Manabí

South of Esmeraldas rests the coastal province of Manabí. The beach cities along the Manabí coast are very popular during holidays and summer months for their mellow surfing towns, big waves and, of course, excellent seafood.

The Parque Nacional Machalilla is in Manabí and features excellent wildlife, possibly Ecuador’s most beautiful beach, Los Frailes, whale watching, kayaking and horseback riding tours, and some campgrounds. La Isla de la Plata, just off the coast of Puerto López and part of the Parque Machalilla, is nicknamed "The Poor-Man’s Galapagos" for its variety in birds also found in Galápagos and great snorkeling and diving. Enjoy excellent whale watching from July to October when humpback whales finish their long trip from as far south as Antarctica. The first whales arrive off the coast of Ecuador in July, when they give birth and spend the summer in the warm currents off the coast of Manabí. The whale watching season ends in late September or October when the humpbacks head south as soon as their babies are big enough to make the long return trip.

Two bus options for getting to the Manabí province are Aray and Reina del Camino.