Ecuador Travel

Jama Coaque Beach

Overview

Jama is a peaceful beach town in the Jama canton of the Manabi province. Jama is one of the many attractive villages along Ecuador’s northern coast, combining tranquil beaches, a rich display of history and culture, and some of the world’s freshest seafood. Some of the planet’s oldest and most advanced cultures thrived in this region, giving it a wealth of heritage and history to discover. The details of the Jama-Coaque culture’s life and times are preserved in the archaeological pursuits of the area.

Jama is generally considered a well-kept secret among locals and knowledgeable travelers. The town combines small local fishing industries and a collection of international expats. These foreign-born residents hail from everywhere from Australia to Argentina to the United States. They come for the prime and potentially very profitable real estate, the serene and untainted beaches, and the slower pace of a secluded beach side community. Those with specific interest in the Jama-Coaque culture also are drawn to Jama. It is a great place to learn about one of the world’s most interesting peoples while reclining in the sand or riding the waves.

History

Jama is named for the proud history of the Jama-Coaque natives. The Jama-Coaque inhabited the wooded hills along the coast of what is now the northern Manabi province. Dating back several thousand years, this civilization is known for its ornamentation, textiles, use of tools, and maritime mobility in the Pacific Ocean. Very advanced and ahead of their time, the Jama-Coaque people were traveling along the Pacific coast in balsa wood canoes as early as 500 B.C. Archaeological findings prove that these Jama-Coaque made it up as far as modern day Mexico during trade ventures and as far South as Chile. The culture was eventually eliminated by the Spanish during their conquest of the Inca Empire and what is now Ecuador.

The Jama Coaque are particularly well-known for the strikingly realistic appearance of their sculptures and ornaments. Archaeologists have discovered numerous figures depicting warriors, fishermen, musicians, cooks, rulers and many other members of their society. Many ornaments were used as codes that established clan, rank, or ethnic heritage. The Jama-Coaque are considered one of the first cultures to employ fine tools with such sophistication. They also constructed functional ceramic pottery that can be found in entire pieces today. The municipal museum in Jama displays many important archaeological findings of the Jama Coaque people.

Attractions

The most obvious attraction in Jama is the ocean and all that it offers. The northern coast and Jama in particular are known for their world-class fishing. Whether you are an experienced angler or a casual beginner, there is ample opportunity to cast your line in Jama. Set off in your own boat with your own equipment or take advantage of the local tourism infrastructure. Fishing guides can be hired and equipment rental is also possible. Take your days catch to a local restaurant and they can cook it for you.

The ocean also allows for great scuba diving and snorkeling. Like fishing, scuba diving can be done through local tour operators in town. This is a great place to dive without the overexposure and crowds of some of the more popular locations. The Beach at El Matal is also a popular day trip for ocean side activities like diving and snorkeling.

Jama and the northern coast also enjoy great whale-watching. With proximity to the migration routes for humpback whales, local boats set out to watch this incredible phenomenon from June to September.

For those hoping to do some hiking in the lush forests surrounding Jama, a great spot is the nearby Seco Lalo Loor Forest. Some of the forest’s fauna include white-fronted capuchin monkeys, mantled howler monkeys, red-masked parakeets, Pacific royal-flycatchers, and boa constrictors.

The local gastronomy is also a major attraction in Jama. With fishing and shrimp farming as the main industries, travelers can feast on local cuisine at many of the small restaurants. A substantial dinner costs between five and ten dollars while a lunch can cost between 1 and 3 dollars. Some travelers might also want to visit one of the shrimp farms, a great way to experience the local economy and observe an interesting practice.

There is a lively local market in the Jama square on Sundays. Vendors sell clothing, trinkets, food, and more. This is a great way to observe the local culture and shop for some memorable souvenirs. Visitors might also want to catch a lively soccer match at the town’s stadium. This is also a great look into the Manabi culture.

Getting to and away

The major means of transport to and away from Jama is bus. Both Aray and Reina del Camino provide buses from Quito to the province of Manabi and up the Northern Coast. Reina del Camino is the more expensive, more secure, and more luxurious choice while Aray will stop along the way to pick up passengers walking on the road. Both companies are reliable.

To get to Jama from other coastal destinations, hop on any of the buses heading up or down the coast (heading north if you are south of Jama, south if you are north of Jama). These pass right by the town.

When to go

December through May marks the northern coast’s rainy season. This season is marked by high heat and humidity. The months of June, July, and August are the most popular tourist months so be mindful of crowds and peak season prices in the summer. For more temperate weather and less crowded beaches, try the months of May or September on either end of the peak season. This is less of an issue in Jama because it is generally a quiet place, but still be mindful if you wish to continue on to more touristy areas.
Keep the Sunday morning market in mind when deciding when to schedule your visit to Jama.