Machalilla National Park

Itinerary :

The tour begins and ends in Puerto López. This community-based stay on the coast takes us to discover the fabulous Machalilla National Park (the only national park in Ecuador located on the Pacific coast), as well as the communities of Salango and Agua Blanca, without forgetting the visit to Isla de la Plata (whale and dolphin watching depending on the season).

Note:
You will stay with local families. Please note that the “costeño” (inhabitant of the Pacific Coast) does not spend much time at home, so comfort is not a priority for them. The accommodation will be rustic, but you will be in constant contact with the local people.
If you prefer more comfort, we recommend choosing one of the other two mini-stays on the Pacific Coast.
Thank you for taking this into consideration.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN PUERTO LÓPEZ – SALANGO

Welcome in Puerto López and transfer to the community of Salango (5 minutes away). Check-in at your seafront accommodation. Visit to the museum and discovery of the 5,000 years of history of the community, walk to the viewpoint with a stunning view over Salango Bay, tasting of freshly caught fish and seafood.
Dinner and overnight in Salango.

Optional activities:
Boat trip, snorkeling and visit to Salango Island, swimming, hiking…

DAY 2 – ISLA DE LA PLATA

After breakfast, boat departure to Isla de la Plata. Between mid-June and early October, you may observe spectacular whale breaches. Arrival on the island, nicknamed the “Little Galápagos” due to its rich wildlife (sea lions, albatrosses, blue- or red-footed boobies, pelicans…). Hike of approximately 3 hours on the island.
Snorkeling to admire coral reefs and colorful fish around the island. Return to Puerto López.
Dinner and overnight in Salango.

DAY 3 – AGUA BLANCA

Breakfast. Departure to the community of Agua Blanca. Check-in at your new accommodation (family cabin or homestay). Introduction to the community and first contact. Visit of the museum (more than 600 pre-Columbian pieces).

Walk through the dry tropical forest and exotic fruit plantations, passing by the archaeological site (funerary urns, ceramics…) leading to the sulfur lagoon. Impressive view over the Buena River valley.
Lunch.

In the afternoon, possible or optional activities:
Horseback riding in the humid tropical forest, cycling or swimming in the lagoon, massage with “Palo Santo” oil, interaction with the community, visit of handicraft workshops…

Dinner and overnight in Agua Blanca.

DAY 4 – LOS FRAILES BEACH

Breakfast. Departure from Agua Blanca to the pristine Los Frailes Beach. This beach is known worldwide as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled. Picnic on the beach. Return to Puerto López in the afternoon. End of the tour.