Discover Ecuador's 748-Kilometer Ruta Spondylus

Spondylus Route is a picturesque coastal route located in Ecuador. The road is fully paved, making it accessible for all kinds of travelers.

Where does Ruta Spondylus start and end?

Spondylus Route stretches for 748 kilometers (464 miles), starting from Mataje in the Esmeraldas province on the Colombian border and winding down to Salinas in Santa Elena via the Ecuadorian State Road E15.

Natural and Cultural Diversity

The Ruta Spondylus boasts over a dozen ecological reserve areas, including the Manglares Cayapas-Mataje in the San Lorenzo canton, with its lush tropical rainforests and mangroves. The journey also encompasses the Machalilla National Park, situated on the southern coast of the Manabí province, home to some of the country's most exquisite beaches and unique wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, and humpback whales during the season.

A Finale in Salinas

This captivating expedition concludes in Salinas, a prime spot for relaxation. Located on the Santa Elena peninsula at the westernmost tip of Ecuador, this popular vacation city beckons travelers with its pleasant climate, saltwater beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

Summertime in Salinas

During the summer season (from December to May), visitors flock to Salinas to enjoy its warm climate, salty beaches, and water sports. The vibrant nightlife offers opportunities to savor local delicacies such as seafood, bolones (green plantain mashed with cheese and pork cracklings), and dance the night away at Playa Chipipe, the largest and liveliest beach in Salinas.

Beyond a Mere Route

The Ruta Spondylus combines tourism, history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. It is a journey that allows you to explore Ecuador's diversity, learn about the pre-Columbian cultures that once thrived in these lands, and immerse yourself in the country's splendid natural beauty.

Discovering the Route

Named in honor of the Spondylus shell, a sacred mollusk for pre-Columbian cultures, the Ruta Spondylus winds along Ecuador's coast from the north in Esmeraldas to the north of Peru. Fishing villages, protected areas, museums, archaeological sites, tourist resorts, water sports, and more await you along this approximately 748-kilometer journey.

A Route with History

This road takes its name from the Spondylus shell, a vital resource for pre-Columbian cultures in the region. More valuable than gold, the Spondylus was considered the food of the gods and a symbol of agricultural prosperity. Today, this shell is endangered, but Ecuador is committed to its conservation.

A Comprehensive Journey

The Ruta Spondylus is one of Ecuador's most popular tourist routes, offering history, culture, nature, beaches, and relaxation along the stunning Ecuadorian coastline. Formerly known as the Ruta del Sol (Route of the Sun), this coastline has much more to offer than just sun and sand. The area’s geography runs the gamut from dry scrub and cactus to lush mountainous cloud forests, beautiful beaches and offshore islands teeming with unique flora and fauna.

Key Details

The Ruta Spondylus is one of Ecuador's most important tourist destinations.
It offers a variety of experiences, from sun and beach to culture, archaeology, gastronomy, and water sports.
Its name derives from the sacred Spondylus shell, crucial for pre-Columbian cultures.
The Ruta Spondylus starts in Esmeraldas and crosses various provinces and towns along Ecuador's Pacific coast.
The Ruta Spondylus is an initiative of Ecuador's Ministry of Tourism, complementing the well-known Route of the Sun and giving rise to the Surf Route in Ecuador.

Map: https://ec.viajandox.com/uploads/mapa_ruta_spundylus.pdf