Puerto Cayo

Puerto Cayo is a pretty fishing village located elegantly on the coast of the Manabí province, marking the vital southern entrance to the celebrated Machalilla National Park. Travelers are deeply attracted to Puerto Cayo for its expansive, deep-sand beaches and excellent surf breaks, offering a significantly less crowded alternative to other bustling Manabí hotspots. The town proudly maintains a laid-back, welcoming vibe that is absolutely first-rate for profound relaxation and various water sports. The natural surroundings are truly sweeping, with lush tropical forests meeting the vast ocean. From June to September, Puerto Cayo becomes a premier location for observing the majestic humpback whales that migrate to these warm waters to mate. The nearby Islote Pedernales features fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities amidst lively marine life and striking coral reefs. Gastronomy in Puerto Cayo is a major highlight, featuring traditional Manabí cuisine such as viche (a rich peanut and seafood soup) and fresh ceviche. The village is easily reached by bus along the coastal highway from Manta or Puerto López. The optimal time to visit is during the whale-watching season or the sunny beach season from December to May.

Nearby cities

Portoviejo

Known as the City of the Royal Tamarinds due to the many trees in the area.

Manta

One of the largest port cities in Ecuador, famous for tuna fishing and beautiful beaches.

Chone

A center for cattle breeding and agricultural traditions in Manabí.

Bahía de Caráquez

One of the first cities in the world declared ecological, featuring a beautiful bay.

Jipijapa

The Sultana of Coffee, historically famous for coffee cultivation on the Ecuadorian coast.

Montecristi

The true home of the Panama hat and the birthplace of Ecuadorian president Eloy Alfaro.

Calceta

A traditional agricultural town in Manabí, characterized by rivers and cocoa haciendas.

Muisne

Muisne is an island town surrounded by mangroves, famous for its pristine beaches and eco-friendly, car-free environment.

Pedernales

The place where the first French Geodesic Mission determined the equator line in Ecuador.

Ayampe

Ayampe is a tranquil, eco-friendly beach town nestled between lush jungle and the ocean, ideal for surfing and yoga.

Salango

Salango is a tranquil fishing village in Ecuador's Machalilla National Park, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.

Crucita

A scenic fishing village celebrated as a premier destination for coastal paragliding.

Canoa

Canoa offers one of Ecuador's longest beaches, providing a relaxed, uncrowded alternative for surfing, paragliding, and dramatic ocean su…

Mompiche

A small fishing village on Ecuador's Pacific coast known for its excellent surf breaks and relaxed atmosphere.

Cojimíes

Cojimíes is a quiet fishing village on the Pacific coast, famous for its endless palm-fringed beaches and delicious seafood.

More places

Machalilla National Park

This park protects the unique tropical dry forest on Ecuador's coast, as well as stunning beaches and nearshore marine ecosystems.

Palo Santo Distillation

Facilities for the distillation of essential oil from the wood of the Palo Santo tree, valued for its aroma and spiritual purposes.

Agua Blanca

The remains of a major city of the Manteño culture on the Ecuadorian coast.

Port of Manta

A major seaport on the Pacific, important for tuna fishing and as a port of call for cruise ships.

Pesquera Polar Tuna

A leading company in Manta specializing in the processing and canning of tuna for export.

Puerto López Fishing Port

A small but lively fishing port that also serves as a starting point for whale watching tours.

Tagua Processing

Workshops that process the tagua nut, also known as 'vegetable ivory', into buttons, jewelry, and handicrafts.

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Pacoche Forest

A coastal wildlife refuge featuring a unique microclimate that sustains a lush forest in an otherwise dry region.