The location of Mirador San Jose is known for its beautiful wide and unspoiled beaches, tropical ocean breeze air, stunning sunsets and amazing views of Isle de la Plata. But as one drives toward Mirador San Jose you begin to discover a small mountain range beginning in the distance. Clearly visible from Mirador San Jose, the small mountains display a blue hue rising gently upward in the horizon.

Chongon Colonche mountain range. Image courtesy of Ecology and Society.org

In fact, it is not far at all. If you wish to drive to Jipijapa via Puerto Cayo, you can begin your ascent into the Chongon Colonche range within 20 minutes. Reach the summit, then begin your decent downward into the small city of Jipijapa. The mountain range is known for its misty higher altitudes and lush tropical vegetation. While the lower slopes can be arid with scrubby vegetation and cactus.

The mountain range of the Chongon Colonche mountains is approximately 10 km wide and 330 km long. The highest point in the range is only around 800 meters. The mountains cover 3 provinces in Ecuador, beginning in Guayas near Guayaquil then extending toward the provinces of Santa Elena and Manabi where the range ends just south of Manta near Montecristi.

Panorama with the Chongon Colonche in the distance

Image taken from Avenida Artica Zone B Sector 24 at Mirador San Jose, Ecuador

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Images of the range seen from Mirador San Jose