Bosque Protector Chongón-Colonche
(Redirected from Chongón-Colonche)
🌫️ Bosque Protector Chongón-Colonche
53,000 ha of protected forest on the hills behind the coast — where the garúa keeps a cloud forest alive.
The Chongón–Colonche protected forest (Bosque Protector Chongón-Colonche) covers the range of hills that runs behind the north coast of Santa Elena. About 53,316 ha of it lie in the province.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Area in the province | About 53,316 ha |
| Also protected | Loma Alta Ecological Reserve (2,863 ha); about 35,900 ha of community forest under Socio Bosque |
| Landscape | Dry forest on the lower slopes, cloud forest on the ridges |
| Gateways | Dos Mangas, Loma Alta, Barcelona, Sinchal |
Why it's green
From June to November the misty garúa rolls in from the sea and condenses on the ridges, keeping a cloud forest alive in an otherwise dry region. Orchids, howler monkeys and many birds live here.
How to visit
Guided walks start from the comunas at the forest edge, especially Dos Mangas and Loma Alta. See Cloud Forest Trekking (Ruta del Spondylus).
Did you know…?
🦅 …the cliffs at La Rinconada are a favourite spot for seabirds and raptors?
See also
Sources: PDOT cantón Santa Elena 2023–2027 (p. 50).
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