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Machalilla National ParkThe park is located along Ecuador's central coast between the cities of Manta and Salinas Its unique vegetation gradually changes, as the elevation increases and cloud forest species begin to emerge. Finally, you will discover a tropical rain forest. Such great diversity within a small area is due to the park's location at the juncture of the cold Humboldt current flowing north and the warm El Niņo current flowing south.  Find Cheap Air Flights to Ecuador and South America here The 135,000-acre (55,000 hectare) park, established in 1979, is the only National Park in Ecuador with three areas: continental, islands and marine. The main Islands include La Plata and Salango. The Tropical Dry Forest dominates the unique ecosystems, with the kapok trees that change their appearance with the seasons, alternately covered with pink flowers or dotted with fluffy, cotton-like balls of fiber, used in World War II for life preservers. The Humpback Whales migrating north along the Channel of La Plata can be easily observed from the end of July until early October. Machalilla offers a great wealth of cultural attractions. Hiking or driving through the park will bring you to remnants of such ancient cultures as the Manteņo, which dates back to 1700 AD. Adventurous and skillful navigators from the city of Manta on balsa wood rafts, traded the treasured spondilus princes shell up and own the Pacific coast from what is now Chile to the Mayan territory in southern Mexico. Over 360 species of birds have been recorded in the area, mainly frigates, the three species of boobies, tanagers, brown pelicans, gulls and many other sea birds. More About Birdwatching in Ecuador Mammals include deer, howler monkeys, squirrels, anteaters and guatusa. Reptiles like salamanders, lizards and a unique tree-living snail are common. The Machalilla National Park is another incredible attraction that Ecuador has to offer, enjoy it!! Ecuador Recommended Reading:Birds of Ecuador Field Guide For the first time, there is a full set of very useful color plates for one of the core South American countries. It is certainly a great accomplishment to have all the species pictured in color and on a more or less consistent standard. (Absolutely recommended) Footprint Ecuador and Galapagos
Last Minute Travel Advice  Custom Search If you have questions about Machalilla National Park, Please post them on our Ecuador FAQ Section and if you would like to know more about our adventure Ecuador Jungle Tours or from our recommended Galapagos Island Tours to visit this Archipelago, You can Contact us here To Galapagos Islands Home Page
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