Machalilla National Park
General
This park is one of the few in the coastal areas
and protects one of the last remaining dry
tropical forests in Ecuador. At higher altitudes,
the dry forest turn into wet tropical vegetation.
Besides its natural richness, Machalilla has
important archeological areas like Agua Blanca
and Buena Vista valley, where you can find remains of the manteña culture.
La Plata island is an important sea bird nesting area, and Los Frailes and La Playita
are among the most beautiful beaches of Ecuador.
Access
The main road to access Machalilla National Park is the Portoviejo-Salinas. From Puerto López there are two ways to get to the park: one goes to the southeast to Guale, and the other to the northeast to Julcuy and Jipijapa.
Species
Mammal species in this park include white-tailed deer, agouti, howler monkey and anteater.
Common birds are parrots, vermillion flycatcher, pelican and the frigate bird. La Plata island
holds important colonies of blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, albatross and mockingbirds, as
well as periodic migrations of humpback whales.
Plants
The area has mesquite, kapok, prickly pear, guayacán, guarumo, barbasco and balsa tree.
