Hiking (La Peninsula)

EcuaWiki › The Peninsula › Outdoor Activities › Hiking

Hiking La Península

Cliff paths above the Pacific, dry forest trails, and headland walks — the peninsula is not mountainous, but its coastal terrain offers some of the most dramatic walking on Ecuador's coast.

Jun–Nov Best hiking season

Coastal Terrain type

No permit Most routes

Dawn Best time of day

Hiking Areas

Area	Type	Notes
Ancón cliffs	Clifftop coastal path	Dramatic Pacific views; erosion cliffs; pass near oil heritage sites. No marked trail — explore the headland edges with care.
Ancón dry forest	Forest trail	Remnant tumbesian dry forest with endemic bird species. Best with a local guide. Access from Ancón town.
Punta Carnero headland	Coastal headland	REMACOPSE reserve area. Rocky path to the cliff edge above the ocean. Drive to the headland, walk the rim.
Ballenita / Farallón Dillon	Clifftop trail	Overlooking the sea lion colony and whale-watching platform. Short but spectacular.
La Chocolatera (Naval Base)	Headland walk	Requires entry via the Naval Base with ID. The path around the tip offers views of both currents meeting. Free entry.

Tips

• Best season: June–November (dry); less mud, clearer air, better bird activity
• Start early: Avoid midday heat and afternoon wind
• Footwear: Trail shoes or sturdy sneakers — coastal paths have loose rock and sand
• Water: Carry more than you think you need — no facilities on most routes
• Cliffs: Several routes pass unstable cliff edges — stay well back from the edge

See Also

• Birdwatching — Ancón dry forest trails overlap
• Outdoor Activities (La Peninsula) — full activities index