Balao - Guayas - Ecuador

The city of Balao is located to the south of the Province of Guayas, whose appearance as a town dates from 1835, belonging to the Machala Canton, until 1851, when it obtained the rank of parish of the Guayaquil Canton, years in which it stood out for its abundant and excellent production of cocoa, which was marketed by sea with Puná and Guayaquil, with whom it established widely the trade of agricultural and fishing products.

Economic development in Balao

Balao has a very fertile soil, with a good production of banana, cocoa, rice, corn, cassava, tomato, coffee and a variety of tropical fruits. Among the most important woods are the balao, the guayacán, the laurel and the raft, cattle and horses are raised throughout the canton, fishing, crabbing and shrimp fishing are also important. One of the main sources of employment is due to the production of shrimp, in shallow pools. This location facilitates the control of the filling and emptying of said swimming pool.

Tourist places

El Recreo Spa: Located in the San José area, 19 km from the San Carlos site, it is the point where the Pijilí and Chaucha rivers converge to form the Balao. In winter, when its flow increases, it is conducive to the practice of adventure sports such as kayaking, tubbing and rafting. This is a sector of transition between the Coast and the Sierra, which gives rise to a lush vegetation and beautiful landscapes, which surely will be very attractive for nature lovers.

Balnario de rio Playa de la Paloma: located on the San Antonio road near Commerce Street (main of the Municipality of Balao). Naturally created next to the Balao River, its banks are rocky and tall.

El Playón: which is a place that is reached by means of small boats, where you can admire the skilled artisanal fishermen of the area and also take advantage to taste different dishes based on seafood and fish.

Hacienda El Recreo, site "La Joya": here join the mountains and the coast and the Balao River originates.

The agrotourism is an activity that is being developed in the area, there being the opportunity for the visitor to learn more about the agro-productive processes of some typical products of the area.

Paraíso Natural JD tourist recreational center: Located one km from the San Carlos enclosure, it is an ideal place for family relaxation. It has a set of swimming pools and an artificial lake for boat trips and fishing activities. It also has volleyball courts, a typical food restaurant and a square for Montubio rodeos and other shows.

Cultures and traditions in Balao

Among the most important festivities highlights the festivities of Balao (Virgen del Rosario October 7 and San Antonio Padua June 13), this celebration is made in the street Commerce (main street at the foot of the Municipality). There are novenas, a procession, the burning of the castle (pyrotechnic games) and the presentation of curiquingues.
November 17 cantonization of Balao.

Typical Gastronomy in Balao

Its typical food, mainly based on crab and can be tasted in the Central Market of Balao, which is at the entrance of the canton.