Ecological Trails in Puerto López: Adventure, Nature and Ecotourism in Machalilla National Park
The ecological trails of Puerto López offer one of the most authentic and enriching experiences of ecotourism on the coast of Manabí. Inside Machalilla National Park and its buffer zones, these paths allow visitors to discover dry and humid forests, waterfalls, viewpoints overlooking the Pacific, endemic fauna and the daily life of local communities. Every trail is an invitation to walk slowly, observe with respect and connect with one of the most biodiverse regions of Ecuador.
From the highland jungle of Bola de Oro to the coastal views of El Rocío, passing through the cliffs of El Sombrerito and the paths of Isla de la Plata, these routes combine perfectly with humpback whale watching, pristine beaches and visits to Salango and Agua Blanca. Below we present a complete guide to the main ecological trails of the area.
Bola de Oro Trail: the highland jungle of Machalilla National Park
Bola de Oro is an ideal tourist destination for ecotourism. It is a trail located in the upper part of the humid forest, one of the most important attractions of Machalilla National Park. It forms part of the Río Blanco settlement in the Comuna de El Pital. The inhabitants of this small green paradise are passionately dedicated to the protection of wildlife.
The route crosses abundant and varied vegetation, waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers. The landscape gradually changes from dry forest to primary and secondary humid forest, with characteristics similar to the Amazonian jungle. Here you will find a great variety of plant and animal species. An outgoing group of young local guides offers walking or horseback tours to enter the dense jungle and observe the endemic diversity of fauna: howler monkeys, forest chickens (pavas de monte), pacas (guantas), deer, a great variety of birds and insects — all in an atmosphere full of mystery.
The route follows the ancient Cacique de Piedra Path to the highest point of Machalilla National Park: La Bola de Oro, at 800 meters above sea level. The abundance of flora — bromeliads, tagua, medicinal and timber plants — of the tropical humid forest is appreciated in all its splendor within this natural remnant of the Ecuadorian coast, considered of great importance as a site of biological regeneration within the binational Chocó-Manabí corridor.
This green paradise is ideal for practicing adventure ecotourism (hiking or horseback riding) and forms part of the community tourism offer on the coast of Ecuador. From Puerto López the visit is easily organized, becoming one of the most complete experiences of ecological tourism in the region.
El Rocío Trail: dry forest, Pacific views and whales
In a very representative sector of the tropical dry forest, only 5 minutes from the parish of Machalilla, lies El Rocío. A place where the simple lifestyle of the peasant combines with the natural wealth of Machalilla National Park. A typical self-sufficient agricultural farm opens the door for the tourist to a trail of 2 km in length that reveals a fantastic landscape of the Pacific Ocean coastline and species of flora and fauna.
At the end of the path a walk along the seashore opens that allows returning to Machalilla at low tide. El Rocío is an ecological trail developed by Don Santos Baque on the land of his father, Don José Israel Baque Quimi, who acquired these lands (500 hectares of 3 km in length) before Machalilla National Park was founded, with the aim of representing the tourist riches of the sector.
The trail is located on park lands, 5 minutes from Pueblo Nuevo and 8 minutes from Machalilla, exactly at km 42 of the Jipijapa – Puerto López road. Its limits are: to the North Puerto Cayo, to the South the city of Puerto López, to the West the Pacific Ocean and to the East the canton of Jipijapa.
The ecological trail El Rocío offers tourists who arrive in Puerto López and its community a new alternative of ecotourism and adventure, characterized by the biodiversity of flora and fauna of the Tropical Dry Forest. Within it are found common species of the region and legendary trees such as palo santo, guayacán, cascol and barbasco nearly 300 years old.
From Punta Canoa, the highest point of the trail, the humpback whales can be seen in the distance during the months of June to September. It is also possible to visit an attractive almost private beach of golden sand. El Rocío is an excellent site for camping and enjoying a good sea bath, complemented by unforgettable landscapes of the coastal profile.
As a tourist product, the El Rocío sector is direct competition for the other trails located in the canton of Puerto López. Currently there are only three main ecotourism trails in the area: Bola de Oro, El Sombrerito Trail, Salaite Trail and El Rocío. This trail has a great advantage due to the large number of local and foreign tourists who annually visit the Puerto López sector thanks to the tours to Isla de la Plata and to whale watching.
Its tourist operation for the public began in the year 2000 thanks to the economic support of the United Nations. Mr. Santos Baque and his family managed to develop this tourist product that today forms an essential part of the sustainable tourism offer of the region.
El Sombrerito Trail: panoramic views and cliffs
The El Sombrerito trail allows tourists to appreciate an incredible panoramic view of the coastal profile of Machalilla National Park. It is a Tropical Dry Forest with its species of fauna and flora, located on the road 4 km north of Machalilla.
Within the sector there are areas for camping and a descent into the ravine that allows the visitor to observe different crustaceans on the rocks, seabirds and a viewpoint with a panoramic view of the coast of the Machalilla parish. It is a short but intensely scenic trail, ideal for those looking for a half-day experience combined with nearby beaches.
Trails of Isla de la Plata
Isla de la Plata, known as the “Little Galápagos”, offers two main walking trails that form an essential part of the ecotourism experience on the island and one of the greatest attractions for travelers arriving in Puerto López.
Punta Machete Trail is the most popular route. It passes through dense colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, pelicans and other seabirds. Along the way impressive views open onto sheer cliffs and the endless Pacific Ocean. In certain months sea lions can be encountered, and in the clear waters at the base of the cliffs sharks and immense manta rays frequently appear. The route is relatively short but rich in observations and is always under the supervision of park guides, guaranteeing minimal impact on the nesting colonies.
Punta Escalera Trail leads to another part of the island. Here birds also nest, characteristic xerophytic flora grows, and the landscapes have a wilder and more secluded character. From the viewpoints a wide panorama of the ocean and neighboring rocks opens. This trail is ideal for those who want to see the island from a different perspective and enjoy greater silence.
Both trails are usually included in a one-day tour departing from Puerto López. During the season from June to September the boat journey to and from the island is often accompanied by encounters with humpback whales, making the day especially memorable. Visiting the trails of Isla de la Plata is considered one of the best opportunities for birdwatching and marine life observation on the entire Ecuadorian coast. The combination of terrestrial trails, seabird colonies and the possibility of whale sightings turns this island into a unique destination of sustainable tourism and responsible ecotourism.
La Josefina Ecological Trail in Salango
In the tropical dry forest, only 20 minutes from the Comuna Salango, in the Río Chico settlement, lies the La Josefina Ecological Trail. The visit includes a tourist route in which people of all ages can enjoy all the peace, tranquility and other pleasures that nature provides, while at the same time learning to care for and preserve natural resources and the environment.
The typical sounds of nature and the tropical forest landscape from the Tourist Viewpoint will leave a lasting memory in the visitor’s heart. This ecological trail integrates perfectly into a circuit that includes the marine parcel and the museum of Salango, offering a complete experience of community tourism.
Puerto López: starting point of all the trails
All these trails have their logistical base in Puerto López, the heart of ecotourism in Manabí. From here it is easy to organize combinations with humpback whale watching, visits to Isla de la Plata, Agua Blanca or the beaches of the park.
Come and discover these paths. The hospitality of the local communities, the silence of the forests and the views of the Pacific create an experience of sustainable tourism that remains forever. From Puerto López, the destination where nature, history and people come together, the best ecological trails of the Ecuadorian coast await you.
