Information Sheet Last Updated: 2005
El Oro
Population 559,846. Machala’s nickname –“the banana capital of the world” – is fairly indicative of a province almost entirely devoted to banana production. El Oro is hot, sticky lowlands. There are a couple of interesting islands, but the most common reason for travelers to visit the province is to cross the border with Peru at Huaquillas.
Air access: airport at Machala
There is no direct flight to Machala from Quito, but you can go via Guayaquil.
Guayaquil to Machala flights leave at 7.15 am, 11.30 am and 4.30 pm. (04)561-954
Machala to Guayaquil flights leave at 8.00 am, 12.15 pm and 5.30 pm. (07)921-045
Bus access: non-stop buses to the border by Panamericana at Av. Colón y Reina Victoria
Train access: none
Information for:
MachalaPuyango
Huaquillas (and border)
Puerto Bolívar
Islands
MACHALA
Population 216,901. This prosperous and well-kept town is not of great interest to the tourist though there is an International Banana & Agriculture fair here during the third week of September.
Hotels
Hotel Rizzo
Tel: 921-511, Fax 921-502
Guayas 1923 y Bolivar
Swimming pool, discotheque, TV, air condtioning. Cafe next door opens at 5 am.Hotel Oro
Tel: 930-034
Sucre y Juan Montalvo
$25.28 single with private bath
$35.54 double with private bath
PUYANGO
The most extensive petrified forest outside Arizona is south of Machala. Fascinating trails and over 120 bird species recorded. Good swimming, campsites.
HUAQUILLAS
Border-Crossing
Huaquillas is the main border-crossing for those heading south to Peru. A big market sprawls across the bridge connecting the two countries, so beware of pick-pockets and crooked money-changers.
Hilton
Tel: 930-757
Av. La República opposite the church and customs
Noisy but convenient.
PUERTO BOLIVAR
This port town for Machala is worth a visit for a variety of fresh seafood. It has a pleasant waterfront and motorized canoe service to the islands listed below. There are several places to stay.
ISLANDS
Isla Jambelí
Nice, clean sandy beach. Entrance fee: 0.20$
Small cabañas or tents available for rent for the day. 30-min boat ride from Puerto Bolívar $1 round-trip.
Isla del Amor
New eco-tourism project on a small mangrove island. Overnight accomodation available. 10-minute boat ride from Puerto Bolívar.