Travel Guide Parque Nacional Machalilla

Since 1979, it has been one of the few places in the country where beaches and virgin forests mingle with the history of pre-Columbian civilizations. The Machalilla National Park covers 55,000 hectares in the province of Manabí, along the west coast, around Puerto Lopez. And among them, carnivorous primates (sloth anteaters, pacas, agoutis, squirrels, monkeys...), marine and terrestrial birds (herons, pelicans, albatrosses, frigates, owls..), reptiles, land and sea turtles, snakes, lizards, and a multitude of fish that live in the waters of the Pacific, at the junction of the cold marine current coming from the north (Humboldt) and the warm current coming from the south (El Nino). These two marine currents meet at this very spot, hence the existence of two distinct seasons: a dry season from June to December and a rainy season from January to May.In addition, the archaeological sites are legion in this region (Salango, Agua Blanca) which is of great importance in the pre-Columbian history of Ecuador (Valdivia culture). An integral part of the Park, Isla de la Plata is one of the most beautiful marine sanctuaries in the country (except for the Galapagos) and a paradise for rare species such as the blue and red legged booby, the frigate bird and the albatross. Another island area to discover is Salango Island. Finally, the magnificent beaches of the Park reveal magnificent stretches of white, grey and even black sand. The most famous is the beach of Los Frailes.