Explore the gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Start by venturing down some of the ''Spondylus Route" — a scenic drive which spans Ecuador's beaches, museums, bays, national parks, and more. Have a picnic on San Clemente Beach, or snorkel near the cliff base of Machalilla National Park's Los Frailes Beach. From the beaches, you can easily access the Agua Blanca community — an ancestral community of over 86 families, full of exciting adventures, delicious cuisine, and relaxation opportunities...sulfur lagoon anyone? As the "commercial heart" of the country, you'll be able to enjoy everything from fine dining to luxury accommodations. A daytrip to Montecristi will show you how authentic Panama hats are made from toquilla straw. A jaunt to Rocafuerte will net you some delicious avocado ceviche with peanuts! From taking in sunset views to renewing your love of sketching, Guayaquil's coastline is sure to entice you to spend some time admiring the beauty of the division between land and sea.

Travelers come to this coastal retreat to experience the intense landscape created by the cold waters of the Pacific. Besides the incredible surf from December to April, this town provides a place to party with locals and expats alike. Because of the many visitors to this area, Montañita provides ample opportunity for sport fishing — the Humboldt Current supports huge schools of fish like snapper, tuna, and grouper. Day trips along the coastline might also include stops at off the beaten path Islands like Punta Mala, Salango, or Los Ahorcados. From June to September, you can take a whale watching tour for the chance to see a humpback leaping from the air in a graceful breech. Montañita’s laidback, fun-loving atmosphere has transformed this part of Ecuador’s coast into a haven for surfers and backpackers. The popular beach is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops that cater to a hippie crowd.

Puerto López is a busy port town right outside of Machalilla National Park — one of the crown jewels of the Ecuadorian coastline. This area has some of the country’s most spectacular opportunities for admiring animals in the wild. Go here to see the clear waters of one Ecuador’s most beautiful beaches, Los Frailes beach. Hike to the cliffs overlooking the beach for a spectacular view of breaching whales. You can also book sport fishing trips in the area that allow you to reel in enormous catches while admiring the incredible Pacific scenery. Depart from the Machalilla coast to take day trips to nearby wildlife destinations, like Plata Island, a birdwatching spot with some of the same exotic species you would find in the Galápagos, like blue-footed boobies and albatrosses. Around the coast, you can also find spots for snorkeling around coral reef.