Puerto Lopez is a small fishing village, much quieter than other more popular and lively beaches like Montañitas. Furthermore, it is the best base for visiting Machalilla National Park, as most excursions depart from here and its main attractions are easily accessible.
The Machalilla National Park is the main attraction of the area. Within its boundaries are sites such as the famous Isla de la Plata, known for whale and seabird watching, pristine beaches such as Los Frailes, and trails that cross one of the last remaining tropical dry forests in the region. All this just a few kilometers from Puerto López.
In this post I'll tell you about my experience exploring Puerto López and Machalilla National Park, which places are worth visiting, how to get around the area, and some practical tips for organizing your visit and making the most of this corner of the Ecuadorian coast.
Table of Contents
Where are Puerto López and Machalilla National Park located?
Puerto López is located on the Pacific coast in the province of Manabí, in western Ecuador. It is a small fishing village located about 200 km from Guayaquil, making it an accessible stop for those traveling along the Ecuadorian coast from north to south.
The Machalilla National Park surrounds Puerto López and extends along several kilometers of coastline, encompassing beaches, cliffs, areas of tropical dry forest and protected marine zones.
Thanks to its location, Puerto López serves as the main logistical base for visiting the park, since maritime excursions depart from the town and most of its protected areas are accessible by road.
How to get to Puerto López
The most common way to get to Puerto López is from Guayaquil, as it has the largest number of land connections in the region.
From the Guayaquil's main bus terminal, frequent buses depart for Puerto López or nearby towns such as Jipijapa, from where you can take the final leg by local bus or taxi.
The bus trip from Guayaquil usually takes between 4 and 5 hours, depending on traffic and intermediate stops.
It is also possible to get there by car, taking Route E40 towards the coast. The roads are in good condition and the journey is straightforward.
If you are coming from other points on the coast, such as Montañita, Olón or Ayampe, Puerto López is well connected by the Ruta del Spondylus, with local buses and vans that travel this stretch regularly.
What to see in Puerto López
Although Puerto López is a small town, it has some places to explore at a leisurely pace.
The seawall and the fishing port
The Puerto López boardwalk is the heart of the town and the best place to start exploring it.
From here you can see the daily movement of the fishermen, the tourist boats that depart for Isla de la Plata and, in season, it is even possible to spot whales from the coast.
It's a great place to walk at sunset and feel the town's peaceful rhythm.
The beach of Puerto López
The main beach is wide and easily accessible, ideal for relaxing, walking or simply sitting and looking at the sea.
It's not the prettiest beach in the area for swimming, but it serves its purpose well as a relaxed and uncrowded space, especially compared to other destinations on the Ecuadorian coast.
Fish market and local restaurants
Very close to the port is the fish market (see location), where you can see the catch of the day and try typical dishes from the Ecuadorian coast at affordable prices.
It's one of the best places to eat fresh fish, ceviche and seafood, and a great way to get closer to local life.
Tours and local agencies
In Puerto López, most of the tourist agencies that organize excursions to Isla de la Plata and whale watching are concentrated.
Although it is not an attraction in itself, visiting them allows you to compare prices, check sea conditions and organize activities with greater flexibility.
How to get to Machalilla National Park from Puerto López
By public transport
From Puerto López you can reach different areas of Machalilla National Park using local buses that run along the Spondylus Route, combined with a not very demanding walk.
To visit Playa Los Frailes, you have to take a bus towards Jipijapa or Manta and get off at the turnoff to the park (entrance to Los Frailes, see location on the map).
From there, you can continue on foot along the road that cars take to the parking lot, or you can take a path that runs along part of the coast, ending in Los Frailes.
The walk to Los Frailes Beach is easy and practically flat, along a narrow dirt road surrounded by local vegetation, without any technical difficulty.
The approximate distance is about 3 kilometers, and the travel time is usually almost 1 hour, depending on the pace and the heat. There is no shade for much of the route, so it's best to start early and bring water.
Taxi or private transport
Local taxis are an economical and practical option for getting from Puerto López to the various park entrances, especially if you're traveling in a group or want to save time. They can drop you off in the parking lot right in front of Los Frailes beach.
You may be interested in reading about how to visit the Cotopaxi Volcano.
What to do in Machalilla National Park
Visit Los Frailes Beach
It is the park's most famous attraction and one of the main reasons to visit the area. Los Frailes stands out for its calm waters, light sand and a well-preserved natural environment.
From the access area, several coastal trails lead to small beaches, coves, and viewpoints overlooking the ocean.
Explore trails in the tropical dry forest
The park protects one of the last remaining patches of tropical dry forest in Ecuador. Marked trails allow visitors to observe the region's characteristic vegetation and local fauna, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
These are simple walks, to be done calmly and above all to enjoy the surroundings.
Excursion to Isla de la Plata
The Isla de la Plata is known as the “Galápagos of the poor” and is visited on full day excursions from Puerto López.
In addition to interpretive trails, the island offers opportunities for seabird watching, snorkeling and, in season, humpback whale watching during the boat trip.
Whale watching (in season)
Between June and September, the waters off Machalilla become one of the best places in Ecuador for humpback whale watching.
The excursions depart from Puerto López and usually last between two and three hours.
Enjoy less crowded beaches and viewpoints
In addition to Los Frailes, the park has less visited beaches and viewpoints, ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural landscapes without crowds.
Some areas can be explored on foot, while others are part of guided tours.
Machalilla National Park Schedules and Costs
Visiting hours
The Machalilla National Park is open every day from 08:00 to 16:30. This means it's important to arrive early if you want to explore the trails, beaches, and viewpoints at your leisure, as park rangers begin asking visitors to leave towards the end of the afternoon.
Entrance fees and charges
Entrance to Machalilla National Park is free. But also bring cash (USD) for any optional entrance fees, internal transportation, or services within the park, as many places do not accept cards or payment apps.
Best time to visit Puerto López and Machalilla National Park
Puerto López can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on what you want to do.
Between June and September the humpback whale watching season takes place, one of the main attractions of the area, when many tourists arrive to take sea excursions.
As for the climate, the dry season runs approximately from June to November, with cooler days and less rain, ideal for exploring beaches and trails in Machalilla National Park.
The rainy season, from December to May, features higher temperatures and greener landscapes, although with greater humidity and occasional rain.
If you're looking for a balance between good weather and fewer tourists, the months of April, May and October are usually a good option to visit the area more peacefully.
Where to sleep in Puerto López
The best area to stay in Puerto López is near the malecón, as it allows you to walk to the beach, restaurants, agencies and the port without needing transportation.
Overall, it's a quiet town, so even in the center you can get a good rest.
There are options for different budgets, from budget hostels and guesthouses to simple hotels and more comfortable inns, many of them in relaxed environments and without the typical noise of other coastal destinations like Montañita.
I stayed at Hospedaje Zutalu, a cabin complex right on the beach. The rooms are clean and it's surrounded by greenery. Plus, it's not too expensive considering what it offers.
Final thoughts
Unfortunately, during my visit in November, I had a cool and cloudy day, which meant I couldn't fully enjoy Los Frailes Beach. The bad weather affected my stay, and it's easy to imagine that with sunshine and good weather, the place looks completely different.
The natural surroundings of Machalilla National Park are beautiful. The trails and viewpoints are a great complement to the beaches.
But, to be honest, it didn't seem like an essential destination within Ecuador to me, but rather an interesting place for those who are already touring the coast or looking for a quiet stop with beaches without the party scene of other destinations.
Frequently asked questions about Puerto López and Machalilla National Park
How long does it take to visit Puerto López and Machalilla?
Ideally, you should dedicate at least a full day to exploring Los Frailes Beach and the park's trails. If you also want to visit Isla de la Plata or go whale watching, it is recommended to stay one or two nights in Puerto López.
Is it possible to visit Los Frailes Beach without a tour?
Yes. Los Frailes Beach can be visited independently, either by taxi, private car, or by combining public transport and walking from the road.
Is there public transportation inside the park?
No. Public transport goes as far as the main route or access points, and from there journeys are made on foot along marked trails or by private transport.
What is the best time to see whales?
The humpback whale watching season runs approximately from June to September, and is one of the main attractions of the area.
Is Puerto López worth it if I'm not going to Isla de la Plata?
It depends. If you're looking for a quiet, natural destination with uncrowded beaches, then yes. Los Frailes Beach and the trails of Machalilla National Park are worth a visit, even without taking the island excursion.
Are there restaurants and services in Puerto López?
Yes. Puerto López has restaurants, accommodations, ATMs, and tourist agencies, enough for a short and comfortable stay.
Is it a family destination?
Yes. Both Puerto López and Playa Los Frailes are suitable destinations for families, always taking into account the weather and the walks necessary to access some areas.
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