scientific Research Center - Plants, Birds, and Virgin Rain Forest
The 247-hectare Río Palenque Scientific Research Center protects
a tropical rain forest containing an amazing wealth of biodiversity.
Within the Center, there are 1,216 species of plants, 360 species
of birds, and 350 unique species of butterflies, among others. The
Center can comfortably accommodate 26 people and also contains an
extensive library.
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Pedro Franco
Dávila Biological Research Center (Juaneche)
The province of Los Ríos is home to 321 hectares of tropical
rain forest. Among other natural resources and wonders, this area
hosts 723 identified species of vascular plants and 231 epiphytes.
There are various facilities available here to visitors. The center
is looked after by The University of Guayaquil’s Natural Sciences
Department.
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Miraculous
Waterfall
One of Babahoyo’s more notable attractions is a natural spring
known as the “Miraculous Waterfall”. Located roughly 35
km outside of Babahoyo, this cascading falls is said to have many
medicinal properties.
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Culture
& Traditions
Every year on October 12th, the region’s farmers hold a traditional
rodeo. This is typically coastal farmers’ festivity is celebrated
in various villages throughout Los Ríos and Guayas. The riders
break in wild horses which constantly buck and rear. These strong,
skilled countrymen also catch rams in a kind of cowboy show which
always delights spectators.
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Cuisine
Shrimp, shellfish, and fish ceviches are the cuisine of choice
among locals and tourists alike. As in other parts of the Pacific
Coast region, rice and beans, fried plantains, and caldo de manguera
(pork tripe soup) are also local favorites.
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Map of Los Ríos, Ecuador |
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Province's Capital |
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Road |
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Cities |
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| Los Ríos
Introduction | Babahoyo | Playas
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| Río Palenque Scientific Research Center
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| Pedro Franco Dávila Biological Research
Center |
| Miraculous Waterfall | Culture
& Traditions | Los Rios Cuisine |
| Map of Los Ríos, Ecuador |
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