Milagro to Parque Nacional Machalilla

Language

The official language of Ecuador is Spanish.

Currency

The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar ($).

Distance

The distance from Milagro to Parque Nacional Machalilla is approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles).

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Parque Nacional Machalilla from Milagro:

• By bus: There are several bus companies that offer direct service from Milagro to Puerto Lopez, the gateway town to Parque Nacional Machalilla. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and costs around $15.
• By car: If you are driving your own car, the journey from Milagro to Puerto Lopez takes approximately 4 hours. The route is well-paved and there are plenty of gas stations and rest stops along the way.
• By plane: There are no direct flights from Milagro to Puerto Lopez. However, you can fly from Guayaquil to Manta, which is the closest airport to Parque Nacional Machalilla. From Manta, you can take a bus or taxi to Puerto Lopez.

Expenses

The cost of your trip will vary depending on your travel style and budget. However, here are some general estimates:

• Accommodation: Hostels and guesthouses in Puerto Lopez start at around $10 per night. Mid-range hotels start at around $25 per night. Luxury hotels start at around $100 per night.
• Food: Meals at local restaurants start at around $5. Meals at mid-range restaurants start at around $10. Meals at luxury restaurants start at around $20.
• Activities: Tours of Parque Nacional Machalilla start at around $20. Snorkeling and diving tours start at around $30. Fishing trips start at around $50.
• Transportation: Buses from Milagro to Puerto Lopez start at around $15. Taxis from Manta to Puerto Lopez start at around $30.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Parque Nacional Machalilla is during the dry season, which runs from June to November. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, and the sea is calm.

What to Eat

Puerto Lopez is known for its seafood, so be sure to try some of the local dishes, such as:

• Ceviche: A refreshing seafood salad made with fresh fish, lime juice, onions, and cilantro.
• Empanadas: Fried or baked pastries filled with meat, seafood, or vegetables.
• Arroz con camarones: Rice with shrimp, a classic Ecuadorian dish.
• Pescado frito: Fried fish, usually served with rice and salad.

Where to Go

In addition to Parque Nacional Machalilla, there are several other places worth visiting in the area, such as:

• Playa Los Frailes: A beautiful beach with white sand and turquoise waters.
• Isla de la Plata: A small island off the coast of Puerto Lopez, known for its birdlife.
• Salinas de Guaranda: A salt mine located in the Andes Mountains.
• Cuenca: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial architecture.