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El Pambilar Wildlife Refuge: tropical forests, rivers, and biodiversity in the Chocó region
Located in the province of Esmeraldas, the El Pambilar Wildlife Refuge protects one of the last remaining fragments of tropical rainforest in Ecuador’s Chocó biogeographic region, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. This refuge preserves humid forests, dense vegetation, and pristine rivers that serve as habitats for numerous endemic and threatened species.
The refuge is especially known for its rich birdlife, hosting toucans, tanagers, parrots, woodpeckers, and several species unique to the Chocó. Mammals such as howler monkeys, ocelots, anteaters, and small wild cats also inhabit its forests, making it a key site for conservation and scientific research.
Visitors can enjoy ecotourism activities such as guided walks along forest trails, wildlife observation, environmental education, and visits to nearby communities that practice sustainable forestry and agroforestry. The refuge offers a deep immersion into the tropical ecosystems of Ecuador and the natural wealth of the Chocó.
Exploring the El Pambilar Wildlife Refuge means experiencing one of Ecuador’s most valuable natural treasures—an essential ecosystem for biodiversity conservation and a living classroom for understanding the importance of protecting tropical forests for future generations.