Just a few kilometers in the north of Salango, is the small town of fishermen, Puerto Lopez, also called Tusco in pre- Colombian times. Thanks to the closeness to the Machalilla National Park and to the growing infrastructure, it's an ideal point of departure for travelers who visit the southern region of Manabí. Because of tourism, the employment situation improved in the past few years and there are now different tour operators who offer snorkeling tours or excursions to observe the humpback whales off the coast, near the "Isla de la Plata". Some friendly restaurants and hotels allow a comfortable stay in Puerto López. Best months to observe the humpback whales are from June to September, but during these months, the weather is not so good. Most of the time, the sky is clouded and there are some cold winds as well as a lot of rain. The driest months are December and January.

Machalilla National Park

Located in the province of Manabí, Machalilla takes its name form one of the pre- Columbian cultures that inhabited this area. The Valdivia, Chorrera and Manteña Cultures also lived in this land of mild climate and extraordinary landscape. One can still visit archeological sites within the park. We recommend especially Agua Blanca and Salango. The park occupies 136.000 acres. Its yearly average temperature is 75ºF. The influence of the Humboldt Current in the Pacific conserves the amazing tropical humid and dry tropical forests. One of the main attractions of the park is "Isla de la Plata". It was named at the end of the XIV century, when the pirate Francis Drake took treasures from Spanish ships and hid them on this site. "Plata" means silver, but it is also how Ecuadorians commonly refer to money. According to the legend, much of this treasure was never claimed and is still hidden here. The island is surrounded bi Coral Reefs, so the marine life is exciting and plentiful. You will find some excellent scuba-diving services here. The island has two guided hiking routes, both with awesome sights. You will find a rare colony of blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, frigate birds and albatrosses, as well as interesting plant life. Guides are well versed on the subject. You visit the park, one must purchase a 5-day pass for a fee of 25 dollars. With this ticket you can visit all the sites of the National Park.