The Coast
Much of Ecuador’s coastline consists of empty, palm-fringed beaches.
Atacames
This small, friendly resort town, 30km from Esmeraldas, is popular with Ecuadorian and foreign tourists alike. It is relatively undeveloped, with just a string of inexpensive hotels and cabins for rent situated directly on the beach. Most of the restaurants specialize in fresh seafood.
Machalilla
In 1979, Machalilla was declared a National Park and is rich in archaeological remains from a culture which flourished between 1800 and 1500 BC. A pleasant 45-minute walk from Machalilla brings you to the deserted horseshoe beach called “Los Frailes” (The Friars). A little further south, fleets of heavily-laden fishing boats dock in the village of Puerto Lopez each afternoon at about four o’clock. Puerto Lopez is famous for whale watching during the month of July.
Guayaquil
Ecuador’s largest city, with over two million inhabitants, is a thriving seaport and commercial area. This city handles 90 per cent of Ecuador’s imports and 50 per cent of Ecuador’s exports. The city, with a hot and humid climate, is an attractive destination for visitors seeking luxurious hotels, fine restaurants, tennis, golf, yachting, swimming, discos and shopping.
