Although not the most attractive or tidy town in Ecuador, Puerto Lopez has a fantastic setting tucked into a curved, sandy bay. With the Machachilla National Park right on the doorstep, there's little to keep you in the town and plenty to draw you away to the cleaner, quieter beaches and hardwood forests.
Probably the highlight of the national park is Isla De La Plata, also known as the poor man's Galapagos. Don't expect it to literally compare to the Galapagos islands or you'll be disappointed. The wildlife sightings are good though and Albatross, Boobies, sea lions an turtles can be spotted. During July and August, there are daily sighting of migrating whales to be seen off shore too. Tours leave regularly from Puerto Lopez and spend a full day on the island where you take a guided walk around to learn about the native animal species and how the island got it's name.
Isla de la Plata or Island of Silver is the site near which a pirate ship sunk, plunging it's cargo of Bolivian silver to the bottom of the ocean.
Diving excursions are also available from town as are trips on local fishing boats during the wale watching season.
North end of the Malecón
Tel: 09 314 5894
Gonzalez Suarez y Av. Macalilla
Tel: 09 056 1950
Ayampe
15km outside of Puerto Lopez
Tel: 04 278 0616
Ave. Malecón Julio Izurieta
Tel: 04 278 0616
1 1/2 blocks from the beach
Puerto Lopez
Tel: 05 230 0201
Based at Hotel Pacifico
Puerto Lopez
Tel: 05 262 6250







