Esmeraldas is an Ecuadorian province in the northwest of the country.
It is a tropical and warm region as a consecuence of the cold current named Humbolt, which comes from the south and drifts off before reaching Esmeraldas. Esmeraldas is called "La Provincia Verde" (The Green Province) due to it´s exhuberant vegetation which also gave it the name of Esmeraldas (Emerald), the precious dark green stone. The Esmeraldas River runs throug the province contributing with its paradisiacle tropical beauty, vegetation and fauna. Esmeraldas is a great touristic attraction basically for it´s vast beaches and the hospitality of its people among which is the jovial Afro-ecuadorian community. A tale of the province tells of the adventure of a ship full of slaves that was heading toward Cartagena, Colombia and was shipwrecked at the coasts of Esmeraldas. These African people found freedom and attractive living conditions in Esmeraldas and settled there.

This is a lively community with extraordinary musical manifestations. Their favorite instrument is the MARIMBA which is made of a very hard wood called CHONTA (ironwood) and Bamboo. They sing and dance to the Marimba music while PAYADORES recite (poets that improvise during their musical sessions telling about their lives, the richness of the sea and the land, the dangers, the social and racial differences, etc.). Tourist facilities are improving and inexpensive hostels, comfortable beach resorts, as well as cabins from budget to high end can now be found in Atacames, Same, Punta Galeras, Muisne and Mompiche, just to mention some of the favorite beaches in this province. One of best facilities in this region are offered by Club Casablanca in Same, with its very comfortable hotel, restaurants, a golf course, tennis courts, etc. Club Casablanca is a favorite vacation spot for people from Quito.

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