Tales of an Old Diver from Salango, Ecuador

In the village of Salango near Puerto Lopez, right on the highway, is the home of a great diver, Don Humberto.

He no longer dives, but there are many stories of his incredible experience exploring the seabed, some of which we present to you...
Every night I go out to the ocean shore. Gentle rays of sunlight caress my face and the breeze gently ruffles my gray hair... I look at the sea, at the white foam of the waves, and my memory fades away, transporting me to the past, when I was young and strong, when I could dive... oh, those times will never return, only the pleasant memory of the great moments I experienced remains.
I grew up in a family of fishermen; my father was a fisherman from a young age. I want to share some of my stories, full of adventure, excitement, and risk, but which still leave me with the pleasant sensation of adrenaline rushing through my body when I think back to that time.

 The indigenous people of these lands, representatives of the oldest cultures in the Americas — the Valdivia and the Manteña — were outstanding navigators and fishermen. Their legacy continues to thrive in the 21st century. Archaeological findings in the area of Puerto López and neighboring Salango prove that humans have lived here for more than five thousand years, and that fishing and the gathering of mollusks formed the foundation of their existence. The people of Puerto López, just like their ancestors, live from the sea, its products, and its wealth. Today, tourism, ecotourism, and artisanal fishing constitute the main sources of employment and income for the local population.

 The predominant activity is artisanal fishing (pesca artesanal). Every day, all the fishermen of the canton set out in small boats in search of their catch in the vast Pacific Ocean. Wooden boats with oars and sail rafts have almost disappeared. Nowadays, fishermen use modern fiberglass vessels equipped with outboard motors, allowing them to cover great distances in a short time. Most often, the boats leave in the evening to fish during the night and return at dawn to the beach of Puerto López. They use modern fishing gear such as bottom longlines, trammel nets, cast nets, and occasionally harpoons. The most valued species in the catch are corvina, camotillo, and cabezudo. These fish are highly appreciated by both local residents and tourists who come here seeking the authentic taste of fresh seafood cuisine.

 The canton owes its name to Daniel López, a philanthropist from Jipijapa. The son of a Colombian father and Guayaquil native Carmen Saltos, López made significant contributions to the development of this region. In his honor, the Municipality of Jipijapa named the beautiful bay after him. However, the history of Puerto López begins long before Daniel López. More than five thousand years ago, the ancient cultures of Valdivia, Machalilla and Manteña already inhabited these shores, mastering navigation, fishing and the trade of the precious Spondylus shell.

 Today, Puerto López is far more than a simple fishing village. It is one of the most important destinations for ecotourism on Ecuador’s Pacific coast, the gateway to Machalilla National Park, the best place to watch humpback whales, and a living museum where five thousand years of history meet sustainable tourism and the genuine hospitality of the people of Manabí.

 Welcome to the canton of Puerto López, your home in the heart of Manabí — a place your heart will remember forever on your journey through Ecuador. This wonderful, peaceful and authentic fishing town offers more than 35 tourist attractions. The most outstanding of all is, without a doubt, the observation of Humpback Whales and the abundance of seabirds. Visitors can explore the fascinating museums of Salango and Agua Blanca, sail to the legendary Isla de la Plata, walk the scenic trails of Bola de Oro and El Rocío, discover the rich Marine Area, relax on paradise beaches such as Playa Rosada and Playa Tortuga, and contemplate unforgettable landscapes that only this corner of the Manabí coast can offer.

 From June to September, majestic humpback whales arrive on our shores to mate and raise their calves. Join an unforgettable ecotourism experience in the heart of the Machalilla National Park, one of the most valuable natural spaces in Ecuador.

Why Choose Puerto López?

• ✅ Best place to see humpback whales in all of Ecuador
• ✅ Daily tours with certified guides and responsible operators
• ✅ Isla de la Plata, paradise beaches and excellent snorkeling
• ✅ Quiet atmosphere and authentic fishing village charm
• ✅ Affordable prices and genuine Manabí hospitality
• ✅ More than 35 attractions of tourism and ecotourism in a single destination

2026 Whale Season: June – September (the best months are July and August).

 Local restaurants offer authentic typical Ecuadorian food and a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood that satisfy even the most demanding gourmet. Here the flavor of the ocean blends with traditional Manabí recipes such as viche, cazuela and ceviche, turning every meal into part of the tourist experience.