Machala - El Oro - Ecuador

The city has recently become the center for the crystallization of important businesses and the opening of large companies. Machala, through the urban regeneration that it has undertaken, enjoys new places of recreation and recreation, worthy of being visited.

Machala, capital of the province of El Oro, is a productive agricultural canton with a great commercial movement, becoming the economic pole of southern Ecuador.

Its inhabitants are dedicated to banana activity, which is why it is internationally recognized as the "World Banana Capital". Planting and harvesting shrimp is another productive activity.

How to get to Machala from Quito?

In the Terrestrial Terminal of Quitumbe you can take the following companies that travel directly to Machala: Trans Esmeraldas, Panamericana, Loja Internacional, Western Transport, Santa, Tac.
Approximate distance by land 524 km, travel time 9 hours.

How to get to Machala from Guayaquil?

In the Terminal Terrestre de Guayaquil you can take the following companies that travel directly to Machala: C.I.F.A, Ecuadorian Pullman, Super Taxi Cuenca, Orenses Routes.
Approximate distance via land 185 km, travel time 4 hours.

How to get to Machala from Cuenca?

In the Terminal Terrestre de Cuenca you can take the following companies that travel directly to Machala: Pullman Sucre, Azuay.
Approximate distance by land 169 km, travel time 4 hours.

Machala - Bananera Capital Tourist Sites Puerto Bolívar Island of Love Jambeli Archipelago Hotel Restaurant Climate Mangroves

Climate of Machala

It has a warm-tropical climate, (dry sub-humid), influenced by the cold Humboldt current and the presence of the warm current of the Child that sometimes varies. Its average temperature varies from 18 ° to 34 ° C. The climate is moderate with temperatures ranging from 22º C to 35º C.

Flora of Machala

We found some species of native trees such as cedar, guayacán, canelo, achupalla, epiphytes, orchids and others.

Fauna of Machala

Santa Clara Island is the refuge of seabirds, has characteristics similar to the Galapagos Islands, is habitat of sea lions, iguanas, blue footed boobies, frigates. The blue-footed boobies have longer tails than the other two species, the tail helps them make quick and incredible dives into the sea to feed wax from the shore. In the months of July to September, there is sighting of the humpback whales.

Orography of Machala

Machala is located in a large area of ​​lowlands, due to its proximity to the sea, the capital Orense is only 4 meters above the level of it. And in general the canton is settled on flat lands.

Economic development of Machala

Machala, is a productive agricultural canton with a great commercial and banking movement, becoming the economic pole of the Ecuadorian south. Its population is dedicated mostly to banana activity. Planting and harvesting shrimp is another productive activity. In addition, a large part of the population is engaged in the marketing of machinery, vehicles, appliances, clothing, etc.

Cultures and traditions of Machala

Most Important Festivities: Tribute to Our Lady of Mercy: September 24; Cantonization: June 25; Month of the arts: June 25; Foundation of Puerto Bolívar on December 18.

Activities of the Festivities: In honor of Our Lady of Mercy, celebrated on September 24 of each year, in these celebrations the election of the World Queen of Bananas takes place, with the participation of candidates from several producing and exporting countries of the fruit . In this month the Fairs are held in the Chamber of Industries, the Banana Fair, expo-sciences and artistic presentations.

Typical Gastronomy in Machala

Rice with shrimp: It comes accompanied by rice, breaded shrimp, salad and patacones.

Ceviches: Machala offers many varieties such as shrimp, shellfish, fish, mixed ceviche, all of them accompanied by patacones and rice.

Rice with stew: Lemon stew, cooked slowly with onion, pepper, tomato, garlic, cumin, cilantro, and served with rice, roast beef and patacones.

Creole chicken broth (Chilla): It is prepared by cooking the chicken with special seasonings, it is served with cooked potatoes, accompanied by cilantro and white onion that give it a special touch.

Tigrillo (Zaruma): Green cooked and mixed with cheese and egg. It is served with meat.

Tourism in Machala

Juan Montalvo Park or Central Park in Machala

Its creator was Don Rafael González Rubio, who through the Local Pro Improvements Committee initiated and completed the work in 1914. Around the park was placed a metal enclosure brought from Hamburg, Germany, with a contribution of 2 thousand sucres of Don Ramón Manrique Luna, who was President of the Municipal Council of Machala. This metallic structure had been retained in the port of Rotterdam (Holland), as a result of the First World War. When it was to be inaugurated, the Municipality of Machala decided to name it Rafael González Rubio, but he did not accept it, claiming that it was only serving the city that hosted it. Finally on September 15, 1929, the inauguration was approved with the name of Juan Montalvo, taking into account that this illustrious personage, at the end of the 19th century, became a defender of the rights of the Machaleños, sending a letter to García Moreno , claiming the chaotic state that the city was running through due to lack of water.

Cathedral Church in Machala

The same one that was built on the first cemetery of Machala and that gracefully challenges time; also to the outskirts of this, in the central park, we find the Paseo de la Merced, in homage to the Virgen de la Merced, this place consists of an artificial stream and many fish, it is very popular with the Machaleños and their visitors.

Paseo Cultural Diego Minuche Garrido in Machala

The street was called Gral. Ulpiano Páez, the current administration presided by the Mayor Prof. Carlos Falquez Batallas, initiated the urban regeneration, and in this aforementioned street this Paseo was created, with the bust of Mr. Diego Minuche, who was the first Mayor of Machala, elected by popular vote. Today this is a walk in which activities of a pictorial, artistic, etc. type are developed.

Puerto Bolívar in Machala

So named in honor of the liberator Simón Bolívar; it communicates to the province of El Oro with the other ports of the world, since 85% of the national banana production is exported through it. In Puerto Bolívar you can enjoy the sea breeze, the landscape, the beautiful sunsets and the delicious dishes made with seafood, especially the best known Ceviches in the World. On the other hand, Puerto Bolivar is the starting point to visit the Island of Jambelí, the Island of Love and Santa Clara or the Isla del Muerto.

Old pier of cabotage of Puerto Bolivar in Machala

It was inaugurated on May 9, 1902, being its builder the engineer Gáston Thoret, from this place departed the cabotage boats that transported passengers and loads to and from the city of Guayaquil and Santa Rosa (Puerto Pital, originally). There were several ships that offered this service, among which we mention: Olmedo, Jambelí, Bolívar, Colón, Dayse Edith, Quito, etc. Until 1973 when the Oro-Guayas highway was completed. At the moment it was remodeled, being constituted in an interesting place where a marine museum works, pertaining to the House of the Culture and an elegant restaurant called The Old Dock.

Jambelí in Machala

Machala is the starting point to this cozy island, located 35 minutes by boat from Puerto Bolívar. It should be noted that this island does not belong to this canton, however it is from Puerto Bolivar in Machala, where the boats are taken to leave for the archipelago; the tour becomes an exciting adventure, observing the attractive landscape, the variety of birds and the mangrove of the area. Jambelí is the largest open sea beach in the archipelago and also the most populated; It has several restaurants, places of lodging, recreation and water sports. You can also visit the Geo-Mer marine museum.

Isla del Amor in Machala

Located five minutes by boat from Puerto Bolivar, visiting it is a great experience for nature lovers and ideal for an ornithologist, since it develops a variety of bird species, hence its name; the birds nest and breed on this island.

Santa Clara Island in Machala

Located 90 minutes from Puerto Bolívar, it was the temple of ancient indigenous cultures, where remains of an Inca shrine were found. Also known as the "Island of the Dead", by virtue of which seen from a distance, she is presented as the figure of a man lying with the appearance of a dead person. Santa Clara has characteristics similar to those of the Galapagos Islands, such as volcanic structure and fauna, as it is the habitat of birds, sea lions, iguanas, blue footed boobies, frigates, etc. And during the months between July and September, there is the sighting of humpback whales, which is one of the most anticipated attractions for foreign tourists.

Monument to the Bananero in Machala

 He is still the character in charge of cutting and transporting the fruit from the banana plantations to Puerto Bolívar, whose production dates back to the 1940s.

Monument to the Train in Machala

 It stands on the Railway Avenue in honor of one of the first means of transport of past eras, which marked the path of progress of our city of Machala, the development of the economy and trade of the Ecuadorian Austro.

El Aguador Monument in Machala

Despite the proximity of Machala to the sea, the city always suffered from lack of water; that is why there were people known as water carriers, who were responsible for transporting water from the wells located around the city with the help of pack animals. In honor of these people, this historic monument stands.

Walk of youth in Machala

 As a luxury complement at the intersection of Bolívar and Arizaga streets, a beautiful Regeneration space called Paseo de la Juventud was built, whose main attraction is a modern sculpture, made of copper that conveys the feeling of being in movement.

Bolivar Bolivar Madero Vargas in Machala

Erected in honor of the distinguished youth trainer Mr. Bolívar Madero Vargas, an enthusiastic and humanist character, forerunner of the progress of our Province. This work was initiated by Prof. Carlos Falquez, when he was Provincial Prefect of El Oro.

Museums in Machala

Archaeological Museum in Machala

Where elements of the cultures Valdivia, Jambelí, Machalilla, Guangala, Quevedo are exposed.

Marine Museum in Machala

It congregates more than 500 specimens, exposing the rich flora and fauna of the Orense coast.

Pinacoteca in Machala

In which there are permanent free exhibitions of national and foreign artists.

Paleontological Museum in Machala

The scientific values ​​and paleontology are exhibited, which are part of the Cultural Heritage of Ecuador.

Marine Museum in Puerto Bolívar in Machala

Located in the old coping pier of Puerto Bolívar, where visitors can admire a variety of specimens of dissected marine species.

Parks of Machala

Mother's Park in Machala

Built in 1967 in homage to the Mother, in the place where years ago was the penultimate cemetery of the city. It is a small but special green space where the statue of a woman with her children is located, and located in front of the Chapel of the Virgin of Chilla.

Tanque Rojo Park in Machala

 This structure evokes the activity of the old red tank, which by the year 1930, supplied water to trains that went on long trips. Today it is an icon of urban regeneration, in which technology highlights the history of an old place that was part of the development of the city. In this beautiful park stands a replica of the red tank, which has the shape of a cylinder made with galvanized metal plates and which will work as a fountain of water that is renewed with the same liquid. In addition, through a glass plate you can see the history of the place.

Linear Park Brisas del Mar in Machala

 The design of the Linear Park is modern, functional and attractive, elements that make it unique in the province and one of the best on a national level. The park has beautiful flower boxes, playgrounds, skating area, adult gaming space; dining rooms, gazebo, space for cultural events and exhibitions, banking agency, Community Police Unit, pools at both ends; water fountains with waterfalls and jets that move a mill, automatic irrigation and environmental music. All this has contributed to the area acquiring a new image, in clear contrast of what it was previously.

Buenos Aires Park in Machala

Built in an area of ​​1400 square meters, this beautiful garden with its unique architectural design shines its charm: three waterfalls, beautiful ornamental plants, a pool with jets that are illuminated with colored lights, porcelain floor, ambient music, integral lighting , covered areas, benches; and two sculptures representing the sun and the moon, adorn the park, works by the famous Guayaquil artist Yela Lofredo de Klein.

Children's Theme Park Aquatic of Puerto Bolívar in Machala

This modern work has a swimming pool, automatic irrigation, environmental music, gardens and integral lighting, as well as sailing boat, sanitary batteries for ladies and gentlemen, including access for people with disabilities, as well as innovative playgrounds, a large pond where they pose a variety of marine figures such as an eight-meter whale, dolphins, seahorses, leaffish and a large articulated crab in the center of the park.

Ismael Pérez Pazmiño Park in Machala

 Its name is in tribute to the illustrious journalist Mr. Ismael Pérez Pazmiño, founder of the newspaper "El Universo", in this park we find the bust in commemoration of this remarkable Machaleño and also a colorful pool; and at Christmas time the park is decorated with a striking tree and birth, which is even more crowded at this time.

Park of the Heroes of 41 in Machala

In tribute to those who participated in the 1941 war, today it is the setting for the realization of cultural and artistic programs. It rises in front of the centennial College of October nine, institution where they have been educated and continue to do it several generations of Machaleños.

Plaza Cristóbal Colón in Machala

The origin of Machala is remembered if you go through this park, since in its beginnings, from it in winter time, you could navigate to the Pilo estuary following Buenavista street. And in summer. Currently it is located in a commercial area, in front of which is the Bay of Machala, this park is considered one of the best in Ecuador with three caravels of the remembered conqueror of America, water tunnel, pools, gazebo, environmental music, sanitary batteries and parking.