Isla de la Plata off Puerto Lopez: Discovering the 'Little Galápagos'!
The Galápagos Islands and Isla de la Plata (located off Puerto Lopez) are two Ecuadorian territories renowned for their wild beauty, fauna, and whale-watching spots.
The Galápagos Islands and Isla de la Plata (located off Puerto Lopez) are two Ecuadorian territories renowned for their wild beauty, fauna, and whale-watching opportunities. Their main differences? Cost and accessibility! Follow us as we explain why isla de la Plata is a solid alternative to the Galápagos's "enchanted islands"…
Why Puerto Lopez is an alternative to the Galápagos Islands?
First, it's important to note that when we talk about Puerto Lopez as an alternative to the Galápagos Islands, we're actually referring to Isla de la Plata, located 1 to 1.5 hours by boat from the mainland (within the Parque Nacional Machalilla). This is a protected area renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, earning it the nickname "Little Galápagos".
Lower costs
Isla de la Plata is sometimes called the "poor man's Galápagos"… An unflattering nickname that simply refers to the lower cost of a stay on the island compared to the Galápagos archipelago – and certainly not to the poverty of its natural wealth!
Indeed, Isla de la Plata is considerably less expensive than the Galápagos Islands. Beyond its geography (approximately 40 km from the mainland, versus 1,000 km for the Galápagos) – which reduces transport costs – its accessibility fees are also far lower…
Why? The Galápagos Islands impose taxes to limit tourist flow while ensuring maximum revenue… resulting in very high fees. Note also that for foreigners, flights to the archipelago are always more expensive than for locals (a surcharge is paid at the airport if not included with your ticket purchase).
Cost of a trip to Isla de la Plata
● Flight Paris - Quito (Mariscal Sucre International Airport) = €900
● Bus Airport - Puerto Lopez (10-hour journey) = €15
● Boat round-trip Puerto Lopez - Isla de la Plata = €35
● Island entry (Machalilla National Park) – Access to Isla de la Plata is typically included in the boat crossing price, along with a guide (on-site) during whale breeding season, and a snorkeling stop. Outside migration season, budget €25 instead of €35.
Cost of a trip to the Galápagos Islands
● Flight Paris - Quito = €900
● Flight Quito - Galápagos Islands round-trip (2h40) = €400
● Transit Control Card * = €20 (Mandatory authorization to visit the archipelago). The TCC is obtained online (at least 24 hours before departure) via the official website.
● Galápagos National Park entry = €100
Much easier access
Isla de la Plata is accessible in various ways and from different departure points, while the Galápagos Islands are only reachable by air – from Mariscal Sucre Airport (Quito) or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Guayaquil). The result? This dramatically increases travel costs.
Moreover, Isla de la Plata requires no special procedures, unlike the Galápagos Islands which, in addition to their taxes, impose strict luggage control to protect their ecosystem from potentially invasive threats (non-endemic plants, for example). Controls are conducted by SICGAL – the government service responsible for island protection.
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Things to see and do at Puerto Lopez (Isla de la Plata)
Watch the whales
Like off the Galápagos Islands, Isla de la Plata is renowned for its humpback whale migration. Every year, between June and September, approximately 17,000 specimens voyage along Ecuadorian coasts!
Despite their size – approximately 15 meters long and weighing 30 tons! – these cetaceans manage to breach, especially during their breeding peak (in August). To admire them? Plan a 3 to 4-hour boat excursion (approximately €35 per person).
Hike to observe wildlife
Isla de la Plata is home to rich and unique fauna, similar to the wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. There are hiking trails dedicated to specific species, such as "blue-footed boobies," a seabird with splendid azure-colored webbed feet (the local star), or frigatebirds, recognizable by their vivid red throat pouches!
You'll also have the chance to encounter albatrosses, Nazca boobies, and great tropicbirds… If you're an ornithology enthusiast, don't hesitate to stop in Ayampe (20 minutes from Puerto Lopez) to discover the Jocotoco Foundation – an ecotourism operator promoting birdwatching tourism in Équateur.
Go snorkeling
With exceptional marine floors, the waters off Puerto Lopez and the depths of isla de Plata are magical places for snorkeling.
Coral, colorful fish, sea turtles, manta rays (June to October), marine biodiversity here is as stunning as the Galápagos Islands! One of the most beautiful spots? The beach de los frailes! It's also possible to scuba dive via a local club (approximately €150 for an excursion).
Frequently asked questions
It's not possible to stay on Isla de la Plata, as it's a protected area without accommodations. The most practical solution for lodging nearby is the coastal city of Puerto Lopez, located less than two hours by boat away.
The best time to visit Isla de la Plata depends on your desired activities. To observe humpback whales, visit between June and September, with a peak in August during breeding season. For manta ray viewing, the period extends from June to October. Outside these seasons, the island remains accessible for birdwatching hikes and snorkeling, with slightly reduced rates (approximately €25 instead of €35).
From Puerto Lopez, several local agencies offer excursions to Isla de la Plata. The boat crossing lasts between 1 and 2 hours depending on weather conditions. The crossing price (approximately €35) typically includes entry to Machalilla National Park, an on-site guide, and a snorkeling stop. It's advisable to book in advance during high season (June-September) to secure your spot.
Yes, Puerto Lopez works very well combined with other Ecuadorian destinations. From Quito, an approximately 10-hour bus ride gets you to Puerto Lopez. From Guayaquil, the journey is shorter. It's possible to include Puerto Lopez in an itinerary featuring Quito, Cotopaxi, or Andean market visits, for a complete trip between mountains and Pacific coast.
Around Puerto Lopez, several sites merit a visit. Playa de Los Frailes, within Machalilla National Park, is one of Équateur's most beautiful beaches with turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling. The village of Ayampe, 20 minutes away, is home to the Jocotoco Foundation, specializing in birdwatching tourism. Bird enthusiasts can also observe rare species in the park's dry forests.
