At only 59 kilometers far from the province of Portoviejo, north of Manabí, we find San Clemente. It is a favourite place for visitors because of the length of its beaches, its tropical climate and, above all, the well-known point of San Clemente where there is a great variety of caverns of very different and odd shapes, built by the erosion of waves millions of years ago.
Nature is propitious tosail along río Portoviejo and thus admire all the mangrove swamps, natural habitat or various species of native birds, such as frigates and pelicans: We can also stop to have a relaxing bath at the natural pool where river and sea join.
All the necessary services to have a pleasant stay in this place are offered, because it has a wide ranging of hotelsof good quality. The food is exceptionally good, being the most remarkable dish the "ceviche de pescado" and all the exquisite dishes of international and Manabi gastronomy.
The craft fairs are a good means of approaching to the work of local people; we can find in them beautiful jewels, such as necklaces, and a great variety of ornaments made of wood, shells and red snails.
As it is near one of the best beaches in Ecuador, bahía de Caraquez, we must not give up the chance of going there to see the arrival of the hunchback whales which come to mate in this shore, jumping and making pirouettes in the air.
This wide spread beach is well guarded during night and day; so we can feel always sure and have the chance of practice aquatic sports, walk along the pier to taste tropical drinks or go to the two most important events in the village: the festivity of the Virgin of Charity of Copper, patroness of fishermen and the descent of the three Wise Men who come down from Cerro La Cruz.
There are direct flies from the airport of Quito or San Vicente, and frome there, we can go by bus. The average temperature is about 27º and the high season is fromNovember to March.
