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Pedernales
ℹ️Practical info — Pedernales
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the monument at Punta Palmar, where the historical French mission took place, in the late afternoon for the best light.
- Rent a bike or take a moto-taxi to explore the endless and often deserted sandy beaches outside the center.
- Avoid the peak travel times for Ecuadorians (like Carnival) if you seek peace, as the town gets very crowded then.
- Try a traditional ceviche with freshly harvested seafood at the beach kiosks.
🍽 Food
Order this fresh shrimp salad with plenty of lime at the simple wooden tables right on the Malecón.
A deep-fried snack made of plantain dough filled with fish, which you can find from street vendors in the afternoon.
A thick, traditional peanut and fish soup that you must try in the traditional restaurants of Manabí province.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Look out for jewelry and figures made of 'vegetable ivory' (Tagua) in the small craft shops.
Buy freshly roasted coffee from the Manabí province in the local supermarkets.
Drive a bit further north to the beach of Cojimíes, which is much quieter than the main beach of Pedernales.
Visit the Monument to the Equatorial Line at sunset for a quiet, historical moment.
Water temperature…
Pedernales is located on the Pacific coast of the Manabí Province and holds significant historical importance as the site of the first Geodesic Mission in the 18th century. It was here that French scientists led by Charles Marie de La Condamine conducted measurements to determine the shape of the Earth and the precise location of the Equator. Geographically, the region is characterized by extensive sandy beaches and intensive shrimp farming, which forms the economic backbone of the city. On April 16, 2016, Pedernales was severely impacted by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake, leading to massive destruction and a challenging reconstruction process. Today, the city is emerging as a growing tourist destination, particularly famous for its seafood-based gastronomy. The surrounding area hosts important protected natural zones, such as the Mache-Chindul Reserve, which features high biodiversity. Pedernales is also recognized as the point where Ecuador's coastline is closest to the equatorial line. The local culture is deeply influenced by fishing traditions and the legacy of the indigenous Jama-Coaque culture, whose artifacts are frequently discovered in the region.
- Location: Ecuador
- Top sights: Pedernales · Terremoto 16 abril 2018
- Nearby: Mompiche (9 km)
- Population: ~5.983 (2024)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 202 | 229 | 241 | 193 | 121 | 55 | 21 | 12 | 19 | 27 | 26 | 74 |
Geography
Facts
- Pedernales was a site for the French Geodesic Mission in 1736.
- The city was severely damaged by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016.
- Shrimp farming is the most important economic sector in the region.
- The equator line passes just to the north of the city.
- The Mache-Chindul Reserve is partially located within the canton.
- The canton was officially established on March 31, 1992.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pedernales (2)
Frequently asked questions
What significance does Pedernales have for the Equator?
What are the beaches of Pedernales known for?
Is Pedernales famous for shrimp?
How has the reconstruction progressed since the 2016 earthquake?
What is the local 'Ceviche de Camaraón' dish?
Pedernales: where is it located?
Pedernales: what is there to see?
Pedernales: when is the best time to visit?
Pedernales: why is it worth visiting?
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