Machala was a dump most quickly passed over just a few short years back, but after the urban-renewel the place is rockin!
Well, it still has a small town feel, but it’s well worth a visit if getting off the beaten path is for you.
Chances are, here, you won’t see another foreigner around.
Where to stay?
-For budget travelers I’d stay at the Hotel Mosqueto, 2 blocks from the main plaza right beside Hotel Montecarlo, singles with fan $12. Acceptable, simple place.
-For bigger budgets looking for nice AC rooms, I’d try Hotel Montecarlo (all the taxis know it) 2 blocks form the main plaza. Single $30, Double rooms $40.
Where to eat?
-For some delicious tacos and Mexican food I’d try the stand on corner of Av 25 de Junio and Ayacucho. Prices start around $2.50.
-For some delicious local seafood dishes starting around $6, try the row of restaurants at the boardwalk (Malecon). $3 taxi ride from city center.
What to do?
-Be sure to visit the main plaza, grab an ice cream, then head out to the port and boardwalk area where you can grab a delicious seafood lunch or dinner.
-Take a tour of a Banana plantation with CristyViajes at Juan Montalvo 2338 entre Arizaga y Pichincha, a local travel agency, $25 half day tour.
-Take a tour of a nearby natural reserve where thousands of hummingbirds congregate on the route to the town of Piñas (also offered by ChristyViajes).
-Take a boat to the nearby island of Jambelí, where you can hit the beach at the resort area called El Faro.
-See the only petrified forest in Ecuador a few hours from Machala in the Natural Park, Puyango.
For more in-depth info on Machala, please sign up for my Weekly Ecuador Insider´s Newsletter, you can unsubscribe at any time: