The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest is located 15 kilometers west from the city of Guayaquil, with an approximate extension of 2000 hectares of dry tropical forest.

The reserve is handled by the Pro-Bosque Foundation, which protects this delicate ecosystem in the Pacific Coast, with conservation and eco-tourism projects. The rich fauna of the Cerro Blanco Protected Forest includes 54 species of mammals such as pumas, guanta (a large rodent), wild pigs and howler monkeys.

One of the main characteristics of this forest is its diversity in bird species. BirdLife International named it the second most important bird area of Ecuador (IBA) after the cloud forest of Mindo.

It is home to 213 species of birds such as the “Red Forehead” Parrot (Ara rubrogenys) an endemic species that changes its habitat every night; and the Great green macaw sp. (Ara ambigua guayaquilensis) a symbol of the reserve and an endangered species. The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest presents a type of vegetation typical of the tropical dry forest of the Ecuadorian Coast.

During the rainy season, between January and May, the forest’s vegetation turns completely green, while during the rest of the year it appears dry. Cerro Blanco offers various activities for everyone. If you enjoy trekking, you can choose any of four different trails, each with different length and level of difficulty.

These trails are: the Auto-guided Trail, covering the foot of the mountain where you can observe the beautiful gigantic Kapok trees. The Canoa Trail offers the chance to observe the wild animals coming down to drink fresh water. The Buena Vista Short and Long trails offer exciting adventure to the top of the mountain and observation of the Canoa gorge, part of the Gulf of Guayaquil, with shrimp farms and mangroves. In the reserve you can also visit the Dry Forest Conservation Center.

Camping is allowed. These activities, combined with the great natural enchantment of the reserve, make the Cerro Blanco Protected Forest, a spectacular place that allows visitors to enjoy unique experiences in the beauty of the Dry Tropical Forest of Ecuador’s Pacific Coast.

For tarvel plannning purposes we recommend, the following itinerary:

1. Direct flight from US (Houston or miami) from europe (any airport to caracas o bogota) then guayaquil. 1 day flight from Europe or US.
2. One day in Guayaquil visiting Cerro Blanco or Guayaquil city. 2 days.
3. Flight to Galapagos Islands for your Galapagos Cruise or Galapagos Hotel - tour minimun recommended 5 days
   
4. Finally when you return to mainland Ecuador, a Tour to Ecuador Highlands, Otavalo Market, Cuenca, Cotopaxi National Park must be the next option before you leave Ecuador, we recommend a 5 days of stay at mainland ecuador.

We hope this advice must be useful for Ecuador and Galapagos Tour planning