The Andean Condor

Agua Blanca – Nature & Archaeology

Agua Blanca, located inside Machalilla National Park is a natural area that gives guests the opportunity to explore the surroundings and also learn about the ancient cultures that developed in this area of Ecuador

Included in your voyage
  • Discover an ancestral region immersed in a National Park.
  • Observe the fantastic Flora and Fauna of the area.
  • Walk the trails among the sound of howlery monkeys and various species of birds.

  • Difficulty level

    Level 3: Active - good mobility needed

  • Duration

    3h30

  • Max. passengers

    500

  • Booking code

    INCL-LLD1

  • Please note

    Lightweight clothing which includes long pants and long sleeved shirt, sunblock, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent (it is a must), comfortable walking shoes, camera.

We will start our excursion leaving the port on a comfortable coach heading to Agua Blanca, a small community situated approximately 10 km from Puerto López in Machalilla National Park.  

When we reach Agua Blanca Community, where we will visit the town and its surroundings you may be able to observe some pieces belonging to ancient pre-Columbian civilizations that settled in this area. The ruins there form a sort of solar calendar once used to hold ceremonies on the summer and winter solstice.  

After visiting the town and archaeological area, we will explore Machalilla National Park, which spans 55,000 hectares in the Manabí province.  This park is truly unique because it is home to the only dry tropical forest in the world. As we pass through the park, we will notice mangroves, cactus and cotton plants, as well as unique local fauna. In the marine part of the park, it is also possible to see whales that return to the coast of Ecuador every year from the Antarctic.  

Inside the park, we will also visit a small village inhabited by the descendants of the Manteña culture, who still live as their ancestors did, thanks to the proceeds from the community-based tourism project. The inhabitants of the village are proud to show us their lifestyle and customs, which also include shared use of the land. After this visit, head back to the port in Puerto Lopez to take the zodiac back to the ship. 

Practical information: 

  • Language: English. 

  • Remarks/requirements: Lightweight clothing which includes long pants and long sleeved shirt, sunblock, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent (it is a must), comfortable walking shoes, camera.

  • Walking information: Distance: 2500 metes / Terrain: Uneven, steep surfaces and steps.

  • Wheelchair accessible: No.