After waving down a bus and traveling a few hours north we reached Puerto Lopez, which sad to say has to be one of the ugliest villages we've come across. Yet, it doesn't take anything away from it's prime attraction, Parque Nacional Machalilla. On one of our rare days apart, Vanessa visited the island with two friends from home which we met on their travels south. We wish to thank you two for the great photos above!
The boat ride to reach Isla de la Plata, which is inhabited by blue footed boobies and fragatas, featured hump back whales easily spotted here during the months of June to August. The island bears its name due to its dry and barren landscape covered in bird droppings giving it its silvery shine.
Another few hours further north, the village of Canoa proved to be the highlight of our coastal getaway. A fishing village, less developed and visited than other beach destinations we've encountered, Canoa fitted the classic beach retreat. A series a seaside huts and a few local fried fish diners is about all there is. The beach is long and beautiful with waves that proved much cleaner and easier to ride, meaning we truly got to improve our surfing "skills" and enjoy our outings amongst the waves.
Staying at the friendly Hotel Bambu we mingled with some very interesting people, facilitated by the hotel's large open communal areas and its welcoming bar. Apart from the night roaming barking dogs, the garbage strewn beach, and the early morning loud music, (all things that have come to symbolise South America for us), details aside our time here was fantastic.
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