.

UPDATED ARTICLE FOUND HERE (click)

.

PUERTO LOPEZ / MONTANITA

This region is famous for the Humpback whales that are present in the waters (especially in the Machalilla National Park) between June and September. The Humpback whales (megaptera novaeangliae) migrate from the Antarctic South Pole to tropical waters to mate and give birth to their calves.

The humpback whales are easy to recognize because of their extremely long pectoral fins. These whales can measure up to 16 m of length and weigh up to 40 tons. Humpback whales are the most acrobatic of the bigger whales. They like to breach out the water or hit the surface repetitively with their flippers or flukes.

To reach Puerto Lopez, in the coastal province of Manabi, there are 5 bus companies that make this journey (aprox. 5 to 6 hours) and cost between USD $6 to $9 one way. Breakfast & lunches in Puerto Lopez run from USD $1.50 up to USD $15. Whale watching tours run from USD $20 to $50, as do trips to Isla de la Plata. Accommodation runs from USD $10 to $100. Recommended good alternatives near Puerto Lopez are: Mantaraya & Hosteria Alandaluz (http://www.alandaluzhosteria.com/index.html). Contact info@sangay.com for more information.

This is not to mention the pristine white-sand beaches … many of which are ideal for surfing and para sailing. Another attraction in this region is Los Frailles National Park, with its peaceful and soft sand beach cove.