 Places to go Machalilla National Park
In this section you will find information about the sights, views and places to visit in this town. You will find a short description of each site, opening hours, fees and special notes. If you need any additional details on a specific location or would like us to arrange a tour to this location please contact us and we will gladly assist you.
The entrance to the Machalilla National park fee is:
Non nationals
 1 week pass, access to the entire park. $20 usd
1 day pass, Isla de la Plata. $15 usd
You can also pay individual passes for each site. (see below)
Nationals
1 week pass, access to the entire park. $5 usd.
1 day pass, Isla de la Plata. $3.50 usd.
You can also pay individual passes for each site. (see below)
Isla de la Plata
Literally translated to the Silver Island. The island holds its name to a historical fact that indigenous coast people used this place to bury gold and silver offers to the gods, but also to the legendary fact that the famous Drake pirate used this island as a burying ground for his treasures.
The Isla de la Plata comprises an area of 1100ha. And it holds over 71 species of birds. Blue feet boobies, magnificent frigates, pelicans and other incredible species live in this island. Once in the island, the hikes are made on premade paths that cross nesting grounds and bird habitats. Punta Escalera and Punta Machete provide incredible views of the sea and, sometimes one can see sharks, whales, dolphins and huge manta rays in the sea.
The Isla de la Plata is a perfect place for snorkeling and scuba diving. The marine ecosystem, the coral and gorgonian reefs provide an excellent environment for colorful life to flourish. These also create excellent cleaning stations for bigger sea life, which is why sometimes we can see manta rays, green turtles and other.
Getting there is only possible by boat. Consult your tour operator or contact us for further assistance.
Isla de Salango.
The Salango Island is located southwest of Puerto Lopez, about 20 mins by boat. It has some beautiful beaches, that since only accessible by boat, are mostly deserted. This provides an excellent opportunity for relaxing and enjoying some peaceful times at the beach.
The island also provides excellent scuba diving and snorkeling spots, with a wide variety of marine life and coral formations.
Los Frailes
This beach is unique in everyway. Located 10 mins away from Puerto Lopez, one can hike through the self-guided “Sendero del bosque”, which takes you through the dry forest into some outstanding beaches and viewpoints. The first stop is la Playita beach, where black sand and transparent sea water contrast in a beautiful balance. After hitting an incredible viewpoint of the sea, the Sucre islet and Puerto Lopez, you can continue to La Tortuguita beach. From the start to the Los Frailes beach, it takes 45 minutes to hike this trail.
An important notice here, you should not swim or bath in La Playita or La Tortuguita beaches, strong tides and rock formations make it very dangerous. If you have an urge to swim in this beautiful places, save it for Los Frailes, which is a perfectly safe beach to do so.
Los Frailes is a long white sand beach that is completely clean from buildings, restaurants or any other structures. There are some people at the entrance of the beach that will sell cokes or refreshments, besides this, services are non-existent. Public bathrooms are available at the entrance.
Fees: 5 USD per person.
Agua blanca
The small community of Agua Blanca is comprised of 52 families. They hold great pride in their society, as they live without any land divisions of any kind, and have managed to keep their environment healthy. During early times Manta Culture flourished between 800 and 1500 a.C. This outstanding location holds an archeological treasure, where you can find an incredible inventory of pre-Columbian handicrafts, funeral orbs and other pieces of great interest.
The trail takes you through the dry forest, until arriving to a sulfured lake which is famous for its cleansing and healing properties. Continuing uphill one can see the difference between the dry forest and the green Carob trees from the river valley. From there the trail takes you on a tour through bamboo houses and hay from Agua Blanca.
Fees: 3 USD per person includes entrance to the museum and tour guide on the hike.
San Sebastian
Only accessible by hiking or horseback riding. The cloud forest of San Sebastian is a unique experience of adventure and nature in one spot. This place holds an immense variety of birds, felines, mammals and insects. It is recommended to do this trail on 2 days and camp on the forest, since it takes a 12 hour walk to complete the hike. Average costs depend on your tour operator and whether you want to walk or horseback ride. | |
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