Puerto Lopez is a village with it a peaceful and friendly population. It is also the center of eco-tourism. This place is visited by locals and international tourists. In the month of June until September, the fascination for whales attracts many tourists in search for a close encounter with this charismatic fauna. From Puerto Lopez there are a lot of excursions to attend:
Machalilla National Park
Here you can find one of the best conserved and pristine beaches in Ecuadorian continental coast line. The Machalilla National Park covers an area of 50.000 hectares and includes the Plata and Salango islands. It is the only national park with a combination of national, cultural, island and continental influences. It offers the most beautiful landscapes of the Ecuadorian coast and includes dry-equatorial and rain forests.
Community Agua Blanca
Agua Blanca is an archaeological site in the heart of the Park, which stands out for the Manteño culture, traditions and architectural remains. You can visit the community museum of Agua Blanca, and learn about their ancestors, pre Inca civilizations, famous for their spondylus trade (used as currency).
Playa de los Frailes
Playa de los Frailes is the ideal place to swim or snorkel. With their fine, white sand, warm waters, and breathtaking landscapes the beaches offer the perfect place to relax. In a two hour excursion you can visit various view points and a number of beaches.
Isla de la Plata
Isla de la Plata is considered one of the most important places of the Machalilla National Park. Since the prehistoric times, it was used as a center of worship to the Sun by nearly all pre-Columbian cultures. In this island the exchange of the famous Spondylus shell took place. Considered the food of the gods and primitive currency by pre-Hispanic cultures.
At this island are several opportunities for wildlife spotting including a variety of birds, sea lions and small reptiles. Currently the importance of the island lies as an ideal place for the reproduction of migratory birds: such as masked boobies, frigates birds and albatrosses.
Other attractions of this place is snorkeling. This is a perfect snorkeling spot where multicolor fishes and coral reefs will amuse you.