Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche

Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche is a protected area in Ecuador.

Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche at a Glance

Location
Southern Pacific Coast & Lowlands, Ecuador, Central & South America
Coordinates
-1.126057, -80.908950
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
June to November for Galápagos. Year-round for Amazon and cloud forest.

Getting to Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche

Nearest airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Jumandy (TNW), 370 km away.

Weather & Climate in Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche

The warmest temperatures in Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche occur in March, averaging 25.7°C (up to 27.9°C). The coolest conditions are in September at 22.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 16.6mm. Average humidity: 84.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 24.9°C (rainfall: 67.9mm)
  • February: 25.7°C (rainfall: 109.0mm)
  • March: 25.7°C (rainfall: 137.8mm)
  • April: 25.3°C (rainfall: 64.8mm)
  • May: 24.8°C (rainfall: 47.7mm)
  • June: 23.8°C (rainfall: 38.0mm)
  • July: 23.1°C (rainfall: 35.3mm)
  • August: 22.6°C (rainfall: 29.4mm)
  • September: 22.5°C (rainfall: 16.6mm)
  • October: 22.8°C (rainfall: 27.1mm)
  • November: 22.6°C (rainfall: 29.7mm)
  • December: 23.8°C (rainfall: 39.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche

The best months to visit Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche are May, September, December, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 24.87°C, rainfall 67.9mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 85.1%
  • February: Good, temperature 25.71°C, rainfall 109mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 86.1%
  • March: Good, temperature 25.74°C, rainfall 137.8mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 86.5%
  • April: Good, temperature 25.27°C, rainfall 64.8mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 85.5%
  • May: Great, temperature 24.75°C, rainfall 47.7mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 85%
  • June: Good, temperature 23.75°C, rainfall 38mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 85.1%
  • July: Good, temperature 23.15°C, rainfall 35.3mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 85.5%
  • August: Good, temperature 22.62°C, rainfall 29.4mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 85.4%
  • September: Great, temperature 22.49°C, rainfall 16.6mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 84.4%
  • October: Good, temperature 22.77°C, rainfall 27.1mm, sunshine 7.3 hrs, humidity 84.6%
  • November: Good, temperature 22.65°C, rainfall 29.7mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 83.7%
  • December: Great, temperature 23.8°C, rainfall 39.8mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 83.6%

Wildlife in Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche

Home to 36 recorded species including 12 waterbirds, 10 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds, 4 iconic birds, 3 marine & freshwater, 1 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche

Based on average temperature of 24.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 85%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche

48 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

Similar Parks in Southern Pacific Coast & Lowlands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ecuador

Travel advisory for Ecuador

Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Refugio Pacoche for both its terrestrial and marine wildlife?

The dry season, from May to December, is ideal for exploring the terrestrial trails and enjoying comfortable weather for birdwatching and spotting howler monkeys. For marine enthusiasts, the humpback whale watching season typically runs from June to September, offering a spectacular coastal experience.

Beyond typical jungle treks, what unique activities can visitors expect at Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Marino Costera Pacoche, particularly given its coastal designation?

Visitors can enjoy guided hikes through the dry tropical forest to observe mantled howler monkeys and diverse birdlife, culminating in stunning ocean views. Additionally, during the whale watching season (June-September), boat tours are available from nearby ports to witness humpback whales, blending terrestrial and marine adventures.

What are the typical entry fees and how accessible is Refugio Pacoche for independent travelers arriving from nearby cities like Manta?

Entry fees for Refugio Pacoche are generally modest, usually a few dollars for international visitors, with local guides available for an additional fee if desired. The refuge is easily accessible by local bus or taxi from Manta, with a relatively short drive to the main entrance and trailheads.

Are there any specific safety considerations or unique environmental challenges visitors should be aware of when exploring Refugio Pacoche's diverse ecosystems?

Due to the coastal dry forest environment, visitors should prioritize sun protection and hydration, especially during hikes. It's also advisable to stay on marked trails to avoid potential encounters with local wildlife and ensure sturdy footwear for uneven terrain.

What are some of the iconic terrestrial and marine wildlife species visitors are most likely to encounter within Refugio Pacoche?

On land, the refuge is renowned for its mantled howler monkeys, which are frequently seen and heard, alongside a rich variety of tropical dry forest birds like parakeets and motmots. Along the coast, especially between June and September, humpback whales are a major draw, complementing the diverse seabird populations.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.