Parque Nacional Machililla (136,000 acres) is a nationally protected area which includes a stretch of beach and dry tropical forest as well as two islands, Isla de la Plata and Isla Salango north of Puerto López and south of Puerto Cayo in the Manabi province. Highlights are the unique wildlife like blue-footed boobies, sea lions, iguanas, which can also be seen in Galápagos. Humpback whales procreate just offshore every year from July to October and can be seen from several inland points and up close on special tours or on your way to and from Isla de la Plata. We recommend skipping the whale-watching tours as you get the exact same experience on the Isla de la Plata tour plus you get to see the island!

Other tours in Parque Machililla include horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling and diving. If you are planning to visit Isla de la Plata and the mainland areas of Parque Nacional Machililla, buy the combined entrance ticket for the island and the mainland for $20 ($5 for Ecuadorians). Otherwise, entrance to the island is $15 for foreigners and $3.50 for Ecuadorians and entrance to the mainland park areas are $12 and $2 for Ecuadorians. There are also multi-day passes. The park is best during the month of July when the weather is still sunny and the whales are arriving.

Three miles off the main highway in the park and 7.5 miles north of Puerto López, there is a small local community with ancestors dating back to the Manteña Culture who inhabited the land from 800 to 1532. The Agua Blanca Community and their small museum can be visited with a guide. Tours introduce you to the ancient burial customs, typical dress and religious practices on a mile-walk through the forest where you can also bird-watch and catch views of the river valley and lagoon.

National Park

Read Free Northern Coast Chapter

Buy the book on amazon.com

La Piedra Beach Hotel, Bahia - Ecuador Enjoy the beach, the delights of the typical gastronomy of the Ecuadorian Coast and our comfortable facilities. La Piedra Beach Hotel is part of the Exclusive Hotels Chain Cialcotel. www.cialcotel.com/la_piedra_en.htm

4 & 5** Custom & Scheduled Tours by www.SouthAmerica.travel Create your own travel itinerary with our custom Travel Planner, or choose from one of our 100s of carefully designed itineraries. Special escorted departures. SouthAmerica.travel