ISLA DE LA PLATA

Machalilla National Park extends around Puerto López and includes the Isla de la Plata. The pirate Francis Drake hid the booty stolen from Spanish galleons there in the 16th century, which gave it its name. Some claim that treasures are still buried there... Today, you can observe humpback whales from June to the end of September (reproduction period) and, all year round, you can take an excursion to observe its fauna (frigate birds, blue and red footed boobies) and discover its seabed populated with multicoloured possums and sea turtles. The excursion, with the compulsory presence of a naturalist guide, lasts one day (tour including round trip by boat, guide, lunch and snacks, diving equipment, hike on the island and entrance to the park). On the island, you can take two different hiking trails (the sendero Punta Machete is 3.5 km long, the other one, the sendero Punta Escaleras is 5 km long, count between 2 and 3.5 hours of walking): you will have to choose according to the birds you want to see: blue-footed boobies and red-footed boobies, frigate birds...

The one that is often called - wrongly - "the poor man's Galapagos" is certainly much more accessible than the archipelago, whose entrance costs 100 US$ per person, but its fauna and its landscapes, on the other hand, are much less varied. However, a trip on (and around) the island is still worth it. You can go there by boat (count about 3 hours round trip). Many agencies offer this excursion.