Visiting Puerto Lopez with kids is definitely recommended if you are taking a scenic tour of Ecuador with the family. This beach town is located in the west of Ecuador and there is enough to do for kids to stay a few days. In addition, Puerto Lopez also has a wonderful climate and good temperatures, so you can also enjoy lying on the beach here with the family. In this blog we list the best children’s activities in Puerto Lopez.
Best travel time Puerto Lopez with kids
You can visit Puerto Lopez with kids all year round. Temperatures are above 20 degrees throughout the year. Because of this, most months in Puerto Lopez are great for swimming and going to the beach. The months of the dry season are from June through December. You can say that these months are the best months to visit Puerto Lopez with the family.
Transportation to and in Puerto Lopez
Puerto Lopez is accessible by bus from other major cities in Ecuador. From the major city of Guayaquil it is about 4 hours by bus. In this city you also have an airport, so you can also fly to this city and then do the last part by bus. From Quito it will take you almost 10 hours by bus, which is a very long trip with kids. From Cuenca it takes about 7 hours.
In the city itself you can do fine walking as the city itself is not very big. If you want to do the activities in the area you can use the cab, bus or an organized tour. If you explore Ecuador by rental car, most families with kids rent a car at the airport in Quito.
You can easily rent a car here through the organization Sunny Cars. Check online for more information on renting a car at Quito airport.
Children’s activities Puerto Lopez
#1 Isla de la Plata
If you as a family are not able to visit the Galapagos Islands during a tour of Ecuador , Isla de la Plata is a nice substitute. This island is sometimes called Poor Man’s Galapagos for this reason. The island is located off the coast of Puerto Lopez and you can very easily book a tour to this island from Puerto Lopez.
One of the most famous animals you can spot on Isla de la Plata is the Blue-footed Booby. These birds with blue feet are a striking sight. Whereas you sometimes pay thousands of dollars for the Galapagos Islands, you can go on a tour here for as little as $40 to $50 per person. The boat will take you to the island in about an hour. Keep in mind that the waves can be quite high and kids can get seasick.
You can spot various animals around the island such as turtles, many colored fish and many different types of birds. You can also go on a guided hike on the island. You can also go snorkeling around this island and if you are there in the right period (July-August) it is possible to spot whales in this area.
#2 Los Frailes
Most families with kids visit Puerto Lopez because of its beaches. Puerto Lopez is located on the famous Ruta del Sol and this region is known for its fine beaches and several coastal resorts. You can go to perhaps the most beautiful beach in Ecuador in Puerto Lopez with kids and that is Los Frailes beach.
This beach is about 20 minutes away by car from the center of Puerto Lopez and you have a beautiful white beach here. Just keep in mind that the sea can be treacherous with an undertow, so you have to keep a close eye on the kids in the water. The beach is protected and is only open to tourists during the day.
They may ask for identification to enter the beach. There are some stalls near the beach, where you can buy some drinks and ice cream. So there are not whole restaurants to be found near this beach. If you visit Puerto Lopez with kids during the months of July and August, you may be able to spot whales off the coast of Puerto Lopez.
If you like to go surfing or take surfing lessons with the family, the beaches near Ayampe can be very suitable for this. Near Puerto Lopez, it is also possible to go horseback riding along the coast. In short, there is plenty to do around the coastline for families with kids.
#3 Machalilla National Park
You can also get into nature with kids in the Puerto Lopez area. 15 minutes away by car from Puerto Lopez you have the national park of Machalilla. In this jungle you can spot animals like howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys and different species of parrots with kids.
You can hike through the park with kids just fine, and you have several viewpoints. The trail is well marked, so you basically don’t need a guide to explore this park. Of course, it is always exciting to be able to spot different animals along the way and certainly monkeys appeal to the imagination with kids.
The beach at Los Frailes is part of this national park, so these two activities are also great to combine. To enter the park you will need your ID, so be sure to bring it with you!
#4 Montanita
A nice other resort you can visit is the seaside town of Montanita. This resort is about an hour’s drive from Puerto Lopez and here too you can have a relaxing day at the beach. This resort is also known for its nightlife and parties on the beach, but during the day there is a very relaxed atmosphere.
The village is also known for its surfers and you can easily take surf lessons here with kids. In the village you have a huge number of surf stores offering boards and lessons. It is also possible to get your diving license here in this village.
You can also rent a bike in this seaside town and explore the surroundings of Montanita by bike. Because Montanita really focuses on backpackers, you have many restaurants and cafes in the center of this village. Where you can go for a snack and a drink.
#5 Agua Blanca
You can also relax at hot baths in the Puerto Lopez area with kids. The baths of Agua Blanca are about a 15-minute drive away from Puerto Lopez. Agua Blanca is a village, where the main attraction is the village’s sulfur pool. You can go in the water here, so be sure to bring your swimwear.
Many of the tourists here completely smear themselves with mud, believing it has a good effect on the skin. The water itself stinks and is not very clear. You have to take that into account when you visit Agua Blanca.
Family-friendly restaurant Puerto Lopez
The resort of Puerto Lopez is a great place to grab a bite to eat with kids. You have plenty of nice restaurants, where you can go for a snack and a drink. Many of the restaurants serve traditional dishes from Ecuador. With kids it is also nice to eat something different once in a while. Below we list some of the family-friendly restaurants where you can eat in Puerto Lopez with kids.
Café Madame: this restaurant is located a little outside the center of Puerto Lopez and you can eat delicious and healthy food here, especially for lunch. You can enjoy sitting outside on the terrace of the restaurant overlooking the sea. You can drink different fresh and healthy juices here and for lunch you have pancakes, sandwiches and tortillas, among other things.
Pane e Vino: This is an Italian restaurant, where you can go for different Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta. In particular, the restaurant’s pizzas are rated tremendously well.
PIZZERIA FORNO del PORTO: This is a pizza restaurant in Puerto Lopez, where you can eat different pizzas. You can sit here with the kids in the back garden of the restaurant.
Family-friendly hotel Puerto Lopez
You can stay in Puerto Lopez with kids just fine. You have plenty of nice family-friendly accommodations you can book in this city in Ecuador. We list the best rated accommodations by families with kids. Click on the blue link for more information.
Budget accommodation: hostal Monte Libano
Mid-range accommodation: Hotel Berlín International
Luxury accommodation: Victor Hugo Hotel
Also, check out the entire list of family-friendly accommodations in Puerto Lopez.
