Machalilla National Park Ecuador

Machalilla National Park is a preserve in the Ecuadorian Manabí Province near Puerto López and the rural parish of Machalilla, a small fishing village in the vicinity of the park. Machalilla National Park rests along the Pacific coast and incorporates beaches, fog forest, dry forest, small islands and two larger islands, Salango and Isla de la Plata.

Wildlife includes armadillos, two species of monkeys and birds of more than 270 species. Many of the large mammals in Machalilla National Park are regionally and locally endangered. Machalilla National Park is the only habitat outside of the Galapagos Islands of waved albatross. The ocean regions of the park also provide a breeding ground for humpback whales. Vegetation includes opuntia cactus, palo santo trees, kapok trees and the algaroba tree.

Things to See & Do

* Education Centre
* Whale watching
* Wildlife viewing
* Isla de la Plata
* Snorkeling

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - U.S. dollar (USD)
Language - Spanish
Population - 16,000 approx (Puerto Lopez)
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time - GMT minus five hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 593

Port Location - Machalilla National Park can be accessed by boat from Puerto Lopez.

Transport Links - Buses to Puerto Lopez leave Santa Elena many times a day, passing by Montanita. From Montañita, the bus ride takes 2 hours. Buses leave Puerto Lopez every day. You can take a 4 hour bus to Guayaquil by way of Jipijapa which runs at 7AM, 9AM, 1PM, and 4PM.