Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tours of Isla de la Plata are arranged in Puerto López or Alandaluz.
The island is home to a unique combination of life zones. Flora and
fauna similar to those found in the Galápagos are mixed with plants
and animals from the mainland. Nesting seabird colonies, including
those of the giant waved albatross, blue- and red-footed boobies,
gulls, pelicans, and terns, are major attractions. An added bonus is
the presence of several species of whales and dolphins frommid-June
to October. Snorkeling is also available along a few coral reefs. See
Adventures section, page 288, for tour operators or inquire at
Alandaluz Ecocultural Center, below.
Agua Blanca & San Sebastián
Within the Machalilla National Park is the small town of Agua
Blanca and the starting point for trips to San Sebastián. Agua Blanca
offers a small but intriguing museum that showcases local pre-
Columbian culture. About six miles farther inland and up in eleva-
tion is the cloud forest community of San Sebastián, with a
community-based ecotourism project added in recent years. A few
miles north of Puerto López on the road to Machalilla is a signpost
marking the turnout east to Agua Blanca. Inquire at the tourist office
in Puerto López or Machalilla Park entrance, or at Alandaluz Eco-
cultural Center for arrangements.
Alandaluz Ecocultural
Tourist Center
Hostería Alandaluz offers a world-class ecolodge right on the beach
(see Where to Stay , page 296) and provides ecological and nature-
oriented ventures into the region. Here, swimming, hiking and local
tours intoMachalilla and Isla de La Plata are popular. Alandaluz has
worked to promote local environmental education, recycling, and
community-based ecotourism efforts. Tour packages can now be ar-
ranged for visitors to local natural destinations and communities.
Alandaluz is between Puerto López and Montanito, just south of the
village of Puerto Rico,
5-604-173. Arrangements can be made in
Quito,
2-2543-042,
/fax 2-2525-671, travel@amingay.ecx.ec.
Loma Alta Cloud Forest Reserve
The Loma Alta Cloud Forest Reserve is one of Ecuador's only commu-
nity-created, legally protected bioreserves. See page 285 for a full de-
scription of the project.
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