Of all the beaches in Ecuador only a few have crystalline water, with turquoise shades. In Los Frailes the sand is so white that it is difficult to believe that it is real. This milestone is located in Machalilla National Park, 12 Km north of Puerto López, in the province of Manabí.
Los Frailes can be found in the Spondylus Route, between Machalilla and Puerto López. A small wooden sign invites us to go inside this piece of the Pacific Coast, where we can feel nature in its purest state. From the entrance to get to the inlet there are two routes. The shorter is 15 minute-long, by car all the way to the parking lot, and from there five more minutes walking.
The other route takes one hour, walking from the main entrance. If you opt for this route, you will encounter rocky areas that are uncomfortable, but the beaches such as La Prieta Negra, Turtuguita (where every year the sea turtles lay their eggs) … and you can observe the wildlife (blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, lizards, deer…) Also, on the cliff edges there are nests belonging to the marine birds and hiding lizards.
According to the fishermen, this place is called Los Frailes because a long time ago the ovo fraile plant (plum) would ripen in great quantities in this area. With time those trees died due to the excessive dry weather. Other say that plant was extinguished with the arrival of the Spaniards. Who used these trees to build ships.
With sun or without sun, any image is inspiring. While walking, your admiration for this places increases, as you see the white sand, the small waves, the dry-topical forest, peacefulness, cleanness, and the silence of nature. It is a quiet and cozy beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
The entrance is controlled by the Ministry of the Environment (from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Food selling and pets are not allowed, so the habitat will not be altered. At 10:00 a.m. the temperature is over 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) and the heat falls over the crags. The few tourists enjoy it as if God has created sight only for them.
When one arrives at the inlet, the deep blue color of the sky, the infinite white color of the sand, and the intense green color of the water are the pieces that prevail. There are a few waves, and the water looks calm and seductive, favorable lovers. But it is also ideal for tourists who are looking for tranquility across from the ocean.
For those who took the shorter route, from Los Frailes there are two winding paths that are perfect for walking (30 minute and who hour long) and both take us to the top of the north cliff, which has become scenic overlook. From there one can appreciate the beaches of La Tortuguita and Playita, which has stronger corrents. Further away are the Sucre and Horno de Pan islets. One can also observe the cactus and rosewood trees, and birds such as pelicans. Turkey, white herons, and seagulls… that pose on the crags.
Between July and September, one can observe the passage of the humpback whale, a herd of dolphins or the flight of boobies. There are tours that take travelers in the high sea so they can hear the mammals sing as they are mating. The visit to Los Frailes is complemented with walks around the marine and terrestrial fauna. There are also crabs that quickly, competing for a refuge in their sand hideouts, as they see the tourists walking by.
Other alternatives are to accompany the fishermen as they for crayfish in the open sea, and to go swimming, sailing, and diving. The blue sea on which a few fishing boats sit put magic to the surroundings. To know Los Frailes is an intimate and sublime experience, and the landscape is just incredible!
To Know
How the arrive there: from Quito to Guayaquil you should take the Spondylus route on the way to the coast of Manabí. Bus companies such as Flota Imbabura, Transesmeraldas, Panamericana, Coacturs… have different schedules. The bus ticket is $6 from Guayaquil and $10 from Quito.
In Los Frailes there are no hotels or restaurants. The closest area for these services is Puerto López, 15 minutes by car. Water, sun block, a big hat or an umbrella are recommended for this trip.
The Machalilla National Park has an extension of 56.184 hectares (about 138 acres), and it is composed by Los Frailes, Puerto Cayo, and the Island of Salango… It is a habitat for anteaters, deer, and tiger ocelots.
In Puerto López one can find lunch meals starting at $2 with shellfish, and a la carte dishes starting at $5.