Puerto Lopez, once a simple fishing village, now offers the perfect coastal retreat for those wanting a break from the hustle and bustle. If you’re drawn to coastal hikes, rich history, and spotting vibrant marine life, Puerto Lopez is an essential stop on your Ecuadorian adventure!
Walk along Puerto Lopez Malecon, Pier, and Main Beach
The Puerto Lopez Pier is a must-visit spot to take in the beach’s beauty and capture the charm of fishing boats lined up along the shore. The pier is also buzzing with craft vendors and tour operators offering trips to nearby islands—perfect if you’re ready for a coastal adventure.
Puerto Lopez has a fresh feel thanks to the newly revamped Malecon “Julio Izurieta.” This scenic boardwalk is lined with restaurants where you can savor traditional Manabi dishes along with plenty of lunch and à la carte options.
The beach in Puerto Lopez is stunningly clean, and the calm waves make it ideal for a relaxing swim. If you didn’t bring a parasol, no worries—there are tents and parasols for rent along the shore, costing about $5 to $10 for the day. Facilities are handy, too, with bathrooms and dressing rooms available for just $0.25 and $1.
For a bit of indulgence, small stalls and cabanas line the beach, offering cocktails that are perfect for enjoying while you soak up the sun.
Visit Los Frailles Beach
Los Frailes was one of our favorite day trips from Puerto Lopez, and it was so affordable too. We loved that entry to this stunning beach was completely free, and it was so easy to get there by public transportation. My wife and I decided to hike from the main road, which took us about two hours to reach the beach, but it was a journey filled with incredible views.
Along the way, we passed two beautiful beaches—one with striking black volcanic sand—and two breathtaking viewpoints where we stopped to take photos and soak in the scenery. The hike wasn’t challenging, but I’d definitely recommend closed-toe shoes rather than flip-flops. We made sure to pack enough water and sunscreen since the beach is exposed with very little shade, and it turned out to be a perfect day.
Take a Boat Trip to Isla de la Plata
Isla de la Plata, often called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” was a highlight for us in Puerto Lopez. Known for its rich marine life and incredible landscapes, this island is part of Machalilla National Park and is a dream come true for wildlife lovers, especially if the Galapagos is out of budget.
My wife and I arranged a day trip cruise from town, and after a 40-kilometer boat ride, we were immersed in a world of blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, and countless other species. If you’re a nature enthusiast like us, this place is a must-visit. It has all the beauty and biodiversity you’d hope for without the hefty Galapagos price tag!
Isla de la Plata is entirely uninhabited, making it feel like a true escape into nature. My wife and I loved seeing wildlife up close, spotting some of the Galapagos’ famous creatures like the Blue-Footed Booby, Nazca Booby, and even the majestic Albatross.
Planning trip to Galapagos Islands?
My wife and I spent two weeks on these magnificent islands, visited nearly every possible tour, and explored as much as we could. I shared all the important details in my comprehensive Galapagos Islands Travel Guide, where I cover everything you need to know about planning a trip to the Galapagos.
Galapagos Islands travel might surprise you with extra fees to enter the islands, the complicated logistics between islands, booking tours, and knowing which spots are free to explore and which ones are not. I’ve covered it all in this Galapagos Travel Guide.
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The trip included a guided hike across the island, and we had options for shorter or longer trails. After the hike, we jumped in for some snorkeling where we swam alongside manta rays, colorful coral reefs, and gigantic sea turtles. It was surreal to experience so much natural beauty all in one place!
Most day trips cost $35-$45 per person and may be arranged through several of Puerto Lopez’s lodging options or tour companies.
Enjoy the Views in Mirador Puerto Lopez
We made our way up to the mirador, and from that high vantage point, we could see the whole stretch of Puerto Lopez beach laid out before us. It was incredible to take in the sweeping views of the beach and the town below, especially with the waves rolling in from south to north. This spot gave us a real sense of the town’s charm and the beauty of its coastal setting.
Travel to Isla de Salango
We took a boat out to Salango Island, excited to explore another part of Machalilla National Park. The boat ride itself was a treat, but the real adventure began once we reached the island. We saw an array of birds, including the striking blue-footed boobies and flocks of seagulls swooping down to the water. Diving at Parcela Marina was unforgettable; the coral reefs were vibrant, and the underwater world felt alive with color. It was such a special way to appreciate the local ecosystem.
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Go on an Adventure in Sendero Bola De Oro
We decided to take on the Sendero San Sebastián and the Bola de Oro, a long, adventurous trek through the Cordillera de Chongón y Colonche. The journey took us deep into the hilly trails of Machalilla National Park, and it was definitely not for the faint-hearted. After around five hours of hiking, we reached Bola de Oro, where we set up camp for the night. For those looking to save time, horseback tours are available and can make the trek a bit easier, but we enjoyed the full hike. It was a rugged experience, yet incredibly rewarding!
Whale Watching
Whale watching was one of the highlights of our trip to Puerto Lopez! We timed our visit for the humpback whale season, which runs from June to September. Numerous tour companies in the area offer excursions to witness these magnificent creatures as they migrate from Antarctica to the Ecuadorian coastlines to mate. We joined a tour and were lucky enough to see several whales up close—an experience that left us in awe.
Puerto Lopez also hosts a Humpback Whale Festival in June, which we attended. It coincides with the community’s Inti Raymi celebration, a tribute to the summer solstice, and features the unique “Whale Sponsorship” program. It was amazing to see how the locals honor and celebrate the whales as part of their cultural heritage.
Visit Agua Blanca Commune
Agua Blanca was a fascinating stop on our trip, located just 12 kilometers south of Puerto Lopez. This archaeological community gave us a unique look into Ecuador’s deep history. At the small museum there, we could see artifacts and remnants from the ancient Manteña and Machalilla cultures that thrived in this area over 5,000 years ago. The exhibits gave us a new appreciation for the depth of Ecuador’s cultural heritage, and it was a privilege to learn more about the indigenous roots of this region.
We couldn’t resist trying out the natural sulfur lagoon in Agua Blanca. It’s not just a chance to bathe in the lagoon but also to experience a local therapeutic ritual. Before diving in, we covered ourselves in mud, which locals say has healing properties. After rinsing it off in the warm, sulfur-rich waters of the lagoon, our skin felt incredibly smooth. It was such a relaxing, unique experience, and definitely a must-try if you’re in the area!
We spent some time hiking through the trails around Agua Blanca, appreciating the quiet beauty and ancient history that surrounds you at every turn. Knowing this land was once home to Ecuador’s oldest coastal cultures like the Machalilla, Mantea, Chorrera, Guangala, and Baha added a deeper sense of respect and wonder to our adventure. If you’re into camping or horseback riding, this area is also perfect, but remember to tread lightly and honor the heritage of these ancient civilizations.
Planning trip to Ecuador?
My wife and I rented a car for 15 days and traveled from the northern part of Ecuador to the south, visiting amazing cities like Quito, Otavalo, Baños, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. Along the way, we explored iconic places such as Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lake, and many more breathtaking destinations.
Not many blogs cover traveling in Ecuador in detail, so I spent nearly three weeks creating this comprehensive Ecuador travel guide based on our trip. It’s packed with everything you need to know, and honestly, I consider it the best free travel guide about Ecuador out there.
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