Hiking (Ruta del Spondylus)

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Hiking

Cloud forest trails above Manglaralto, cliff paths at La Rinconada, and hanging bridges at Las Tunas — the Ruta del Spondylus has more hiking than most visitors expect from a beach route.

Dos Mangas

Cloud forest trailhead

Guided only

Loma Alta reserve

Year-round

Season

Easy–Moderate

Difficulty range

Overview

The Ruta del Spondylus is best known as a beach and surf corridor, but behind the coastal strip the terrain rises quickly into the western Andean foothills. Several communities on the route provide access to genuine hiking — through cloud forest, along clifftop paths, and across river valleys. The most significant hiking destination is the Loma Alta Ecological Reserve, reached via Dos Mangas, which offers some of the most biodiverse forest within reach of Ecuador's Pacific coast.

Hiking Destinations

Loma Alta Ecological Reserve — via Dos Mangas

The Loma Alta Reserve is a community-managed forest covering the hills above Manglaralto and Dos Mangas. It is one of the last significant patches of tropical dry and semi-humid forest on the Santa Elena coast, and the biodiversity — birds, orchids, bromeliads, and small mammals — is exceptional by coastal standards.

Access is from Dos Mangas, a small inland community reached by turning off the E-15 near Manglaralto and following a dirt road approximately 5 km into the hills. Guides are required and available in the village — they are community members who know the trails and can identify birds and plants along the route.

Trail options: Guides offer routes of 2–5 hours depending on fitness and interest; longer routes reach the ridge with views over the coast
Difficulty: Moderate — the terrain is hilly and trails can be muddy in the wet season; good footwear required
Best season: June–October (green season) for lush forest and birdsong; December–April for drier conditions and better visibility
Cost: Guide fees negotiated directly in the village; typically $10–20 per person; entrance fee may apply
What to bring: Water, snacks, insect repellent, sturdy footwear, and binoculars if birdwatching

La Rinconada — Clifftop Paths

La Rinconada's high coastal cliffs provide informal walking routes along the headland. The paths are not marked trails but well-trodden local routes that offer commanding views north and south along the coast. This is primarily a viewpoint and birdwatching location — the cliffs attract both seabirds (boobies, frigatebirds, pelicans) and raptors — but the walk along the clifftop is scenic and accessible without a guide.

Distance: Variable; 1–3 km along the cliff edge depending on how far you walk
Difficulty: Easy — flat cliff path; no technical terrain
Best time: Early morning for birds; late afternoon for coastal light
Notes: No facilities; buses stop on the E-15 below; walk up from the road

Ayampe — Cloud Forest Trails

Ayampe sits where the cloud forest reaches the Pacific, and several retreat centres and local guides offer forest walks into the hills above the village. These are informal rather than marked trails, and the experience depends heavily on your guide.

What to expect: Howler monkeys are audible from the road and visible at the forest edge at dawn; endemic bird species in the forest; orchids and bromeliads
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate depending on route chosen
Arrange: Ask at accommodation in Ayampe; several retreat centres include guided walks in their packages

Las Tunas — Hanging Bridges

Las Tunas has a network of suspension bridges over jungle streams — an accessible, short walk through riverine vegetation. Suitable for all fitness levels and particularly popular with families.

Distance: 1–2 hours depending on how many bridges you cross
Difficulty: Easy
Access: Ask locally in Las Tunas village for the route; no guide required

Headland Walk: Olón to Montañita

A classic short walk over the rocky promontory between Olón and Montañita. The path crosses the headland with open sea on both sides — about 20–30 minutes one way. The return can be made by bus or moto-taxi if desired.

Distance: ~2 km one way
Difficulty: Easy; some scrambling over rocks
Best time: Any time; sunrise is spectacular from the headland

Getting to the Trailheads

Dos Mangas (Loma Alta): Take a bus from La Libertad or Montañita to Manglaralto, then arrange local transport or walk the 5 km dirt road to Dos Mangas. Taxis from Manglaralto are available for this stretch.
La Rinconada: E-15 bus from Montañita northbound; ask the driver to stop.
Ayampe: E-15 bus from Montañita northbound; approximately 45–60 minutes.
Las Tunas: E-15 bus from Montañita northbound; approximately 1 hour.