Parque Nacional Machalilla
Ruta Spondylus
Preserving isolated beaches, coral formations, two offshore islands, tropical dry forest, coastal cloud forest, archaeological sites and 200 sq km of…
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Ruta Spondylus
Formerly known as the Ruta del Sol, this coastline has much more to offer than just sun and sand. The area’s geography runs the gamut from dry scrub and cactus to lush mountainous cloud forests, beautiful beaches and offshore islands teeming with unique flora and fauna. It's easily accessed by buses from Guayaquil in the south to Puerto López and Manta in the north.
Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Agua Blanca
Ruta Spondylus
A visit to this small indigenous community and its surrounding territory is a chance to escape tar-and-concrete modern Ecuador. You’ll find the turn-off,…
Archaeological Museum
Ruta Spondylus
Well worth a visit. Spanish-speaking guides explain the significance of the artifacts, including well-preserved ancient tools, ceramics and funeral urns…
Salango Archaeological Museum
Ruta Spondylus
A fascinating collection of more than 245 ceramics pieces is exhibited here. Objects date from 3000 BC to 1500 AD and account the settlements of the…
Mirador de Salango
Ruta Spondylus
Awesome sunset views of Salango, Isla Salango and Río Chico from a wooden observatory jutting out over the sea on a spit of land between Las Tunas and…
Fritz the Whale
Puerto López
Fritz the humpback whale washed up dead on the beach 40km south of Puerto López in 2004. His skeleton was recovered with the help of Hosteria Mandala and…
El Pital
Ruta Spondylus
An option for reaching the high forest in and around San Sebastián is to go via El Pital, a community ecotourism project 9km (35 minutes by 4WD) east of…
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of Ruta Spondylus with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.
