The reserve protects one of the last remaining dry forest remnants in the Guayas province.
Cerro Blanco is a key conservation site for the Ara ambiguus guayaquilensis, a subspecies of the Great Green Macaw endemic to the region.
The forest experiences a distinct seasonal climate, shifting from arid conditions to lush vegetation during the rainy season.
The park serves as an important watershed area for the surrounding Guayaquil metropolitan region.
It is part of the Tumbesian Endemic Bird Area, hosting high numbers of bird species found nowhere else on earth.
Cerro Blanco Protected Forest is a 6,078-hectare tropical dry forest preserve located in the Chongón-Colonche mountain range. It serves as one of the few remaining remnants of the Tumbesian dry forest ecosystem in coastal Ecuador. The reserve is home to the endangered Great Green Macaw, with a population that nests within the park's cliffs. Managed by Fundación Pro-Bosque, the area protects diverse fauna, including ocelots, jaguars, and mantled howler monkeys. The park offers a network of trails ranging from short loops to challenging mountain climbs. Visitors can access primitive camping sites equipped with basic facilities within the forest boundaries. The terrain features steep hills, rocky cliffs, and seasonal streams that fluctuate based on rainfall. It functions as a critical biological corridor for species migration near the urban expansion of Guayaquil.
The elevated lookout points along the trails that offer panoramic views of the forest canopy against the backdrop of the Chongón-Colonche range.
Bring a minimum of two liters of water per person as there are no potable water sources on the trails.
Apply high-strength insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and ticks common in the dry forest environment.
Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the intense midday heat and increase chances of spotting wildlife.
Do not attempt to hike the longer, more remote trails without notifying park staff of your intended route and expected return time.
Open daily, but trail access may be restricted during periods of extreme rain or high fire risk.
Pack out all trash, remain on marked trails, and maintain a quiet volume to avoid startling wildlife; prohibited to feed animals.
