Top 5 Puerto Lopez Car Tours: Explore Ecuador’s Coast

Puerto Lopez, in Ecuador, is basically this lovely coastal town that’s just begging to be discovered, and it’s almost the perfect base for getting to see the beauty of the Ecuadorian coast, very naturally, too. While you could certainly do your own thing with public transportation, having your own car, or a chauffeured car, could really take your adventure to the next level. That means, you know, it’s all about freedom, hitting the spots that bigger tour buses simply can’t reach, and generally going at your own pace. So, let’s check out five stellar car tours that could very well make your Puerto Lopez visit memorable.

1. Machalilla National Park Exploration Tour

Machalilla National Park, close to Puerto Lopez, it seems, is really a treasure chest overflowing with different ecosystems, just a little. You have got humid forests, dry forests, beaches, and even offshore islands; you’re not just visiting a park, but also many parks at the same time. Getting there on your own gives you a lot more time to see the parts that tickle your fancy and the chance to skip bits that really do not. Read our full review: Machalilla National Park Ecuador Full Review and Details

Instead of being stuck on some rigid timetable, touring by car, I think, means you can just spend a whole afternoon chilling on Los Frailes beach. Los Frailes is often thought of as one of Ecuador’s nicest beaches; very unspoiled and incredibly attractive. In a similar way, you can quickly pop over to Agua Blanca, and what’s that, exactly? Oh, only it’s a spot noted for its hot springs and, well, it boasts an archeological site, for anyone wanting that immersive, cultural experience. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Machalilla Tours)

2. Coastal Gems: A Beach Hopping Extravaganza

So, Ecuador’s coastline is long and beautiful, that is the simple truth, plus, I think, there’s some amazing variance as you go from place to place. Setting out on a beach hopping car tour, I think, could be just the ticket to scoping out some of these coastal treasures that people love to find. With a car, very truly, you are never stuck only experiencing what’s front and center. Very often, you will find smaller, undiscovered strips of shoreline just a small hop from those well-known spots.

Read our full review: Ecuadorian Beaches Full Review and Details

Start your beach venture at Puerto Lopez, but consider also cruising south to quieter retreats, arguably, like Ayampe. It’s known for laid-back surf culture, and the even quieter beaches close to Salango. Those that fancy experiencing a dash of local culture might take themselves off to the little fishing villages dotted along the route. What could beat freshly caught seafood enjoyed looking at, what is actually, a pretty outstanding Pacific sunset? You can see why that memory sticks. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Beach Tours)

3. Whale Watching and Isla de la Plata Adventure

OK, here’s the deal: Puerto Lopez, it’s often said, is regarded as one of the main points for going whale watching, really, when the season kicks in – more or less June to September. The mighty humpbacks rock up and basically offer an unmissable attraction for tourists. Though boat tours are popular, what about including a visit to Isla de la Plata itself as one great day trip, anyway? Drive down to one of the closer launch points; in that case, you get to avoid some of the busier Puerto Lopez departure scenarios.

Read our full review: Isla de la Plata Whale Watching Full Review and Details

Once on Isla de la Plata, typically called “Little Galapagos”, you have got the chance to get peeks at cool wildlife – I am talking blue-footed boobies, tropicbirds, and frigatebirds. When it comes to the whale aspect, there’s a better probability you might encounter them up-close on a private or smaller boat tour than you would on some jam-packed public vessel, you realize. That’s just because the little ones can get in closer, usually, plus you do not get that backdrop of a whole load of other sightseers when attempting to grab some great whale shots! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Whale Watching & Isla de la Plata)

4. Inland Exploration: Montañita and Olón

Just picture this: Want to see more than Puerto Lopez and just the spots a stone’s throw from it, slightly? No stress! Get out on the road and get to locations such as Montañita and Olón, which sit to the south and tend to bring something totally different in the package, too. Montañita, you might know, rocks a reputation as a spot where everyone gets to party and basically has one of the top surf scenes on this part of the shoreline. But also there’s something calmer available, in fact, especially if you scoot a short distance north to Olón.

Read our full review: Montanita Ecuador Full Review and Details

Olón, you will find, brings you lovely, long beaches and more than enough opportunities to just relax, basically. Driving gives you some freedom when deciding where you wanna hang out for a bit longer, too, but as always, just watch out for those ever changing weather patterns. Also, those hidden, little eateries popping up in the tiny communities along the coast make fantastic refueling stops, to say the least. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Montañita and Olón Tours)

5. Ruta del Spondylus: A Cultural and Scenic Drive

Now, the Ruta del Spondylus is basically a scenic route snaking along Ecuador’s coast, offering just loads of peeks into regional cultures, plus just some remarkable sites, as well. Taking on some of it by car could provide an adaptable trip where you determine what grabs you. Maybe it is just popping by archaeological spots or getting the camera out at viewpoints. Very clearly, you want chances for memorable pictures of what the coast serves up!

Read our full review: Ruta del Spondylus Ecuador Full Review and Details

I guess what I am saying is the route enables people to experience numerous towns, each showing a bit of Ecuadorian coastal living. Spot something intriguing? Quite often, it could be worth a detour – only possible with your transport. Do take a short break, meet people and take things easy; you are on holiday after all! Basically, consider it a chance to relax completely as opposed to adhering to someone’s strict timings. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ruta del Spondylus Tours)

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Read our full review: Puerto Lopez Ecuador Full Review and Details