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Machalilla National Park

The Machalilla National Park, contains one of the largest tropical dry forests remaining in the world.


The 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.

Machalilla National Park
ecuador machalilla national park

Find Cheap Air Flights to Ecuador and South America here

Machalilla's unique and varied geography, along with the rich cultural heritage of the region, have made it one of Ecuador's most popular new vacation destinations.

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.



Included in this National Park is Isla de la Plata, a sanctuary for marine birds such as red footed, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, who share the steep cliffs with frigate birds, albatrosses, the beautiful red-billed tropic birds and other seagoing birds.

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
From the Galapagos Islands that inspired the theory of evolution, to a valley where people live forever, from the center of the earth to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ecuador excites and amazes at every turn. This highly acclaimed guide is essential for all free-spirited travelers. (One of the best books I ever read about Ecuador)

More About Ecuador

Original Panama Straw Hats

Mindo Cloud Forest

Map of Ecuador

Hummingbirds of Ecuador

Last Minute Travel Advice



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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

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