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Machalilla National Park is located
in Manabi along the Pacific coast near Puerto Lopez. The park is one
of only three protected areas in continental Ecuador that includes a
marine area. It covers 46,000 hectares (113,000 acres) including
some 20,000 hectares of ocean, where we find the islands
of La Plata and Salango.
In the park area we find
fog forest, dry forest and coastal
scrub, in addition to a long stretch of beach, two offshore islands,
rocky islets, and a large area of surrounding ocean. In the dry
forest we can also find
an important archeological site, predating back to
the Chorrera and Salango cultures of 1500 - 500 BC
and 3000 BC respectively as well as pre-Inca ruins.
Besides the islets,
rocks, cliffs, bays, beaches and
forested areas the park offers many incredible views and untouched
areas, making this an amazing place to
visit.
The
climate tends to be very humid and sticky with high levels of
sunlight throughout December to May with proliferating cooler
climates and cloud coverage from June to November. The onshore
majority portion of land is divided into three main areas including
the main town and houses reptiles, an abundance of bird life and
various mammals.
For beach lovers the park offers Los Frailes, Salaite, La Playita, Los
Balsamos and La Tortuguita just to mention
a few. Among the
islets and rocks we find Pedernales, La
Viuda, Sucre, Horno de Pan, Punta Mala,
etc.
De la Plata Island is located 22 nautical miles to the northwest of
Puerto Lopez, covers 12 square kilometers and has an elevation of maximum 167 meters above
sea level. Its main
features are rocky cliffs, beaches, bays,
and rocks. |
