The incredible history of the Spondylus route to Ayampe

Formerly at the time of the civilizations of the Neolithic period there was a town called Manteño. This culture occupied a wide territory between the Bahía de Caráquez, the Gulf of Guayaquil, Isla Puná and the coastal strip of the current province of El Oro, a territory in which they built large urban centers such as Jaramijó, Camiloa, Cama and Jocay (current Manta), a town whose places show the existence of an organization by neighborhoods.

It is important to know that the coin at that time was a shell called Spondylus. The Spondylus quickly became a divine object, since it represented fertility and its value went beyond the strictly material it had.

This mollusk was introduced as a bargaining chip in commercial transactions, and this commercial function soon spread (remains of the shell have been found in the
north of the Pacific coast of Mexico to the South of the Chilean ones) throughout America parallel to the development of the Inca culture.

For this reason the route to get to Ayampe has the name of this valuable shell. The most practical and ideal way to get to this beach is:

1. Have as final destination Guayaquil.
2. Take a rental car or public transportation.
3. Drive or travel for three hours to Ayampe.

The roads are in excellent condition, as well as the interprovincial transport works in a safe way and the ticket is very cheap. On the Spondylus route you can enjoy the different neighboring beaches until you arrive and also typical food places.