A day on the island known as the ‘mini Galápagos’, and a morning underwater fixing coral fragments to a reef with the Conmar Foundation. Machalilla National Park, shaped around you.
The story
Machalilla National Park covers dry hills, fishing villages and islands off the Manabí coast. Allyson has worked this stretch with a Canadian TV crew and planted coral here herself. It isn’t a listed tour: it is a journey she shapes for you, with the boat operators and the Conmar Foundation, around your dates and how much time you have.
The fishing fleet is coming in at Puerto López: painted boats pulled onto the sand, frigatebirds hanging over the catch, crates of fish passed hand to hand. You board for Isla de la Plata, and the crossing turns into a lookout: flying fish, the mainland shrinking behind you, and between May and September perhaps the spout of a humpback on the way.
On the island the trails climb onto dry, golden headlands where blue-footed boobies nest close to the path, lifting their feet in that slow, deliberate dance. Frigatebirds ride the wind above the cliffs, and below, the water is clear enough to count the fish. Island wildlife for travellers short on days, or saving them for the mountains and the jungle.
From Los Ciriales beach a small boat takes you to Islote Sucre. On the way, the Conmar Foundation team explains why this reef is being restored and how the work is done. Then an instructor teaches you basic freediving: slow breaths, an easy duck dive, equalising gently, until slipping under the surface feels calm instead of brave.
Underwater, metal frames shaped like spiders stand on the sand. You carry a small coral fragment down and fix it to one of the frame’s legs, where it can grow into new reef. You surface with a fogged mask and a huge grin. Allyson says every tour she offers supports a local foundation; here you do the supporting with your own hands.
Inland, the community of Agua Blanca looks after the remains of a Manteño town, a small museum and a sulphur lagoon in the dry forest. Then Salango, a fishing village facing its own little island, for a long seafood lunch. From here the road runs south along the coast to Olón and Ayangue, or home to Guayaquil.
Your day
Every experience is shaped around your group, so we talk first and then send you a proposal made for you. No fixed packages.
Real reviews
3 reviews mention this experience; all are quoted as written, from the platform where they were left.
Gracias a las recomendaciones de Ally, tuvimos un fin de semana espectacular en Montañita y Pto. López!! Desde el hospedaje, lugares a visitar y actividades ya que viajamos con un niño y el enfoque era para que él disfrute. En nuestro siguiente viaje acudiremos directamente a ella para una nueva experiencia!! :)
Soledad Arrobo Asanza
We had such a great experience with Allison from Local Friend Tours. She took care of everything and provided us with such care in the planning. The excursions were wonderful! We started with our grandson’s wedding- a love story in itself and then on to our tour of 5 days Guayaquil, Salinas, Banos and so much more! Plan your tour with Allison and know you will be well taken care of and given the best tour from a local who now feels like family to us! Thanks for a great experience in. Ecuador ❤️ 🦜
Renae R
Allyson drove me from Guayaquil to Montañita and arranged a taxi back for me. She is really friendly and knowledgeable about Ecuador and had great recommendations. She made sure I was safe at my destination. Highly recommend!
Meg Knister
On time pick up from our hotel. Tour around the highlights of the city. Guide was very knowledgeable and personable but the city itself is just not that scenic.
Trevor R. · United States
Wir hatten einen sehr schönen Tag mit Allyson. Bereits im Vorfeld war Allyson sehr kommunikativ und der Ausflug selbst war bestens organisiert. Vielen Dank Allyson gerne wieder.
Klaus W. · Germany
This was a great day! I was the only one on the tour and my guide Alison, and her friend Mikela, did a superb job. For the dry forest we visited the Cerro Blanco private reserve where Alison had engaged a wonderful local guide who's knowledge of all things was exceptional. Later a visit to various parts of Guayaquil gave me a good incite into this city's "vibe". A truly enjoyable day with two charming and knowledgeable young ladies. Highly recommended!
Roger · Australia
Alyson is an excellent guide. Her English is top notch & knowledge of the city & the country’s history is masterful. In addition she is a very nice person that we enjoyed interacting with.
Stephen E. · United States
We really enjoyed the food and city walk tour presented by Allyson. Her passion for the local product is first class. The market experience was genuine as this is the market where she normally shops. We would highly recommend this tour.
David S. · United States
Mix and match
A combination
Her home coast in four days: hat weavers and potters, a sulphur-mud bath, then the ‘mini Galápagos’ and, in season, humpback whales.
A combination
Dolphins in the mangroves, humpbacks off Ayangue in season, and the 'mini Galápagos' of Isla de la Plata, with nights by the sea.
Tell Allyson your dates and who’s coming. She replies personally, usually the same day, with ideas and questions; the proposal comes after.