Ecuador's coast strings Montañita's surf town, Puerto López's whale-watching from Isla de la Plata (the 'poor man's Galápagos'), the dry tropical forests of Machalilla, and the Esmeraldas province's Afro-Ecuadorian marimba culture.
Highlights
Montañita
Puerto López
Manta
Machalilla Access
When to Visit
Jun-Sep
Humpback whale season off Puerto López and Isla de la Plata at peak, blue-footed booby nesting on the Plata, and Montañita surf at full Pacific swells.
Dec-Apr
Hot wet season with sea warmest, Carnival in late February-early March brings water-fight celebrations to coastal towns, and Montañita's surf with smaller swells.
May-Nov
Cooler dry season with Montañita and Puerto López at peak surf, frigatebird mating displays on Isla de la Plata, and Esmeraldas's marimba scene running year-round.
Aug
Peak whale-watching with mothers and calves visible from shore, Manta tuna festival, and Salinas beach culture at full Ecuadorian-summer activity.
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