Machalilla National Park facts for kids
Machalilla National Park is a very special protected area in Ecuador, a country in South America. It's located on the Pacific coast, in the Manabí province. This park was created by Ecuador's Minister of Environment on July 26, 1979, to protect its amazing nature. Later, in 1990, it became a "Ramsar site," which means it's a really important wetland where many animals come to breed and raise their young. The park covers a huge area: about 56,184 hectares on land and 14,430 nautical miles of ocean!
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Where is Machalilla National Park?
Machalilla National Park is found on the Pacific coast of Ecuador. It's in the Manabí province, near the Ayampe River. The closest towns are Puerto Lopez and Pajan.
The park is divided into three main parts:
- A northern area near Puerto Cayo, stretching along the coast.
- A southern area that includes Puerto Lopez and Salango Island.
- The Isla de la Plata, which is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) off the coast of Ecuador.
Rivers in the Park
Seven rivers flow through Machalilla National Park. These rivers are very important for the plants and animals living there. They include the Jipijapa, Salitre, Seco, Punteros, Buena Vista, Piñas, and Ayampe rivers.
Weather and Climate
The weather in Machalilla National Park is usually warm, like a tropical or subtropical climate. It's often very dry, so it doesn't rain much. The park gets about 161 mm to 1,120 mm of rain each year. The temperature stays pretty much the same all year round, usually between 23°C and 25°C (73°F to 77°F).
Amazing Plants
Even though it's a dry area, many interesting plants grow here. You can find dry coast shrubs and different types of ferns. There are also cacti, like the prickly pear. Some special trees you might see are palo santo trees, kapok trees, and algarrobo trees.
Diverse Animals
Machalilla National Park is home to a wide variety of animals, both on land and in the ocean.
- Ocean Animals: You can find sea turtles, many kinds of fish, and beautiful coral reefs. Dolphins, stingrays, and sea lions also live here, especially around "Isla de la Plata."
- Whales: From June to September, amazing humpback whales visit the coast of Manabí. They come here to breed and have their babies.
- Land Animals: The park protects some rare animals on the Ecuadorian coast. These include jaguars (also known as Panthera onca), different types of monkeys like howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) and capuchins, and small wild cats (Leopardus spp).
- Birds: Many different birds live in the park, such as the little wood star, hummingbirds (colibris), albatrosses, frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies.
Isla de la Plata: The Silver Island
Isla de la Plata, also called "Silver Island," is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) offshore. It's a key part of Machalilla National Park. This island is a natural home for many animals, including some that travel all the way from the Galapagos Islands!
Animals you can see here include:
- Blue-footed boobies
- Albatrosses
- Frigatebirds
- Seals
- Iguanas
- Dolphins
- Stingrays
- Reef fish
No people live on this small island. Its protection is managed by Ecuador’s Minister of Environment and a group called OGN Fundacion Natura.
Agua Blanca Community
Agua Blanca is a special forest area within Machalilla National Park. It's about 22 kilometers (14 miles) from Puerto Lopez, a small fishing town. This area is known for its interesting birdlife. It also has a sulfur water lagoon and a museum. Local people from the community help take care of this area.
Fun Things to Do
Machalilla National Park offers many activities for visitors to enjoy. You can find tourist information, maps, and guides to help you explore.
- Isla de la Plata: A major attraction is visiting Isla de la Plata. It's the only place on the mainland coast where you can see charming birds like albatrosses, frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies, similar to those found in the Galapagos. You might also spot some seals!
- Water Activities: You can go scuba diving and snorkeling, especially around Silver Island, which has beautiful coral reefs.
- Whale Watching: From June to September, you can go whale watching to see humpback whales that come to breed in the warm waters.
- Walking Trails: Enjoy scenic views and eco-walking trails.
- Agua Blanca: In the Agua Blanca community, visitors love to cover themselves in the sulfurous mud from the bottom of the lagoon. You can also visit the Agua Clara museum and the Salango museum to learn more about the area's history and nature.
Beautiful Beaches
Machalilla National Park has many lovely beaches to explore. They are usually calm and a bit deep.
- Los Frailes: This is the most popular beach in the park.
- Salango Beach: This beach is on an island surrounded by a coral reef.
- Playa Negra and Tortuguita Bay: These beaches are very natural and beautiful. Remember to follow the conservation rules when you visit them to help protect their pure nature.
Images for kids
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Humpback whale off the park coasts
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional Machalilla para niños
