hide random home http://www.txinfinet.com/mader/planeta/0296/0296ecchirije.html (PC Press Internet CD, 03/1996)

Adventure in Chirije, Ecuador
by Patricio Tamariz (archtour@srv1.telconet.net)

February 1996

Did you know that Ecuador's early coastal peoples were important for the development of the famous cultures in Central America and Peru? The Bahia Culture - known as the "Phoenicians of the Americas" - set up important trade routes and were responsible for transfer of ideas and technologies that helped the complex social organizations of the neighboring countries to succeed.

Sailors and merchant traders in search of the sacred Spondylus and mother of pearl shell arrived at this site aboard balsa wood sailing vessels. These seafaring merchants traded skillfully crafted ornaments or whole shells as far north as Mexico and as far south to Chile, for gold, copper and other previous items.

We are truly interested in making Bahia de Caraquez known to the travel world - especially the archaeological site of Chirije. It would be great for students interested in ecology and archaeology to visit this site and for volunteer groups like Earthwatch to assist in the funding of future investigations of this site.

The following are some tours that visitors interested in the local environment can enjoy:

Estuary Exploration (four hours)

Bahia de Car‡quez boasts an ancient and rich cultural history. Situate d on a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, and the bay of "Los Caras," Bahia de Caraquez lies in one of the most scenic areas in coastal Ecuador.

Visit the "Isla de los Pajaros," an island inhabited by a variety of bird species, such as the Frigate, Egret and Pelican. Navigate through groups of mangroves and observe the unusual natural formation of islands, such as the "Isla Corazon." This island is a naturally formed in shape of a heart. It served as a place of local worship according to sixteenth century Spanish chronicles.

Shrimp Farms and Bay Trip (four hours)

In the past, the easily accessible location of Bahia de Caraquez has facilitated the commercialization of products from this region. Currently, shrimp farming offers economic benefits to this city and to the country. Ecuador is now among the three leading shrimp exporting nations in the world. Visit a shrimp farm and learn from the pioneers of shrimp farming about a particular method of production native to this region.

En route to the shrimp ponds, navigate the estuary in private touring boats and discover a unique mangrove ecosystem. Visit the "Isla de los Pajaros," a small island inhabited by an array of bird species and "Isla Corazon."

Tour the area and learn about current aquatic techniques and the commercialization of this product. Of course, we invite you to sample the traditional fresh shrimp dish, "Cebiche."

Montecristi (complete day)

Internationally recognized, but mislabeled, "Panama Hats" originated during colonial times in Indian villages such as Montecristi and Jipijapa. Using ancient Indian techniques, villagers produced this high quality hat, much appreciated for its style and texture. The same weaving techniques are still used to produce the world-renowned hats.

Just fifteen minutes from Montecristi lies another artesian town known as La Pila. La Pila is regionally known for its indistinguishable replicas of pre-Columbian ceramics. Choose from an array of ceramics that represent various coastal civilizations, some dating back 3000 years.

The Equator and the Beaches of Don Juan (complete day)

Scientific investigations in the field of astronomy gained validity in Ecuador during the eighteenth century. In 1735, under the auspices of the Scientific Academy of Paris, a group of astronomers and scientists reached the coast of Ecuador with the intention of measuring the exact location of the equator.

The mission was led by French astronomer, Charles Marie de la Condamine, who in that same year, discovered the equatorial line here at Punta Palmar, dividing the earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.

Located just two hours north of Bahia, visit the equatorial monument and its surrounding unspoiled beaches. The spectacular topography of lush forests, mountain ranges and the white-sand beaches of Don Juan make this a magnificent trip.

The author is manager of Bahia Dolphin Tours. He can be contacted via email at archtour@srv1.telconet.net

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