How to get to Esmeraldas

Esmeraldas is a vibrant port city and the capital of the "Green Province" on Ecuador's Pacific coast, renowned for its distinct Afro-Ecuadorian culture and proximity to popular beach resorts. This destination attracts those wishing to experience the country's authentic traditions and enjoy the tropical climate.

When planning a trip and deciding how to reach Esmeraldas, travellers can choose the most convenient route based on their schedule and budget. You can reach this region in various ways: by taking a domestic flight, travelling by intercity bus, or embarking on a journey by car along the country's picturesque roads.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the city of Esmeraldas is by air. The region is served by the local Colonel Carlos Concha Torres Airport (ESM), located in close proximity to the city. Regular domestic flights arrive here, allowing tourists to reach the Pacific coast in just a few minutes of flight time from other parts of the country.

For international travellers, the main transit hub is usually the capital of Ecuador. The nearest major international airport is located in the city of Quito (UIO). Upon arrival in the capital, passengers can transfer to a connecting flight to Esmeraldas or, if they prefer, continue their journey by land transport, enjoying the views on the way to the coast.

There is no direct railway connection to the city of Esmeraldas, as there is no active train station in the port itself or its surroundings. Railways in Ecuador serve a primarily touristic purpose, offering travellers panoramic routes through the Andes rather than acting as a means of mass transport.

The nearest access point to the railway network is in the city of Quito, located approximately 183 kilometres from the coast. Once in the capital, tourists can transfer to a bus or car to cover the remaining part of the journey to the ocean along scenic mountain winding roads.

Travelling by bus is an excellent way to appreciate the diversity of Ecuadorian landscapes, shifting from the cool mountain air to the tropical warmth. The most popular route leads from the country's capital, the city of Quito: covering a distance of about 320 kilometres, comfortable coaches descend from the majestic Andes to the Pacific coast along picturesque winding roads in 5–6 hours.

You can also reach the resort from neighbouring Colombia by using international services. The journey from the border town of Tumaco will take approximately 4 hours (about 170 km), while the trip from the high-altitude city of Ipiales, located 380 kilometres away, will last around 8–9 hours, allowing travellers to observe the smooth transition of climatic zones.

Travelling by car to Esmeraldas offers the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views, watching as the majestic Andes give way to the lush tropical greenery of the coast. The most popular route runs from the capital of Ecuador: the drive from the city of Quito takes approximately 5.5 hours, during which drivers cover over 300 kilometres along scenic winding roads.

For tourists heading from the direction of Colombia, convenient driving options are also available. The journey from the coastal city of Tumaco will take about 4–5 hours, while the drive from the border city of Ipiales will require about 6–7 hours. A self-drive trip allows for flexible route planning and stops at the most beautiful spots on the way to the ocean.

Preparing for your trip to Esmeraldas will help make your holiday as comfortable and carefree as possible. We have compiled a list of important recommendations that will be useful for every tourist heading to this colourful coastal region of Ecuador.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is hot and humid year-round, so opt for light, modest clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen). Be sure to bring a head covering, high-quality sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF. A light windbreaker may be useful in the evening, especially if you plan on taking boat trips.
2. Transportation. For moving around the city, it is most convenient and safest to use official yellow taxis. It is recommended to agree on the fare with the driver before boarding, as meters are not always used. Buses are a more budget-friendly option, but they can often be crowded.
3. Currency and Payments. The official currency is the US Dollar. It is highly recommended to carry a sufficient amount of cash in small denominations (1, 5, 10, 20 dollars), as change for large banknotes is not available everywhere. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and large supermarkets, but it is difficult to use them in small shops and markets.
4. Health and Safety. Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks at street cafes. As this is a tropical region, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent. Regarding safety, stick to tourist zones, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, and avoid walking on unlit streets after dark.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is Spanish. English is not widely understood, mostly only by staff at large hotels. We recommend learning a few basic phrases in Spanish or installing an offline translator app on your smartphone—this will greatly facilitate communication with locals.
6. Local Etiquette. Ecuadorians are polite and welcoming people. When entering a shop or addressing someone, it is customary to greet them ("Buenos días" or "Buenas tardes"). The local pace of life is quite relaxed, so one should not rush service staff—show patience and friendliness.
7. What to Avoid. It is best not to openly display expensive jewelry, cameras, or large sums of money on the street. Also, refrain from buying food from street vendors if you are unsure about the sanitary conditions of preparation, to avoid digestion issues.
8. Culinary Recommendation. Be sure to try local seafood dishes prepared with coconut, such as the famous "encocado." This is the culinary signature of the province and is a delicious, generally Halal-friendly option that best reveals the flavour of the local cuisine.

Following these simple rules will allow you to focus on the main thing—enjoying the tropical nature, the warm waves of the Pacific Ocean, and the unique culture of the "Green Province."