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Full Day Tour To Manchalilla National ParkExplore > Ecuador > Manta > Full Day Tour To Manchalilla National Park
OverviewJourney out to Machalilla National Park, with stops at Agua Blanca and Playa Los Frailes as well. Manta, Ecuador's second port after Guayaquil, is a busy town that sweeps around a bustling bay. Located in the province of Manabì, the area offers a wide range of cultural and natural beauties. Depart the cruise ship pier and begin with a drive through the Malecón, the ocean drive, receiving a constant breeze that makes this road pleasant to walk along at all times of day. Continue along, passing by the new town and residential areas where some of the wealthy Ecuadorian exporters and industrialists live. Now it's time to head out of town, to the circle road that connects to the coastal way, south from the city. The drive to the Machalilla National Park will take approximately 2 hours; enroute, you will enjoy lovely scenery of beaches, fishing villages, and the magic figures of the ceibo trees. Machalilla National Park, the only coastal national park in Ecuador, was created in 1979 to protect this beautiful land. The park covers about 50 km of beach, some 40,000 hectares of onshore cloud and tropical dry forest, and about 20,000 hectares of ocean. Additionally, it includes two offshore islands, Isla de la Plata and Isla Salango, and the only coral formations found on the Ecuadorian mainland coast. Visit the Archeological museum of Agua Blanca, where you can admire artifacts from the Ecuadorian ancient cultures - it was in this very spot that the oldest relics of human settlement in South America were found! The area itself is a National Park, home to a sulphur lake and plenty of other interesting sites. Enjoy a 1.5 hour walk in the area, learning about its history, including burials in ancient times. You will also explore the natural wonders of Playa Los Frailes, a magnificent beach, perhaps one of the most beautiful along the whole South American Pacific Coastline. All transportation, a great English-speaking guide, entrance fees to the National Park, and bottled water are all included. Food, beverages, and gratuity are not included. Days offered: 7 days a week Departures:
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