Isla Corazón
The Isla
Corazón (heart Island) is situated near Bahía de Caráquez
Ecocity, in the estuary formed by the Chone and Carrizal rivers.
Until
1977 the estuary was proud to have 4.000 ha of mangroves, but with the
growing shrimp industry the area has been transformed and only 400 has
of forest remains. Many families depended on the mangrove forest and estuary
for collecting crab and shellfish etc. Sadly they are no longer able to
make a livelihood from this, and activities like ecotourism have provided
a good alternative.
Isla
Corazón is a tourism project where the local people have trained
and become excellent guides. Isla Corazón is protected, as a part
of the remaining mangrove forest; it is a perfect place to see the forest
and the large colony of frigate birds.
Male frigate bird in mating season
THE ROUTE
- Once
at the village of Puerto Porto Velo there is an introductory video about
the mangrove forests and bird life. Then a short Canoe ride takes you
to the Island, where a raised boardwalk has been built. The boardwalk
weaves through the different species of Mangrove to a lookout tower. The
mangroves are extraordinary which live in salt water and have an unusually
shaped aerial root system.
After
returning to the beginning of the boardwalk you go again by canoe but
this time through a magical channel through the mangroves, from one side
of the island to the other. There is a huge colony of mainly frigate birds
but also herons, ibis cormorants, American oystercatcher etc. The frigate
birds however are the highlight, especially during the mating season when
they are very colorful displaying their inflated throat sacks. It is also
possible to get very close to the frigate birds whereas the other species
take flight more quickly.
TRIP
INCLUDES:
All transport,
refreshments, guide and entrance fee.
DURATION: 4.5 hours.
Be
prepared: wear
shorts and bring camera, sunscreen, hat and binoculars.
NOTE: A percentage of your tour
fee is reserved for conservation work.
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