Welcome to the canton of Puerto López, your home in the heart of Manabí — a place your heart will remember forever on your journey through Ecuador. This wonderful, peaceful and authentic fishing town offers more than 35 tourist attractions. The most outstanding of all is, without a doubt, the observation of Humpback Whales and the abundance of seabirds. Visitors can explore the fascinating museums of Salango and Agua Blanca, sail to the legendary Isla de la Plata, walk the scenic trails of Bola de Oro and El Rocío, discover the rich Marine Area, relax on paradise beaches such as Playa Rosada and Playa Tortuga, and contemplate unforgettable landscapes that only this corner of the Manabí coast can offer.
From June to September, majestic humpback whales arrive on our shores to mate and raise their calves. Join an unforgettable ecotourism experience in the heart of the Machalilla National Park, one of the most valuable natural spaces in Ecuador.
Why Choose Puerto López?
✅ Best place to see humpback whales in all of Ecuador- ✅ Daily tours with certified guides and responsible operators
- ✅ Isla de la Plata, paradise beaches and excellent snorkeling
- ✅ Quiet atmosphere and authentic fishing village charm
- ✅ Affordable prices and genuine Manabí hospitality
- ✅ More than 35 attractions of tourism and ecotourism in a single destination
2026 Whale Season: June – September (the best months are July and August).
Local restaurants offer authentic typical Ecuadorian food and a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood that satisfy even the most demanding gourmet. Here the flavor of the ocean blends with traditional Manabí recipes such as viche, cazuela and ceviche, turning every meal into part of the tourist experience.
Puerto López: The Perfect Destination for Tourism and Ecotourism
Puerto López is widely regarded as the perfect place for both tourism and ecotourism. It is nature, science and one of the most important archaeological zones in all of Latin America. Here five thousand years of pre-Columbian history coexist with exceptional biodiversity and a community that still preserves its fishing spirit and warm hospitality.
It is undeniable that Puerto López has been blessed by nature, which has endowed it with more than 35 sites of tourism and ecotourism: tropical humid forests, tropical dry forest, rocky areas ideal for snorkeling with beautiful coral reefs, and a system of islands and islets with unique and representative fauna and flora. All of this has turned the tourist activity into a true economic asset that must be managed in a convenient, rational and sustainable way, without ever exploiting the visitor — especially the foreigner. The tourist should be welcomed with genuine human warmth so that their stay becomes wonderful and unforgettable, and never treated simply as a “dollar mine.”
Tourist Infrastructure and Hotel Capacity
The hotel infrastructure of the town of Puerto López usually operates at full capacity during the high season. Across the entire canton, occupancy reaches approximately 90 %. The total capacity of this “smokeless industry” is distributed among hotels, hostels, hosterías, lodges and private residences. There is also a good network of restaurants and tour operators that, from June to September (whale season), provide services for the comfort of both national and international visitors.
According to historical records of the Machalilla National Park, in 1998 tourist activity was still very low: only 10,349 visitors were registered (6,172 nationals and 4,177 foreigners), heavily affected by the El Niño Phenomenon. Since then growth has been constant and sustained, driven by the singular beauty of the beaches, whale watching and the international recognition of the destination.
Puerto López: The “Ecuadorian Acapulco” and the “Little Galápagos”
Thanks to the beauty of its beaches, visitors have nicknamed Puerto López the Ecuadorian Acapulco. It is also known as the cradle of Millenary Cultures, the Magic and Cultural Coast, and the First Ecological Canton of Ecuador — a title promoted by the municipal administration.
Isla de la Plata, popularly known as the “Little Galápagos,” is one of the greatest attractions. On the island you can observe blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and, in season, even sea turtles. Snorkeling around the island reveals reefs full of marine life, while the trails allow visitors to discover the flora of the tropical dry forest.
More Than 35 Attractions for Every Taste
In addition to humpback whale watching and the visit to Isla de la Plata, Puerto López offers a great diversity of experiences:
- The archaeological museums of Salango and Agua Blanca, where you can learn about the history of the Valdivia, Machalilla and Manteña cultures.
- Ecological trails such as Bola de Oro, El Rocío and the routes to Los Frailes, one of the most beautiful and protected beaches of Machalilla National Park.
- Golden and reddish sand beaches: Playa Rosada, Playa Tortuga, La Playita and many more.
- Seabird and land-bird watching — an excellent destination for birdwatching.
- Snorkeling and diving among coral reefs.
- Community tourism experiences in the villages of Agua Blanca, Salango and Las Tunas.
All of this makes Puerto López a complete destination where ecotourism, cultural tourism and sun-and-beach tourism combine in perfect harmony.
A Destination Felt with the Heart
Puerto López is not just a place to visit — it is a place to feel. Here the tourist is not merely a number, but a guest who feels at home. The genuine Manabí hospitality, the taste of the sea, the song of the whales and the five-thousand-year history of these lands create an experience that remains forever in the memory.
Come and discover why Puerto López is considered one of the best ecotourism destinations in Ecuador. From humpback whale watching to the trails of Machalilla National Park, from virgin beaches to living museums of ancestral cultures, this corner of Manabí awaits you with open arms.
Puerto López — where nature, history and people come together to offer you an unforgettable journey.