MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK (4 Days)

Day 1: Manta – Pacoche – Howler monkeys hiking – Puerto Lopez

Departure from Quito, early in the morning, on a flight to the port city of Manta. Transfer from the airport to the “Pacoche” reserve, located approximately 45 minutes from Manta. Here we will explore the last remnants of the rainforest on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, and also, we will have time to hike in the woods of this virgin forest. We will take the opportunity, in this beautiful forest, to also learn a lot about local plants and the Howler Monkeys who live in this magnificent place. Lunch in a typical restaurant along the beach which offers the best seafood. If time permits, we can also include a visit to the “San Lorenzo” house to marvel at a beautiful sunset. Afterwards, continue the day towards Puerto Lopez. Time to rest.

Day 2: Los Frailes Beach

Visit the beautiful and secluded white sand beach, “Los Frailes”. Time to stroll along the beach and enjoy the magnificent views, to relax. The wild animals on the beach, the sun, the water temperature, the landscape, the calm environment, make a wonderful beach, to forget everything. For sports enthusiasts, you can go diving, along the coast or swim.
As this is a pristine beach, there are no vendors, and there is no shade, so we recommend bringing something to eat and water. Return to Puerto Lopez, around noon. Afternoon, free. Night in the region.

Day 3: Isla de la Plata and Whale Watching – Full Day *

We recommend having a light breakfast, due to the day of sailing ahead of us. Depending on weather conditions, the estimated sailing time is approximately 2 hours. In Puerto Lopez, we will take a motorboat to go to “Isla de la Plata”, a beautiful uninhabited island. On the island of La Plata, you can do two hikes on well-designed trails, and also shallow diving or snorkeling. It’s wonderful to go snorkeling because you’ll see lots of fish, and even sea turtles if you’re lucky. The most common bird is the blue-footed booby, but you also see the red-footed, masked booby, frigate birds and a few other species, sometimes you see sea lions, gathered in the rocks near the shore. Enjoy a delicious lunch box. Nature is preserved on its own because it is part of the National Park and to visit it, you need a guide. Overall, it is a very beautiful island, and also, a nice substitute, for those who don’t have time to visit the Galapagos. Return to Puerto Lopez at the end of the day and overnight in the region.

During the whale season from July to September, this activity is done on the way to Isla de la Plata.

Day 4: Agua Blanca, eco-village!

After a delicious breakfast, departure to the ecological village and archaeological site of “Agua Blanca”, located on the “Spondylus” Route. If you are not interested in community projects or archaeological sites, you can always go to the sulfur baths for a natural treatment. This is a relaxing time! Enjoy the feeling of walking under the shade of trees and feeling the breeze on a hot day. Return to Manta, or continue to your next destination.