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• La Tolita
The island of La Tolita, located at the mouth of the Río Santiago, was once the home of one of Ecuador's most remarkable pre-Inca civilizations. The people of La Tolita were known as master goldsmiths, and their jewelry and ornaments can be seen in museums around the world. Today, the island is a small, Afro-Ecuadorian fishing village, but the residents have worked hard to preserve their archeological legacy. You can still see ancient, earthen mounds, and a community museum preserves many of the relics from the site. To reach La Tolita, travel from Esmeraldas to La Tola, then take a motorized canoe to the island.
Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas Attractions
• Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas• Bosque Protector La Perla
Although the province of Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas is best known now for its productive agriculture, the area was once covered by tropical rainforests that stretched west towards the ocean and north into Colombia. The Bosque Protector La Perla preserves a portion of that forest and the flora and fauna native to the habitat. The forest has dozens of species of birds, as well as primates and other wildlife. To reach La Perla, take a bus from Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas towards La Concordia, and ask to be let off at the reserve. Admission is $5.
• San José de Alluriquín
San José de Alluriquín is a emerging as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts is located east of Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, . There is excellent whitewater rafting along the Río Toachi, which becomes even more demanding and adventurous during the rainy season. The river is also a good spot to try fly-fishing, and there are a number of swimming holes along the river to enjoy. The Napa Waterfall, which descends from the western edge of the Andes, makes for a beautiful excursion. Any bus between Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas and Aloag passes by; if you are driving yourself, it is located along the Santo Domingo-Aloag highway.
• Tsachila Communities
Near the city of Santo Domingo, you will find some of Ecuador's most popular cultural attractions: the Tsachila communities. The towns of Chigüilpe, Otongo Mapali, Peripa, El Poste, El Búa, El Congoma and Naranjos have preserved the culture of the Tsachila people, including their agricultural lifestyle, traditional healing practices, attire and dance. Many of these communities have turned to eco-and-ethno-tourism as a way to maintain their environment and culture. In Peripa, the Koleka-Napi sanctuary has been preserved as a Tsachila religious site. Visits to the Tsachila communities can be arranged in Santo Domingo.
• Cerro Bombolí
Cerro Bomblí is an important ecological and religious site, and is located on the outskirts of the city of Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas. It is a tall, forested hill and is part of an ecological reserve protecting parts of the forest that used to ring the city. You will find the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Cisne at the top of the hill. The hill is also a popular outing for city dwellers and other visitors. The views from the top of the hill encompass the city of Santo Domingo, as well the surrounding forests and farms. To reach the site, follow Avenida de los Colonos to the base of the hill, where you will find pick-up trucks ready to take you to the top.
