Dos Mangas: Difference between revisions
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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-bottom:12px;">[[Main Page|EcuaWiki]] › [[Portal:Ruta del Spondylus|Ruta del Spondylus]] › Dos Mangas</div> | <div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-bottom:12px;">[[Main Page|EcuaWiki]] › [[Portal:Ruta del Spondylus|Ruta del Spondylus]] › Dos Mangas</div> | ||
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== Overview == | == Overview == <!--T:2--> | ||
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'''Dos Mangas''' is a small rural community situated in the hills approximately 5 km inland from [[Manglaralto]] on the Ruta del Spondylus coast. It is the access point for the '''Loma Alta Ecological Reserve''' — a community-managed protected area covering cloud forest and transitional dry forest on the coastal Chongón-Colonche mountain range. | '''Dos Mangas''' is a small rural community situated in the hills approximately 5 km inland from [[Manglaralto]] on the Ruta del Spondylus coast. It is the access point for the '''Loma Alta Ecological Reserve''' — a community-managed protected area covering cloud forest and transitional dry forest on the coastal Chongón-Colonche mountain range. | ||
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The reserve is one of the most important conservation areas in western Ecuador. The coastal Cordillera Chongón-Colonche was once covered in forests that connected the Andes to the sea; today, Loma Alta is one of the last significant fragments remaining. The reserve is managed by the local community of Dos Mangas, who use it for ecotourism, sustainable resource extraction, and conservation. Guided treks into the reserve are arranged through the community. | The reserve is one of the most important conservation areas in western Ecuador. The coastal Cordillera Chongón-Colonche was once covered in forests that connected the Andes to the sea; today, Loma Alta is one of the last significant fragments remaining. The reserve is managed by the local community of Dos Mangas, who use it for ecotourism, sustainable resource extraction, and conservation. Guided treks into the reserve are arranged through the community. | ||
== Loma Alta Ecological Reserve == | == Loma Alta Ecological Reserve == <!--T:5--> | ||
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The reserve covers cloud forest, transitional forest, and open mountain terrain at elevations between 300 and 800 meters above sea level. The biodiversity is exceptional relative to the small size of the reserve: | The reserve covers cloud forest, transitional forest, and open mountain terrain at elevations between 300 and 800 meters above sea level. The biodiversity is exceptional relative to the small size of the reserve: | ||
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* Over 130 bird species recorded, including several coastal endemics | * Over 130 bird species recorded, including several coastal endemics | ||
* Howler monkeys and other mammals | * Howler monkeys and other mammals | ||
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* Panoramic views over the coastal lowlands and, on clear days, toward the Pacific | * Panoramic views over the coastal lowlands and, on clear days, toward the Pacific | ||
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Trekking in the reserve requires a local guide — both for conservation reasons and because the trails are not marked for independent navigation. Guides are arranged at the community entrance at Dos Mangas. Trek duration ranges from 2 hours (short circuits) to a full day for the higher elevations. Costs are community-set and modest; tipping guides is appreciated. | Trekking in the reserve requires a local guide — both for conservation reasons and because the trails are not marked for independent navigation. Guides are arranged at the community entrance at Dos Mangas. Trek duration ranges from 2 hours (short circuits) to a full day for the higher elevations. Costs are community-set and modest; tipping guides is appreciated. | ||
=== What to Bring === | === What to Bring === <!--T:9--> | ||
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* Good walking shoes (trails can be muddy year-round) | * Good walking shoes (trails can be muddy year-round) | ||
* Water (streams are not treated; carry your own) | * Water (streams are not treated; carry your own) | ||
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* Rain layer in the wet season (December–April) | * Rain layer in the wet season (December–April) | ||
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The best time for birdwatching is early morning. The trails are passable year-round but are most enjoyable in the dry season (June–November) when mud is reduced and visibility is better. | The best time for birdwatching is early morning. The trails are passable year-round but are most enjoyable in the dry season (June–November) when mud is reduced and visibility is better. | ||
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{{EW dyk|emoji=🐚|…the coast road is named after a red shell that Andean peoples offered to bring the rain?|page=Portal:Ruta del Spondylus|cta=Read the story →}} | {{EW dyk|emoji=🐚|…the coast road is named after a red shell that Andean peoples offered to bring the rain?|page=Portal:Ruta del Spondylus|cta=Read the story →}} | ||
== The Community == | == The Community == <!--T:13--> | ||
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Dos Mangas itself is a small agricultural and artisan community. Several residents work in tagua nut carving — producing intricate figures from the ivory-like vegetable ivory nut that grows in the area. Pieces are sold from homes and at the community entrance. The community's engagement in ecotourism is genuine and long-established; revenue from guided treks funds conservation and community development. | Dos Mangas itself is a small agricultural and artisan community. Several residents work in tagua nut carving — producing intricate figures from the ivory-like vegetable ivory nut that grows in the area. Pieces are sold from homes and at the community entrance. The community's engagement in ecotourism is genuine and long-established; revenue from guided treks funds conservation and community development. | ||
== Getting There == | == Getting There == <!--T:15--> | ||
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From [[Manglaralto]]: Dos Mangas is approximately 5 km inland, accessible by taxi or camioneta (pickup truck) from Manglaralto. Journey time 15–20 minutes. Taxis and camionetas wait at the Manglaralto bus stop and in the village; agree a fare before departure. Return transport can be arranged with the driver or called from the community. | From [[Manglaralto]]: Dos Mangas is approximately 5 km inland, accessible by taxi or camioneta (pickup truck) from Manglaralto. Journey time 15–20 minutes. Taxis and camionetas wait at the Manglaralto bus stop and in the village; agree a fare before departure. Return transport can be arranged with the driver or called from the community. | ||
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From La Libertad: Bus to Manglaralto on the E-15 (~1.5 hours), then taxi or camioneta to Dos Mangas. | From La Libertad: Bus to Manglaralto on the E-15 (~1.5 hours), then taxi or camioneta to Dos Mangas. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == <!--T:18--> | ||
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* [[Manglaralto]] — nearest coastal town | * [[Manglaralto]] — nearest coastal town | ||
* [[Portal:Ruta del Spondylus]] — route overview | * [[Portal:Ruta del Spondylus]] — route overview | ||
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* [[Birdwatching (Ruta del Spondylus)|Birdwatching]] — route guide | * [[Birdwatching (Ruta del Spondylus)|Birdwatching]] — route guide | ||
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== Community facts == | == Community facts == | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:0.92em;" | {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:0.92em;" | ||
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''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).'' | ''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).'' | ||
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{{EW explore|Cloud Forest Trekking (Ruta del Spondylus)|Loma Alta Ecological Reserve|La Rinconada|Hiking (Ruta del Spondylus)|Manglaralto|La Chocolatera}} | {{EW explore|Cloud Forest Trekking (Ruta del Spondylus)|Loma Alta Ecological Reserve|La Rinconada|Hiking (Ruta del Spondylus)|Manglaralto|La Chocolatera}} | ||
{{EW next|Birdwatching (Ruta del Spondylus)}} | {{EW next|Birdwatching (Ruta del Spondylus)}} | ||
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[[Category:Ruta del Spondylus]] | [[Category:Ruta del Spondylus]] | ||
[[Category:Santa Elena Province]] | [[Category:Santa Elena Province]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:44, 30 October 2026
EcuaWiki › Ruta del Spondylus › Dos Mangas
Dos Mangas
A small inland community in the hills above Manglaralto — the gateway to the Loma Alta Ecological Reserve, one of the last fragments of cloud forest on Ecuador's Pacific coastal range.
|
Loma Alta Reserve
Hiking base
|
Cloud forest
Ecosystem
|
~5 km
From Manglaralto
|
Guided only
Trekking access
|
Overview
Dos Mangas is a small rural community situated in the hills approximately 5 km inland from Manglaralto on the Ruta del Spondylus coast. It is the access point for the Loma Alta Ecological Reserve — a community-managed protected area covering cloud forest and transitional dry forest on the coastal Chongón-Colonche mountain range.
The reserve is one of the most important conservation areas in western Ecuador. The coastal Cordillera Chongón-Colonche was once covered in forests that connected the Andes to the sea; today, Loma Alta is one of the last significant fragments remaining. The reserve is managed by the local community of Dos Mangas, who use it for ecotourism, sustainable resource extraction, and conservation. Guided treks into the reserve are arranged through the community.
Loma Alta Ecological Reserve
The reserve covers cloud forest, transitional forest, and open mountain terrain at elevations between 300 and 800 meters above sea level. The biodiversity is exceptional relative to the small size of the reserve:
- Over 130 bird species recorded, including several coastal endemics
- Howler monkeys and other mammals
- Significant orchid diversity
- Multiple freshwater streams and waterfalls
- Panoramic views over the coastal lowlands and, on clear days, toward the Pacific
Trekking in the reserve requires a local guide — both for conservation reasons and because the trails are not marked for independent navigation. Guides are arranged at the community entrance at Dos Mangas. Trek duration ranges from 2 hours (short circuits) to a full day for the higher elevations. Costs are community-set and modest; tipping guides is appreciated.
What to Bring
- Good walking shoes (trails can be muddy year-round)
- Water (streams are not treated; carry your own)
- Sun protection for open sections
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- Rain layer in the wet season (December–April)
The best time for birdwatching is early morning. The trails are passable year-round but are most enjoyable in the dry season (June–November) when mud is reduced and visibility is better.
Did you know…?
🐚 …the coast road is named after a red shell that Andean peoples offered to bring the rain?
The Community
Dos Mangas itself is a small agricultural and artisan community. Several residents work in tagua nut carving — producing intricate figures from the ivory-like vegetable ivory nut that grows in the area. Pieces are sold from homes and at the community entrance. The community's engagement in ecotourism is genuine and long-established; revenue from guided treks funds conservation and community development.
Getting There
From Manglaralto: Dos Mangas is approximately 5 km inland, accessible by taxi or camioneta (pickup truck) from Manglaralto. Journey time 15–20 minutes. Taxis and camionetas wait at the Manglaralto bus stop and in the village; agree a fare before departure. Return transport can be arranged with the driver or called from the community.
From La Libertad: Bus to Manglaralto on the E-15 (~1.5 hours), then taxi or camioneta to Dos Mangas.
See Also
- Manglaralto — nearest coastal town
- Portal:Ruta del Spondylus — route overview
- Cloud Forest Trekking — activity guide
- Birdwatching — route guide
Community facts
| Status | Inland comuna in Manglaralto parish, Santa Elena canton |
|---|---|
| Water | Its own community water board |
| Nature | 2,841 ha of forest protected under Socio Bosque (830 people, 230 families) |
| Crafts | Paja toquilla and tagua |
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).
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