Lalo Loor Dry Forest Reserve

The Lalo Loor Dry Forest Reserve protects 200 hectares (approximately 500 acres) of tropical deciduous forest. It is located south of the town of Pedernales in the Pacific coastal province of Manabí, Ecuador. This forest lies in a transition zone between the very wet forests to the north and the very dry forests to the south. As such, the Lalo Loor Dry Forest is incredibly diverse, having representative species from both kinds of habitat. In fact, this particular forest reserve is considered by many experts to be one of the most unique and pristine locations in the entire region! Ceiba signed a conservation agreement with the reserve’s owner, Sr. Lalo Loor, to protect the forest and develop the site as an educational and tourist destination.

Volunteer in the Dry Forest

The Lalo Loor reserve presents many exciting opportunities for volunteers and interns. Help us recuperate forest by working in our reforestation plot. We offer ongoing environmental education and community development programs — if you speak Spanish well and plan on a longer stay, your help will be invaluable. The reserve’s EcoCenter and Native Plant Garden need constant attention and updating of informative displays. Participate in ongoing research projects tracking the recuperation of wildlife, or  assessing the impact of the coastal highway on wildlife. Live under the palms, fall asleep to bird songs, and wake up to monkeys overhead, what could be finer?! Visit our Get Involved page to apply to one of our numerous volunteer or internship opportunities!

Research at Lalo Loor

We have had the privilege to host many national and international researchers at the Lalo Loor Dry Forest Reserve. You may contribute to one of our on-going research projects or apply to conduct your own research while taking advantage of our facilities.