Puerto López
Puerto López is in the south zone of the province of Manabí, among their attributes have the advantage to be the principal center of operations to visit this splendid touristic place of the Machalilla National Park.

Beside of enjoy the magnificent coastal landscape, the tourist can visit Isla de la Plata, the complex virgin beach of los frailes and the archeological township of Aguablanca.

Isla de la Plata
The Plata Island is Machalilla Park’s greatest attraction. Resident and migratory birds, and the beautiful scenery, make this paradise and ideal place for nature tourism.

The island also has great cultural and historical importance because it was used as hiding-place by pirate Sir Francis Drake for treasures stolen from Spanish galleons and was also the ceremonial center for the pre-Conquest Manta Confederation, to visit this island, Puerto Lopez has several tourism operators who offer this tour all year round.

Santuario de Ballenas
During the season (June through September) this area fills with humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and people who come to watch them from tourist cruisers and smaller skiffs, all of which observe strict safety standards. Machalilla Park’s marine area and surroundings provide a natural refuge for these marine mammals, who come every year to give birth, mate and raise their offspring.

Famous for their spectacular leaping and sounds, they can be observed by hiring a boat in the coves of Salango, Puerto López, Machalilla or Puerto Cayo.

Sendero El Rocío
Just 5 minutes from the town of Machalilla is “El Rocio”. The natural wealth of Machalilla National Park blends with the simple country ways of the local farmers.

A characteristic self-sufficient farm is the gateway to the 2 km trail, that opens visitors’ eyes to the fantastic scenery of the Pacific coastline.

Its inhabitants, simple men and women who have treasured the secrets and knowledge of the woodlands and their wildlife, have been trained in an ongoing process as native Nature guides.

Museos y Arqueología
Agua Blanca is a three minutes drive north of Puerto López.

On the right side of the road to Machalilla next to the Buena Vista River, there is a group of temples, village squares and dwellings of the Manta Culture, the continent’s most advanced civilization 1500 years ago.

An archaeological museum, funeral urns and the fascinating way of life of the people of Agua Blanca, as well as the natural beauty of the area – such as medicinal springs and the secondary forest – make this place well worth a visit.

Parcela Marina de Salango
Salango resides its exquisite local food and friendly community lodging, offers the opportunity to get to know the coral reef and enjoy snorkeling experience in its new marine park.

A group of qualified native diving guides share their expertise in caring for marine resources, such as the coral and the “spondylus” shell.

In addition, the park offers visitors a chance to try sailing the age old Manta style wooden raft.