Puerto Lopez
Touted as the whale watching capital of South America, Puerto López attracts visitors from around the world, who come here to watch and photograph these impressive mammals.
More about Puerto Lopez
Puerto López is a sleepy fishing village set along a wide bay. The town is pleasant enough, but the real draw of this area is the humpback whales that frequent this portion of the coast. From June–September, humpback whales come to Ecuador’s coastline during their annual migration. The shallow oceanic shelf and warm waters near Puerto López create perfect conditions for the whales to rest and raise newborn calves.
While on a whale watching tour, expect to see these massive 79,000 pound (35,833 kg) mammals breaching all around you. Humpback whales are known for their impressive aerobatics, and can breach clear out of the water. Slapping tails and pectoral fins against the surface is another common behavior.
Puerto López is bordered by the Machalilla National Park, whose beautiful beaches and relaxing hot springs are a short trip away. This is the country’s only coastal park, and it protects some of Ecuador’s last remaining tropical scrub desert and forest.
Moments to look forward to
Machalilla National Park Whale Watching Tour
Plata Island Full Day Tour
Puerto Lopez Sport Fishing
Incredible Stays
Victor Hugo Hotel
Victor Hugo Hotel sits right next to the bay of Puerto Lopez, tantalizingly close to where the humpback whales migrate with their calves from June to September. The active marine life makes this a popular area for boating tours as well as fishing trips.
Hosteria La Terraza
Hostería La Terraza consists of 16 cabins and a main building, situated on lush grounds with lovely gardens. You can opt for a rustic experience, or book a cabin with air conditioning and a private bathroom.
Tuzco Lodge
Located in the heart of Puerto Lopez, 600 metres from the beach (4 blocks from the boardwalk), Tuzco Lodge offers accommodation with free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a shared lounge. This 3-star accommodation features a garden and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. The accommodation also offers tour assistance.
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it’s about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team behind you every step of the way.
