Beaches of the Puerto Lopez
Playa Negra and La Tortuga de Los Frailes
It is probably considered to be the nicest place at the Machalilla National Park due to its views, where you can enjoy a warm bath, walk along a 4-km self-guided path or simply rest while enjoying the softness of its white sand. It offers a spectacular view of the surrounding areas from a lookout point located on the highest point of the area.
Location:
It is located to the south of the village of Machalilla and 12 km to the north of Puerto López.
Area:
It covers approximately 3 km from Punta Cabuya up to Punta Los Frailes.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius.
Fauna:
In its surrounding areas you can find dolphins, pelicans, hawks, white cranes, seagulls, snails, crabs and fish, among others.
Flora:
Local plants include: rastreras, manzanillo, muyuyo, palosanto, barbasco, cactus, papayo, chapuca, ocean pechiche, arrayan or realito, ocean verdolaga and tunas, among others.
Attractions:
The lovers of ecotourism and nature can take the longer route, which snakes its way through a dry forest of with bottle-shaped trees with thick spines and long and thin cacti. There are also rock formations, lookout points, small bays and islands. This path crosses two beaches:
• Playita Negra, a small bay which is named for the color of its sand.
• "La Tortuguita" Beach, with clear, light green colored waters.
Location:
It is located to the south of the village of Machalilla and 12 km to the north of Puerto López.
Area:
It covers approximately 3 km from Punta Cabuya up to Punta Los Frailes.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius.
Fauna:
In its surrounding areas you can find dolphins, pelicans, hawks, white cranes, seagulls, snails, crabs and fish, among others.
Flora:
Local plants include: rastreras, manzanillo, muyuyo, palosanto, barbasco, cactus, papayo, chapuca, ocean pechiche, arrayan or realito, ocean verdolaga and tunas, among others.
Attractions:
The lovers of ecotourism and nature can take the longer route, which snakes its way through a dry forest of with bottle-shaped trees with thick spines and long and thin cacti. There are also rock formations, lookout points, small bays and islands. This path crosses two beaches:
• Playita Negra, a small bay which is named for the color of its sand.
• "La Tortuguita" Beach, with clear, light green colored waters.
"LA TORTUGUITA" BEACH
It has great scenic beauty, located in Playa Los Frailes. It is a very small cove, considered by many to be the most beautiful in Provincia de Manabí. The contrast between its calm, crystal-clear waters and the surrounding vegetation makes Playa Tortuguita a small paradise.
Area:
It is approximately 800 meters long.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius, which is kept constant thanks to the sea breeze and a low level of precipitation.
Biodiversity:
La Playa Tortuguita stands out for the beauty of its waters and the variety of animal species, among which we can mention: chapuca, pechiche marino, muyuyo, arrayan or realito, manzanillo, ocean verdolaga and tuna, among others.
Activities:
It has a privileged location, in the middle of an exhuberant natural beauty with fascinating species of fish and coral ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. Furthermore, you can enjoy other activities such as water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, volleyball, beach soccer, and others.
Area:
It is approximately 800 meters long.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius, which is kept constant thanks to the sea breeze and a low level of precipitation.
Biodiversity:
La Playa Tortuguita stands out for the beauty of its waters and the variety of animal species, among which we can mention: chapuca, pechiche marino, muyuyo, arrayan or realito, manzanillo, ocean verdolaga and tuna, among others.
Activities:
It has a privileged location, in the middle of an exhuberant natural beauty with fascinating species of fish and coral ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. Furthermore, you can enjoy other activities such as water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, volleyball, beach soccer, and others.
Playa dorada de Salango
It is characterized by its view, surrounded by breathtaking colors, making it the ideal location for tourism and ecotourism and to share unforgettable moments with family.
Location:
It is part of the parish of Salango.
Area:
It is approximately 400 meters long.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 25 degrees Celcius.
Fauna:
You can find frigates, seagulls, pelicans, blue-footed boobies and several varieties of crabs and mollusks.
Flora:
Among the local species you can find: madero negro, muyuyo, dunas, chandelier cactus and realito.
Location:
It is part of the parish of Salango.
Area:
It is approximately 400 meters long.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 25 degrees Celcius.
Fauna:
You can find frigates, seagulls, pelicans, blue-footed boobies and several varieties of crabs and mollusks.
Flora:
Among the local species you can find: madero negro, muyuyo, dunas, chandelier cactus and realito.
With 4 km of beaches, it is located between La playita point and Piqueros, it’s white sand invites you to take long walks and discover the rock formations created by the action of the waves along its coast.
Salango and Parcela Marina, a place of unique beauty, is found in front of this beach. The ancestors of this village left prints that can be seen at the Salango Archaelogical Museum. There are well-delienated areas according to the activities to be performed, such as: swimming, camping, water sports, etc.
Playa de Puerto Lopez
Location: Located southeast of the province of Manabí. Area: Covers an area of 449 km2.
Weather: Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius and is ideal for enjoying Nature in its various forms.
Weather: Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius and is ideal for enjoying Nature in its various forms.
3 km inlet, beach with gray sand. Located between punta Las mesas and la Poza, from Buena-vista river to the north, within the jurisdiction of Machalilla National Park, and during vacations and Carnaval it is a place of national tourism. The beach is appropriate for children, with an ocean pool at the end of the beach to the south of Puerto Lopez, similarly, on the north side, the waves allow them to surf. There are also several activities available for tourists such as parasailing, snorkeling, water skiing, sport fishing, jetskiing, scuba diving, horseback riding, camping, delta wings, paragliding, etc.
La Playita
Is a virgin beach of white sand which is located 10 minutes from Puerto Lopez. During low tide, one can walk along the rocky shore and enjoy the wonderful view. People can enjoy themselves for hours in this beautiful place, looking for seashells, little animals and crabs and even fishing without a rod and reel.
PLAYA DE PUNTA PIQUEROS
The beach at Punta Piqueros is a fabulous area without restrictions, ideal for ecotourism and sharing unforgettable moments which will make your vacations a unique tourist experience. The marvellous coast line has become a preferred site for both national and foreign tourists.
Location:
Located very close to Puerto López to the east of the road that leads to Libertad.
Area:
It has a length of 40 meters Active Zone and 25 meters of Passive zone
Weather:
Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius.
Fauna and Flora:
There are blue-footed boobies, frigates, pelicans, octopus, lobsters, and others. The flora is characterized by madero negro, Francisco, seca, barbasco, cascol, muyuyo, jaspan, frutillo, chandellier cactus, and others.
Attractions:
Being a very quiet area it is perfect for sport fishing, water skiing, scuba diving, surfing, volleyball, beach soccer, and camping.
Location:
Located very close to Puerto López to the east of the road that leads to Libertad.
Area:
It has a length of 40 meters Active Zone and 25 meters of Passive zone
Weather:
Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius.
Fauna and Flora:
There are blue-footed boobies, frigates, pelicans, octopus, lobsters, and others. The flora is characterized by madero negro, Francisco, seca, barbasco, cascol, muyuyo, jaspan, frutillo, chandellier cactus, and others.
Attractions:
Being a very quiet area it is perfect for sport fishing, water skiing, scuba diving, surfing, volleyball, beach soccer, and camping.
PLAYA DE LOS BÁLSAMOS
Is another of the tourism destinations in Ecuador. It has a lot of resources and tourist services available for its visitors. This beach is a small closed “bay”, surrounded by hills approximately 100 meters high and with exposure of the lithological matrix. On the peaks and flanks, the plant cover is spotty and thin, with short, thin shrubs. Its crystalline waters are a light green color, with moderate undercurrents and turbid near the shore (suspended sand) and make it the ideal place to completely relax.
Location:
It is located inland from playa los Frailes.
Area:
It is approximately 800 meters long, characterized by its steep slope.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius.
Flora and Fauna:
The plant species include: salado, muyuyo and tuna. There are also: pelicans, seagulls and lobster.
Activities:
It is the ideal place for resting on the beach shore and practice sports such as hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, sailing, soccer, beach volleyball and more.
It is located inland from playa los Frailes.
Area:
It is approximately 800 meters long, characterized by its steep slope.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius.
Flora and Fauna:
The plant species include: salado, muyuyo and tuna. There are also: pelicans, seagulls and lobster.
Activities:
It is the ideal place for resting on the beach shore and practice sports such as hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, sailing, soccer, beach volleyball and more.
PLAYA DE AYAMPE
Known as one of the most beautiful ecotourism zones of Manabí and one of the main attractions of the area because of its calm waters. It is a beautiful little town where many of its residents work in collecting natural products such as: tagua, coffee, seasfood, and Wood. Its estimated population is around 400 people.
Location:
Located on the border of the Manabí and Guayas provinces, 17 km to the south of Puerto López.
Weather:
The weather varies and is basically divided into periods: From December to June, the average temperature is 26 degrees Celcius. The rest of the year one can enjoy a cooler temperature of 19º C.
Attractions:
The Ayampe river is known as the only one within the Region. This is a vitally importan tarea for the region due to its extraordinary flora and fauna which includes several endangered species. It is an ideal location for seeing humpback whales.
Activities:
Those who enjoy a radiant sun can enjoy the outdoor huts in addition to renting scuba diving equipment and jetskis. It is the perfect place for practicing any kind of water sports.
Located on the border of the Manabí and Guayas provinces, 17 km to the south of Puerto López.
Weather:
The weather varies and is basically divided into periods: From December to June, the average temperature is 26 degrees Celcius. The rest of the year one can enjoy a cooler temperature of 19º C.
Attractions:
The Ayampe river is known as the only one within the Region. This is a vitally importan tarea for the region due to its extraordinary flora and fauna which includes several endangered species. It is an ideal location for seeing humpback whales.
Activities:
Those who enjoy a radiant sun can enjoy the outdoor huts in addition to renting scuba diving equipment and jetskis. It is the perfect place for practicing any kind of water sports.
PLAYA LAS TUNAS
Its warm and crystal clear waters invite you to enjoy them. The soft white sand invite you to hold your partner’s hand and recall romantic moments while looking off into the horizon. We can enjoy an ecosystem composed of rainforest vegetation and very colorful marine species.
Location:
This Paradise is located 31 km to the north of Montañita and 18 km to the south of Puerto López.
Area:
Its extensive beach is 17 kilometers long.
Weather:
The weather varies and is basically divided into periods: From December to June, the average temperature is 26 degrees Celcius. The rest of the year one can enjoy a cooler temperature of 19º C. Walking along the shoreline at night is an activity that both residents and visitors do to relax.
Location:
This Paradise is located 31 km to the north of Montañita and 18 km to the south of Puerto López.
Area:
Its extensive beach is 17 kilometers long.
Weather:
The weather varies and is basically divided into periods: From December to June, the average temperature is 26 degrees Celcius. The rest of the year one can enjoy a cooler temperature of 19º C. Walking along the shoreline at night is an activity that both residents and visitors do to relax.
Fauna:
The boobies, frigates, pelicans, seagulls, cranes and flamingos are part of the local species. Different varieties of crabs and other crustaceans live in the mangrove swamps.
Flora:
There is a wide variety of fruit, lumber and medicinal trees such as palo santo, guayacanes, laurels, cactus, mangroves, porotillo, muyuyo, salado, and others.
Attractions:
One can visit “Los Huecos Feos” which are caves full of history and are worth visiting, the ideal place for adventure tourism; on the way we find small waterfalls which are part of many of the local legends. The mangrove path is one of the main Tourist attractions of this place.
Activities:
One can enjoy sport fishing, windsurfing, water skiing and sailing while also enjoying the warm tropical weather as well as the unique view that is offered by the Ecuadorian shores.
The boobies, frigates, pelicans, seagulls, cranes and flamingos are part of the local species. Different varieties of crabs and other crustaceans live in the mangrove swamps.
Flora:
There is a wide variety of fruit, lumber and medicinal trees such as palo santo, guayacanes, laurels, cactus, mangroves, porotillo, muyuyo, salado, and others.
Attractions:
One can visit “Los Huecos Feos” which are caves full of history and are worth visiting, the ideal place for adventure tourism; on the way we find small waterfalls which are part of many of the local legends. The mangrove path is one of the main Tourist attractions of this place.
Activities:
One can enjoy sport fishing, windsurfing, water skiing and sailing while also enjoying the warm tropical weather as well as the unique view that is offered by the Ecuadorian shores.
PLAYA DE SALAITE
Characterized by its dark gray sand, which results from the rock-based mineral of Punta Pedernales. The Sandy surface is continuous and uniform throughout the beach, broken up at points covered by rocks. The water at this beach is a transparent green color.
Location:
It is located in the commune by the same name which belongs to the region of Puerto López.
Area:
The beach covers an area of approximately 2 km2.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius.
Biodiversity:
There are lizzards, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, crabs, and more. Some of the commonly found plants include seca, muyuyo, barbasco, sapote de perro, cascol, Sebastián, realito, cherry trees, chala, licuanco and pitahaya.
Attractions:
The beach is ideal for ecotourism because it has a foot path from which one can see cliffs, islands, fauna, flora and an enchanting marine coastline view. Its calm and transparent waters invite you to stay in this magical place.
Activities:
One can enjoy hiking, water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, volleyball, beach soccer and others.
Location:
It is located in the commune by the same name which belongs to the region of Puerto López.
Area:
The beach covers an area of approximately 2 km2.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius.
Biodiversity:
There are lizzards, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, crabs, and more. Some of the commonly found plants include seca, muyuyo, barbasco, sapote de perro, cascol, Sebastián, realito, cherry trees, chala, licuanco and pitahaya.
Attractions:
The beach is ideal for ecotourism because it has a foot path from which one can see cliffs, islands, fauna, flora and an enchanting marine coastline view. Its calm and transparent waters invite you to stay in this magical place.
Activities:
One can enjoy hiking, water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, volleyball, beach soccer and others.
PLAYAS DE PUERTO RICO
It protects the coast with its slight slope, making it difficult to differentiate on the ground due to modifications caused by geographical accidents. Playa de Puerto Rico is the main western quadrant with a completely unobstructed ocean horizon except for the presence of the island of Los Ahorcados.
Location:
It is located within the borders of the Machalilla National Park between the outlying tip of Loma de los Monos or Punta Mocora, up to Punta Ayampe.
Area:
It covers an area of approximately 6 kilometers.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius.
Flora:
The native vegetation of the area includes pines, palm trees, almond trees, veranera, chabelite and others. This type of decorative plant is found spefically inside the Tourist complex and form part of the unforgetable view.
Attractions and Activities:
It is ideal for relaxing while enjoying an ecotour on horseback while looking at the various flora and birds or to hike through the coffee plantations and local fruit farms. It is also a perfect spot for those who enjoy surfing. Many tourists are attracted by the multiple activities if offers, particularly its romantic bonfires by the shore.
Location:
It is located within the borders of the Machalilla National Park between the outlying tip of Loma de los Monos or Punta Mocora, up to Punta Ayampe.
Area:
It covers an area of approximately 6 kilometers.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 27 degrees Celcius.
Flora:
The native vegetation of the area includes pines, palm trees, almond trees, veranera, chabelite and others. This type of decorative plant is found spefically inside the Tourist complex and form part of the unforgetable view.
Attractions and Activities:
It is ideal for relaxing while enjoying an ecotour on horseback while looking at the various flora and birds or to hike through the coffee plantations and local fruit farms. It is also a perfect spot for those who enjoy surfing. Many tourists are attracted by the multiple activities if offers, particularly its romantic bonfires by the shore.
PLAYA and ENSENADA DE RÍO CHICO
With its cove and surrounded by cerro de la mocora y punta loma de los monos, it is a unique tourist attraction, with a completely unobstructed ocean horizon. To the north, the bay closes off with the continental part. To the east it is surrounded by a step-like progression of hills, following the path of the river to its outflow. In the beach area, the constructions are integrated by their design and spatial position.
Location:
It is located in the region of Puerto Lopez, in the parish of the same name.
Area:
Both cover an area of approximately 1,600 km2.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 25 degrees Celcius.
Biodiversity:
The upper part of the hill which surrounds the beach is covered by vegetation identified as tropical spine hills. The characteristic species include the red crab, rock sea bass, albacore tuna, hermit crab, frigate, and others.
Activities:
One can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, delta wings, paragliding, surfing, water skiing and bananas.
Location:
It is located in the region of Puerto Lopez, in the parish of the same name.
Area:
Both cover an area of approximately 1,600 km2.
Weather:
Its average temperature is 25 degrees Celcius.
Biodiversity:
The upper part of the hill which surrounds the beach is covered by vegetation identified as tropical spine hills. The characteristic species include the red crab, rock sea bass, albacore tuna, hermit crab, frigate, and others.
Activities:
One can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, delta wings, paragliding, surfing, water skiing and bananas.