La Rinconada
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Cliffs
Landscape
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Raptors & seabirds
Wildlife
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Paragliding
Key activity
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Jun–Sep
Whale season
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Overview
La Rinconada is a headland and small community on the Ruta del Spondylus (E-15) in northern Santa Elena Province, between La Entrada to the south and Ayampe to the north. It is characterised by some of the highest and most dramatic cliffs on the entire route — rocky faces dropping directly to the ocean, with panoramic views in both directions along the coast.
The headland juts into the Pacific sufficiently to create strong upward thermals along the cliff face, making La Rinconada the recognized paragliding launch point on this section of coast. The cliffs also funnel seabirds, raptors, and migratory species in a way that makes the location consistently productive for birdwatching. During the whale-watching season (June–September), humpbacks pass through the deep water directly below the cliffs and are frequently spotted from the clifftop.
The Cliffs & Views
The clifftops at La Rinconada are accessible on foot from the road — a short walk from where the E-15 passes closest to the headland. The views from the top are among the most dramatic on the route: south toward San José and the open beaches of the southern Spondylus; north toward Ayampe and the beginning of the cloud-forest coast. On a clear day the horizon in both directions is unobstructed.
The cliffs are not fenced and are steep; care is needed, particularly in wet conditions. The ground is dry-season scrub, with good footing in the dry months (June–November) and more slippery conditions in the wet season (December–April).
Birdwatching
La Rinconada is widely regarded as one of the best birdwatching sites on the Santa Elena coast. The combination of cliff thermals, open ocean, and the transition between dry coastal scrub and approaching cloud forest creates a habitat diversity that attracts a wide range of species.
Regularly recorded species include:
- Magnificent frigatebirds and brown pelicans (year-round)
- Peruvian boobies and blue-footed boobies (particularly in the austral winter)
- Peregrine falcons (passage migrant, Aug–Oct)
- Osprey (winter visitor)
- Various species of tern and gull
The best time for raptors and seabirds is early morning during the June–November period, when the thermals develop quickly after sunrise and visibility is typically excellent.
Paragliding
The clifftop thermals at La Rinconada are used by paragliders operating from this section of coast. The launch point is on the open headland above the cliffs. Conditions are best from June through October when the upwelling-driven winds produce consistent lift. Local operators occasionally offer tandem flights from this location; ask in Ayampe or Montañita for current operator details, as the activity is informal and depends on individual instructors.
Paragliding here requires appropriate experience or a certified tandem pilot — do not attempt solo flights without local knowledge of conditions and hazards.
Whale Watching
From June through September, humpback whales migrate through the deep-water corridor offshore. La Rinconada's cliffs provide one of the best shore-based whale-watching vantage points on the entire route — elevation gives the viewer a sight angle that makes it far easier to spot spouts, breaches, and tail flips than from beach level. Binoculars are useful but not essential in peak season when whales approach close to shore.
The best viewing is in the late morning when whale activity increases and the light is behind the viewer. Boat tours depart from Montañita for closer approaches; the clifftop at La Rinconada provides the best shore-based alternative.
Getting There
La Rinconada is on the E-15 and served by northbound buses from the Sumpa Bus Terminal in Santa Elena. Journey time approximately 3.5–4 hours. Ask the driver to stop at La Rinconada — the headland is visible from the road as the cliff protrudes toward the ocean. Returning buses pass regularly and can be flagged from the roadside.
From Ayampe: 15–20 minutes south by bus. From La Entrada: 10–15 minutes north.
See Also
- Portal:Ruta del Spondylus — route overview
- Birdwatching — full guide
- Whale Watching — Jun–Sep guide
- Paragliding — activity guide
- Ayampe — cloud forest coast to the north
Community facts
| Status | Comuna in Manglaralto parish, Santa Elena canton |
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| Beach | About 0.6 km |
| Good to know | In the rainy season the E-15 here is prone to landslides (closures in 2013 and 2022) |
Source: PDOT cantón Santa Elena 2023–2027 (beach lengths p. 220; water coverage of Aguapen's network, Oct 2023, p. 104); PDOT Provincia de Santa Elena 2015–2019 (water boards, p. 216).