Welcome to this guide on things to do in Puerto Lopez.
This small archaic fishing village of Puerto Lopez is a step back in time, yet it’s quickly becoming a popular destination for many backpackers.
I’ve compiled a list of the top 6 most unique experiences in Puerto Lopez Ecuador.
From exploring beautiful exotic beaches to whale watching and authentic local cuisine, your adventure begins the moment you arrive.
Table of Contents
Puerto Lopez Ecuador – Travel Guide
The climate conditions in Puerto Lopez are hot and humid during the Summer months, with little rain throughout the year.
The average temperature ranges between 23C and 26C with an average of 10-inches of rain per year.
Ecuador is within the vicinity of the equator making the rays of the sun very intense. The people of Puerto Lopez are very friendly and welcoming.
See this Ecuador safety guide for more ideas on general safety and what to look for during your travels.
Unlike other countries in South America you’ll find that the US dollar is the official currency of Ecuador so there will be no need to obtain pesos.
Spanish may be the predominant language in Ecuador, however, more and more people within the tourism industry are becoming familiar with the English language.
Puerto Lopez’s economy relies heavily on eco tourism and fishing.
Things to do in Puerto Lopez
Now, let’s look at what you can get up to whilst exploring the best of the best when it comes to Ecuador’s coastal towns.
Los Frailes Beach
Take a trip to Los Frailes beach, to witness some of Ecuador’s most beautiful white sand. Located inside Machalilla National Park.
You can reach Los Frailes beach by car, but hiking there is highly recommended. You’ll encounter two beaches before reaching Los Frailes.
Along the way, spectacular panoramic views stretch out before you atop the miradors.
The first beach is Playa Prieta, a small black sand beach set within a rocky cove. If you were wondering where all the best beaches in Ecuador are, you’re in the right place.
Playa Tortuguita is the second beach with pure white sand and a large rock formation a few hundred meters offshore.
Due to extreme undertows swimming is not allowed at either beach. You’ll finally arrive at Los Frailes beach.
A breathtaking beautiful white sand crescent-shaped beach with clear turquoise waters.
Whale Watching
Observe the majestic beauty of Humpback whales in late Summer.
Every year pods of whales migrate over 4,000 miles north from Antarctica to mate in warmer waters and this is one of the best places in Ecuador to see them.
There are numerous whale watching tours available in Puerto Lopez from June through September.
A typical whale watching tour will cost less than $50 USD and lasts for several hours with additional activities, such as snorkeling among coral reefs and tropical fish.
Some people combine a trip to Isla de la Plata as it intersects the region where many whales gather.
There are roughly a dozen tour agencies in Puerto Lopez licensed to take visitors out, and many are located along the beach and around the plaza.
Many travelers describe whale watching is an unforgettable experience.
Try Ceviche at Carmita’s
The Ceviche is so good you’ll come back twice. When you have a craving for authentic Ecuadorian cuisine, try a dish of ceviche at Camita’s.
Locally owned and operated Camita’s is located next to the beach, so the views during sunset are gorgeous.
You can eat at one of the sidewalk tables during the day and absorb the beach vibe of the area as the locals go about their daily routine.
Aside from seafood, Camita’s has meat, chicken, and spaghetti dishes available. Many of the restaurant’s patrons and tourists say the food is delicious, has excellent service, and is moderately priced.
Some people may disagree, but they are few and far between. Camita’s has become a symbol of Ecuadorian Coastal cuisine.
Isla de la Plata
Legends claim Sir Francis Drake buried his treasure on the island, giving it the name Silver Island.
Sitting roughly 25 miles off the coast of Puerto Lopez Ecuador, the unique island’s biodiversity has enthralled visitors for decades.
Collectively referred to as the poor man’s Galapagos as a less expensive alternative to visiting the Galapagos.
You can expect to see Blue and red-footed boobies in abundance here, as well as whales during certain times of the year.
After exploring the island, you can spend some time snorkeling just off-shore with beautiful tropical fish and coral reefs.
Isla de la Plata is a popular scuba diving destination as well. Like Los Frailes Beach, Isla de la Plata is also is part of Machalilla National Park.
Visit Agua Blanca
Venture off the beaten path and explore the small Agua Blanca village.
Once home to the Mantena people of pre-Colombian Ecuador, this village hosts a 4-meter deep 70% sulfur spring, a museum, and several trails for hiking.
A small entrance fee, less than $10 USD, is collected to enter the community. With the sulfur spring as the main attraction, you will find one or two small shops and have the option of a guided tour.
The mud from the sulfur spring is said to have healing properties and works wonders on sunburn.
You’re encouraged to bring a towel and sandals while leaving any valuables locked securely in your car or hotel.
Agua Blanca’s sulfur spring is a popular destination for many locals and tourists.
Take Part in a Cultural Project
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador offers opportunities for cultural enrichment. Through workaway, you have the opportunity to volunteer, sharing your knowledge and skills within the local community.
The benefits both directly and indirectly are too numerous to list here.
Participating in this program not only enriches and broadens your experiences, it significantly enhances the lives of the Ecuadorian people.
One crucial skill that’s in demand is English teachers. Puerto Lopez is becoming a tourist hotspot, and English will provide better employment and more pleasurable experiences for foreigners.
Volunteers typically receive free lodging and invest about 15-hours a week with some projects lasting a month or
more.
Workaway is an international organization with hosts on nearly every continent.
Hostels in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
So now you know have some more ideas on how you can enjoy one of the top ten things to do in Ecuador, where will you stay? You’ll need at least a night or two here to take advantage of the surroundings.
Below I have left some of my favorite places to stay in Puerto Lopez so you can sit back and enjoy the vibes.
Viejamar Hostel
- High standard of rooms
- Private parking provided
- Private bathrooms available
High-quality rooms are hard to find, but this is of the highest standard possible. A great place to stay when you are looking for a location that ensures you can live without any uncertainty.
Hermanos Perdidos Surf
- High standard of rooms
- Private parking provided
- Private bathrooms available
High-quality rooms are hard to find, but this is of the highest standard possible. A great place to stay when you are looking for a location that ensures you can live without any uncertainty.
Maremonti B&B
- High standard of rooms
- Private parking provided
- Private bathrooms available
High-quality rooms are hard to find, but this is of the highest standard possible. A great place to stay when you are looking for a location that ensures you can live without any uncertainty.
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The Galapagos Alternative (Final Thoughts)
At first glance, Puerto Lopez Ecuador may not appear to be anything spectacular with its dusty streets, and trash was strewn about some of the beaches. However, the town does possess many hidden gems.
Situated in an arched bay on the Pacific coast with mild weather year-round and is headquarters to the Machlilla National Park.
Established in 1979, Machlilla National Park is home to Isla de la Plata, Los Frailes Beach, and the critically endangered waved albatross.
That is all for this guide to Puerto Lopez. This should have given you some invaluable travel information that you can use to plan your days in the infamous Galapagos alternative.
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