Marjolein Dilven
Hey there! Love hiking? Crazy about animals? Puerto Lopez Ecuador, has you covered. Whether you’re into pristine waters, lush national parks, or whale watching, this place has it all.
Most tourists head here for the fresh seafood right by the coast. Can’t make it to the Galapagos? No worries—Puerto Lopez has its own “Little Galapagos” for a taste of the same magic.
The views? Stunning. The accommodations? Even better. If you’re traveling the Ruta del Sol along the Pacific coast, you’ve gotta check out Puerto Lopez. Trust me, it’s worth the trip!
Best Things To Do in Puerto Lopez Ecuador – Activities
1. Boat Trip to Isla de la Plata
Isla de la Plata is a paradise for people who love wildlife. The place is also known as the poor man’s Galapagos. For people who cannot afford to explore the Galapagos Islands, this is the place to enjoy a similar experience.
Isla La Plata is only 24.8 mi (40 km) from Puerto Lopez. You can reach here by hiring a boat or asking your tour operators to give you a quick round. Most trips to the island cost around $40 to $45 for a day.
Once on the island, you will instantly notice plenty of fauna like Nazca Boobies and blue-footed boobies. If you are lucky, you can also spot an albatross. More activities are also available on the island.
We highly recommend snorkeling by yourself or joining a snorkel tour, as there are many corals, sea turtles, giant tortoises, manta rays, and various marine life to spot beneath the sea’s surface.
2. Whale Watching
Puerto Lopez also provides you with an opportunity to experience humpback whales. However, you need to visit the place between June and September. During these months, they come near the coast to mate and give birth, so there are very high chances of spotting them.
The whale-watching included in a tour to La Plata island can cost around $122.
Best Things To Do in Puerto Lopez Ecuador – Sights
3. Los Frailes Beach
Los Frailes Beach is a stunning spot just 10 km (6.2 miles) from Puerto Lopez, nestled inside Machalilla National Park. The best part? Entry is free, and you can easily get there by public transport.
For the more adventurous, there’s a hiking trail that leads you through two other beaches before you reach Los Frailes. The views along the way are fantastic, but don’t forget your sunscreen and water—there’s not much shade, and the sun can be brutal.
You can also visit this beach on a bike tour.
4. Sunset Views
After a day in the sun, nothing beats an open bar for sunset. On the Malecon Julio Izurieta boardwalk, you’ll find a row of cabaña bars serving all kinds of drinks. Grab one, sit by the sea, and enjoy the view.
Afterward, the beach offers a chill nightlife scene. Small bars are usually open near the beach. You can get your drinks there and dance as the spirit moves you.
If you are looking for more vibrant nightlife, you can head out to Montañita, about an hour away.
5. Agua Blanca
If you’re into visiting local communities, you’ve got to check out Agua Blanca. It’s home to some of the oldest South American ruins, and the locals are descendants of the Mantena culture, hanging around since 800 A.D.
When you visit, don’t miss the Museo Agua Blanca. It’s got some seriously old artifacts, like burial urns and skulls from 3500 B.C. Pretty wild stuff.
Another cool spot is the sulfur pool. You can relax, get a massage, and even try a mud mask. It’s like a mini spa day with ancient vibes.
Getting there is easy. You can grab a taxi from Puerto Lopez for about $6, or if you’re feeling adventurous, take the bus and walk the last 3 miles. Your legs might complain, but it’s worth it!
If you want to do some exercise on the way, you can join a bike tour with a short visit to Los Frailes beach for $91.
6. Parque Nacional Machalilla
Established in 1979, the Machalilla National Park has some of the most amazing landscapes in Ecuador. There is plenty of wildlife to experience, but the best is the armadillos. You can also find 270 different bird species in this place.
Another unique animal to experience is the albatross. The only natural habitat of the albatross is either this park or Galapagos Islands.
If you step out into the water, something bigger is waiting for your arrival: the humpback whale.
An entrance fee of $5 per person includes a local who will guide you around the village for 3 hours.
7. Isla de Salango
Salango Island, a bird watcher’s paradise, sits in Machalilla National Park. Just a half-day trip from Puerto Lopez, it offers a stunning atmosphere and breathtaking views.
The trip costs about $20, with an optional $5 tour for kayaking and whale watching. You can also fish and snorkel for some extra fun.
Beware, the sea can get rough when you’re out watching whales, sharks, and sea lions. Don’t forget your seasickness meds!
Best Things To Do in Puerto Lopez Ecuador – Foods and Restaurants
8. Café Madame
Café Madame is a must-visit. The food is amazing, and the views are even better.
If you’re health-conscious, you’ll love this place. Everything is organic. Their homemade juices are top-notch, probably the best in Ecuador.
9. Eat the Delicious Ceviche
For some great ceviche (raw fish or shrimp marinated in citrus juice and spices), head to the cabaña bars in Malecon Julio Izurieta. Patacon Pisao and La Cabana D’Chuky are good spots to try, too.
10. Sabor Español
Sabor Español is your go-to for traditional Spanish cuisine. It’s affordable, the seafood is delicious, and you get to eat while listening to the waves. The staff is friendly and helpful too.
Where To Stay in Puerto Lopez Ecuador?
There are plenty of places to stay, from hotels to hostels to guest houses. Here are a few recommendations:
- Hosteria Mandala. Just steps from Puerto Lopez beach, this place has a bar, a garden, and family rooms with games like billiards and darts. Rooms with a sea view cost around $100-$120 per night.
A double room with a double bed, balcony with sea view, air conditioning, en suite bathroom, etc., can cost from $100-$120 plus taxes and charges.
- Monte Líbano Suites. This air-conditioned spot with a garden and free WiFi is a short walk from the beach. An apartment for two costs about $32 per night.
The available apartment has a bedroom, a kitchen with a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a video streaming service, a seating area, and a bathroom with a shower. For a maximum of 2 persons, the daily rate is $32, including taxes and charges.
- Haus Quentin. Offers free parking, a garden, and rooms with flat-screen TVs. A double room costs around $39 per night.
A double room for 2 with a garden view includes a large double bed, air conditioning, patio, and en suite bathroom, among other amenities. It costs $35 per night + $4 taxes and charges.
- Hosteria Cabanas Itapoá. Located 2 km from the bus station, this charming hostel has bungalows and rooms with free WiFi and private bathrooms. An entire bungalow for two adults costs around $45 per night.
An entire bungalow for 2 adults comes with a double bed, balcony, garden view, air conditioning, patio, private bathroom, and free WiFi. It costs $45 per night + $5 taxes and charges. A standard double room costs $45 per night + $5 taxes and charges.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
How To Get to Puerto Lopez Ecuador?
Puerto Lopez is located about halfway along Ruta del Sol. The closest major city to this small town is Guayaquil, around 124.9 miles (201 kilometers). However, most people travel to this place from Quito, which is at a distance of 303 mi (488 km).
To get to Puerto Lopez from these major cities, you can use one of the 3 means of transport mentioned below.
By Air
If traveling from Quito, you must land at Guayaquil Manta or the airport. Once you are in Guayaquil, take a direct bus to Puerto Lopez. Domestic flights from Quito to Guayaquil cost around 100 to 110 US dollars (USD).
By Public Transport
Public transport is one of the cheapest options. Head towards the Quitumbe bus terminal, located south of Quito. Most buses leave in the evening, so take an Uber or Cabify to reach them, as they are much safer for traveling at night.
These private taxi services would cost around $10 to $20 to reach Quitumbe.
Once you are at the bus terminal, you can choose between 2 route options. One route is through Latacunga, Quevedo, and Montecristi to Puerto Lopez. The other is from Quito to Santo Domingo and Montecristi to Puerto Lopez. Both routes take around 8 hours to reach the destination.
The total trip by bus would only cost you around $9.
By Wanderbus
Getting to Puerto Lopez by Wanderbus is the easiest. They are one of the best tour operators in the country. A Wander pass for shorter routes is available for $25.
The upside of using this service is safety. With a Wander pass in your pocket, you can get anywhere in Ecuador.
The itinerary includes many activities. Check the pass details and select the right option for yourself.
How To Stay Safe During Your Stay In Puerto Lopez, Ecuador?
To ensure a safe stay in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador, it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas, especially at night. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of petty theft, particularly in crowded tourist spots.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay.
Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind, knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Puerto Lopez Ecuador
What Is Puerto Lopez Known For?
Puerto Lopez was famous as a fishing village, but now it is more of a tourist spot with amazing beach views and activities, such as whale watching, kayaking, and bird watching.
Can You Surf in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador?
Puerto Lopez is not famous for its surfing opportunities. Surfing is still possible, specifically from December to May when the rainy season starts to alleviate the heat and the water gets warmer.
How Do You Get to Puerto Lopez, Ecuador?
You can get to Puerto Lopez using one of the three transport options from Quito or Guayaquil.
- Use public transport from Quitumbe bus terminal south of Quito
- Traveling by plane from Quito to Guayaquil and taking a bus to reach Puerto Lopez
- Hiring tour operating services such as Wanderbus
Is Puerto Lopez Safe?
Puerto Lopez is pretty safe, but criminals can still target you if you are not careful enough. Avoid waving around your valuables, and you’ll be fine in Puerto Lopez.
Conclusion – Puerto Lopez Ecuador
Puerto Lopez has long been under the radar of tourists and travelers alike, but that is quickly changing.
As a unique destination with diverse ecosystems, thrilling outdoor activities, vibrant nightlife, and wonderful beaches, this town continues to attract visitors who can’t get enough of its charm.
Visiting Puerto Lopez Ecuador – Best Booking Resources
I use a couple of favorite companies every time I travel. They have the best prices, great value, and customer service you can wish for. They’re much better than the competition, and I use them a lot. Every time I travel, these are the companies I go for:
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my go-to platform for booking flights. It’s so easy to use. Skyscanner also searches the smaller websites and airlines that are often skipped, which means more savings in your pocket. They are hands down the number one place I book my flights.
Booking.com – Looking for the cheapest and lowest rates? Booking.com is the best platform out there. They have the widest selection and availability worldwide, ideal for travelers on a budget. I book 90% of my travels through Booking.com because they always have the lowest rates
Hostelworld – If you’re into hostels, Hostelworld is the best site to compare hostel accommodation. It’s easy to use, has many options, and has the best availability.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is an online marketplace where you can book tours and excursions. They have tour options worldwide, with any experience you wish for. This includes walking tours, cooking classes, street art lessons, and more unique experiences.
12Go Asia – This platform is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights. The platform is easy to use and I have used it extensively when I traveled through Southeast Asia.
Rome2Rio – Rome2Rio is a convenient website where you can see how to get to your destination the quickest and cheapest. It gives you options for train, bus, plane, or even boat routes and tells you exactly how often they operate and how expensive they are.
SafetyWing – If you’re looking for affordable travel insurance, Safety Wing has you covered. It’s ideal if you’re traveling often or for the long term. I never travel anywhere without travel insurance, and I’ve used it often while on the road. So, I can recommend you look into Safety Wing. They have good monthly prices, the best customer service, and a convenient, easy-to-use process to make claims on the road.
LifeStraw – I love LifeStraw, and it’s been my go-to reusable water bottle with built-in filters for 10 years now. With their bottles, you make sure your drinking water is always clean and safe. I’ve used it everywhere, from South America to Southeast Asia, and I’ve always been perfectly safe drinking the local tap water.
Related reads:
- Guide to Quilotoa Loop Ecuador: The Most Famous Hiking Trail
- Top 10 Best Activities and Places To Stay in Cuenca Ecuador
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.