La Chocolatera, Salinas

If you’re a geography nut, you need to know about La Chocolatera. It is the point of land that sticks furthest out into the Pacific Ocean from Ecuador (the second furthest point on the continent). It is a famous place, not just because it is a geographical oddity but for its dangerous reputation. The name supposedly comes from the tool used to beat hot chocolate into foamy, rich goodness. The waves here crash against the rocks with a ferocity little known along the Ecuadorian coast and create a white foam that rarely leaves the surface of the ocean. Those same crashing waves make this area difficult to navigate and fisherman and surfers give it wide berth.

The location is also stunning for the stark contrast between the brilliant blue of the sky, the darker blue of the ocean, and the golden yellows and tans of the desert soil. Salinas sees very little rain during the year and the land surrounding La Chocolatera gives evidence to the super dry conditions. You’re likely to see a lizard or two during your visit and you’re guaranteed to see many a cactus. On our visits, we have been lucky to see several different varieties of sea birds, including a flock of Blue-Footed Boobies and a couple of small terns dodging and diving along the cliff edge.

Until recently, it was difficult to visit La Chocolatera without a military ID card. But President Correa declared it a national tourist treasure and said that all Ecuadorians should have access. Today, though you still have to enter via the Salinas Air Force Base or the Salinas Navy Base, tourist access is common. If you decide to come out this way, plan on a couple of hours so that you have time for La Chocolatera, La Lobería, and the small visitors center high on the hill overlooking the entire area. Although there are places to buy water and snacks, it would be better to plan for a meal back in Salinas or to carry along a picnic lunch.

Información para su viaje

Hay poca sombra , así que ven preparado para mucho sol. Durante los fines de semana y días festivos,  puede haber vendedores que venden agua, helados y alimentos.

• Dirección en auto, use WAZE y busque  La Chocolatera, Salinas, Provincia de Santa Elena

• Dirección en transporte público  - en nuestra última visita, no fue posible entrar en la base militar en autobús, pero era asequible alquilar un taxi.