La Costa
La Costa is a large plain situated between
the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. The
northern part of the coastal lowlands is
covered by a tropical rain forest, while
arid conditions prevail in the South.
Coursing through this region is the Guayas
river near Guayaquil, the most voluminous
river in western South America, which creates a large estuary where it empties into the Gulf of
Guayaquil.
Key cities in the region of La Costa are Guayaquil, Esmeraldas and Atacames.
Guayaquil
The city of Guayaquil, founded on July 25, 1538, is the largest city in Ecuador,
representing about 15.6% of the country's entire population. It is Ecuador's most
important port city, with more products passing through it than through all the
other ports combined. The agricultural region around Guayaquil, vital to the
economy of Ecuador, produces bananas, rice, coffee,
cacao and African palm.
Most travelers avoid Guayaquil because of its reputation for crime, over-population
and its hot and humid climate. This reputation, however, is largely exaggerated.
Guayaquil remains a safe and pleasant
tourist destination
with much to offer that shouldn't be overlooked.
