Ecuador Travel

Muelle Puerto Simón Bolívar

Muelle Puerto Simón Bolívar

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Overview

Situated off the Gulf of Guayaquil between the city of Guayaquil and the Peruvian border, Machala is the central hub for Ecuador’s Southern agriculture industry and the capital of El Oro Province. Known as the “Banana Capital of the World,” Machala exports a tremendous amount of bananas as well as cocoa and coffee throughout the world. The surrounding El Oro Province revolves around this industry, making Machala one of Ecuador’s most important cities. Machala is a great place to experience the less touristy, more authentic workings of Ecuador’s economy and culture. With over 215,000 inhabitants, it is one of Ecuador’s fastest growing cities. With its unique location, distinct culture, and special attractions, Machala rewards those who take the time to explore it.

History

Machala’s name comes from the indigenous Chimú word Mashall or Mac-chal, meaning “noble” and “great beauty.” The history of Machala revolves around its important location by the Gulf of Guayaquil and among the fertile soil of the Southern lowlands. Agriculture has always been the livelihood of the area. Indigenous peoples enjoyed cultivating the fertile land and colonists were attracted to the region for the agriculture as well. Originally a simple outpost for trade, Machala has grown into a city of its own. With the construction of Puerto Bolivar in 1883, Machala could export its own goods by sea rather than having to pass through Guayaquil. With money to be made, Ecuadorians began to move to Machala from cities like Guayaquil. Railroads were introduced, connecting Machala to the rest of the country and the groundwork for a cohesive city was set. With the economy came secondary schools, universities, churches, museums, theatres, and hospitals. Today, Machala is growing quickly into one of Ecuador’s most lively cities.

Attractions

Festivals

Perhaps the biggest and most famous attraction in Machala is the annual Banana and Agricultural Festival. This festival is held during the third week of September and features huge fruit markets, commercial celebrations, and the culminating election of the Reina del Banano, the Banana Queen. This esteemed matriarch is elected from a pool of contestants from all over Latin America. This is a huge celebration, with Ecuadorians and foreign travelers alike meeting to rejoice in Machala’s agricultural livelihood. Make sure to book hotels well in advance should you decide to come partake in the festivities.

Parks

Downtown Machala has plenty of parks, cathedrals, and fountains for travelers to explore. Juan Montalvo Park, or Parque Central, centers Machala and features several types of trees, fountains, and statues. It is a great place to take a walk or sit on a bench and watch the city’s pulse throb. At the head of Juan Montalvo Park is the Paseo de la Merced and the Cathedral.

Also downtown is the Paseo Cultural Diego Minuche Garrido. This street was renovated and rejuvenated by the Ecuadorian government and now features pedestrian only walkways with fountains, art, and street performers.

If you are traveling with children, they will want to visit the Parque tematico los Picapiedras, or the Flintstones Park. This park is great for kids and features plenty of statues, fountains, and jungle gym equipment all Flintstones themed. With guards on duty at all hours, it is a safe place for children.

Paseo de la Juventud, or Walkway of the Youth, is another great example of Machala’s rejuvenation. Paseo de la Juventud features a modern sculpture in its center. This sculpture appears to move as the viewer moves, although it stays stationary in the fountain between Bolivar Street and Arizaga Street.

Museums

Machala boasts five museums. The Museo Arqueologico exhibits artifacts from the Valdivia, Jambelí, Machalilla, Guangala, and Quevedo cultures. The Museo Marino displays the exotic flora and fauna of the Orense region. The Pinacoteca features free exhibitions of the work of Ecuadorian and international artists and the Museo Paleontologico exhibits the scientific findings of the Patrimonio Cultural de Ecuador.

Outside of Machala

Puerto Bolivar, just seven kilometers from downtown Machala, is a great day trip from the city. This is the port through which all of Machala’s exports pass. Puerto Bolivar is flanked by mangroves and makes for an excellent seaside stroll. Travelers often walk along the boardwalk and watch the huge ships load up their bananas or drop off their day’s fishing catch. The restaurants are famous for the quality and freshness of their seafood.

Puerto Bolivar is also important for its access to the popular Jambeli Beaches. The Jambeli Beaches are frequented by Ecuadorians on vacation and offer a great way to take in the sun, surf, and local culture. Motor boats leave from Puerto Bolivar on a scenic trip around the mangroves or through to the Jambeli Beaches at 9:00, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00. They return one hour later. These rides usually cost between one and three dollars per person but group rates are also available. The Jambeli Beaches also have basic restaurants and hotels should you decide to extend your visit.

Another of Machala’s popular attractions is a visit to Isla de Amor. This “Island of Love” is a haven for bird enthusiasts and snorkelers. Visitors can rent a canoe and roam around the mangroves or take a guided tour of the harbor by motorboat.

When to Go

December through May marks the rainy season for Machala and the Southern Coast. The climate is cooler and less humid from June to September. September is obviously a popular month with its Banana and Agriculture Festival.

Getting to and away from Machala

If traveling by air, TAME (293 0139; www.tame.com.ec) offers weekday morning flights to Guayaquil ($25-35) and on to Quito ($50-60).The airport is only one kilometer from downtown Machala.

Although there is no central bus terminal in Machala, a variety of bus services can get you to wherever you need to go.

Guayaquil:
CIFA buses offer rides to Guayaquil ($4-5, three hours) from the center at 9 de Octubre Street.

Quito:
Panamericana (293 0141) has regular daily buses to Quito ($6-8, eleven hours). Panamericana also has bus service to Santo Domingo ($5-7, eight hours). Transportes Occidentales also goes regularly to Quito and has a bus through the night to Esmeraldas ($6-8, nine hours).

Cuenca:
Cooperative Pullman Azuay (293 0539) has buses to Cuenca ($3-4, four hours).

Loja:
Transportes Cooperativa Loja (293 2030) has buses to Loja ($4-5).