The province of Esmeraldas is experiencing a vibrant Carnival holiday with thousands of visitors enjoying its beaches and freshwater resorts. Despite difficulties in accessing certain areas due to landslides on the Calacalí-La Independencia road and heavy traffic congestion on the Alóag-Santo Domingo road, tourists are arriving at various destinations across the province. Local festivities, artistic activities, and cultural events have attracted considerable crowds in popular locations like Las Palmas, Atacames, Muisne, and Quinindé, with events extending into the early hours of Sunday, February 15.

César Estrella, a hotelier in the Las Palmas boardwalk area, highlighted the positive impact of organized events and fairs endorsed by the local government and entrepreneurs, which have significantly boosted tourism. Although hotel bookings have only reached 50%, the festive atmosphere has drawn in many visitors eager to participate in the celebrations. The joyful ambiance in Atacames and Muisne further enhanced the Carnival experience with parades and the crowning of carnival queens.

Esmeraldas' tourism during Carnival serves as a crucial economic boost for the region, emphasizing the importance of local culture and festivities in attracting visitors. Despite the traffic and accessibility challenges, the successful turnout reinforces the resilience of the local tourism sector and the efforts of both local authorities and entrepreneurs to make the Carnival a vibrant and enjoyable experience for tourists.