MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK DE LA PLATA ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS PHOTOS CONTACT US  

MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK
The Machalilla National Park is one of the most outstanding examples of Tropical Dry Forest that exists on the ecuadorian central coast.Established in 1979 and occupying more than 35.000 hectares,this special forest of Cretaceous origin(100 million years)is distinguished by the abundant number of species that have adapted to the high temperatures and low precipitation.Cactus,ceibos,carob and a species of terrestrialbromeliad are found along the seemingly dry,narrow river valleys their growth enabled by its high humidity level,attracting a great number of birds and giving it a truly oasis appearance amidst arid surroundings.

Transition forest are also found in this rare woodland characterized by large quantities of bromeliads,colonizing the branches and trunks of trees like beautiful hanging gardens and quenching their thirst from the enveloping mist of moisture is reflected in the appearance of palms, bamboo, “heliconias”, lichen mosses and many more species whose existence depends on the precipiotation provided by the collision of the clouds with the vegetation.

The Machalilla National Park supports insular ecosystem as well,found on La Plata and Salango Islands,The first of the sea birds nested and made colonies here alongside sea lions,reminding one of the Galapagos Islands.
All these natural conditions have encouraged the establishment of abundant fauna,principally of birds whose list has grown to almost 300 species,such as the tree species of boobies coexisting on La Plata Island,the “trogons”, hawks, motmots,flycatchers,doves and curassow that live on the mainland.Special mention should be made to the Humpback Whales that pass trough the waters of the Machalilla National Park on their journey to Antarctica from June to September for mating, and can be seen when visiting La Plata Island from June to September.

Apart from the outstanding flora and fauna found here, and as a prfect complement to the Machalilla National Park, is its possession of one of the most significant archaeological sites that the culture maintains up to present days. Here the remains of an ancient occupation of more than 26.000 years ago have been found and restored.This extensive and persistent scientific activity has brougth about the excavation of many monuments and artifacts, such as the discovery of “Balsa” rafts the coastal people used for trading along the great distances of the Pacific coast.These ancestors have left their fingerprints in the present populations of  La Pila and Montecristi in the form of beautifull worked weavings with vegetable fibers and ceramics which are exhibited in two interesting local museums.

Ultimately, Machalilla National Park is an ideal environment for offering a great many activities within the framework of Ecoturisim, such as birding, trekking, biking, snorkeling and camping. In addition, the possibility exist to realize scientific expeditions and environmetal studies for students interested in the different ecosystem found in this unique corner of Ecuador.
 


   
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