Day Trip To Isla de la Plata From Puerto López
If you are thinking whether you should take the tour to Isla de la Plata or not, our short answer would be yes! It was so beautiful and absolutely worth it!
The Galápagos had been on our minds for a while. But between the cost and the time needed to do it properly, it just wasn’t realistic for us. After some research and hearing from others, we decided to go to Isla de la Plata, often called the “poor man’s Galápagos.”
We read about the wildlife, with blue-footed boobies being the most sought after, the hiking trails, the snorkeling and scuba diving, and the fact that it was all accessible as a day trip from Puerto López.
This day trip was exactly what we were looking for. In this blog, I’ll share our experience to help you plan your own visit to this beautiful island.
Isla de la Plata Day Tour Overview: What’s Included
We did this trip in January (off-season) with Machalilla Tours, departing directly from Puerto López.
- Tour company: Machalilla Tours
- Departure point: Puerto López
- Tour time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Includes:
- Boat ride to Isla de la Plata
- ~2-hour guided hike on the island
- Snorkeling stop
- Simple lunch (sandwiches, fruit, drinks)
⚠️ Important food note:
There were no gluten-free options, so if you have dietary restrictions, bring your own snacks.
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Setting Off From Puerto Lopez
We walked from Machalilla’s office to the port before boarding the boat. It was a nice boat with a washroom as well.
The ride took about 1 to 1.25 hours. Even though it was a calm day on the sea, the ride made two people sick on our boat. At the end of the blog, I have mentioned some tips and tricks that everyone should know to prevent and manage sea sickness.
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Arrival To Isla de la Plata
Around 15 min before arriving to Isla de la Plata we were given a banana and a banana bread to get some energy. You are not allowed to take any food with you on the island. And since you would be hiking for 2 hours under strong scorching sun, it is a good idea to fuel yourself with some energy. However, you are allowed to carry water with you.
When the boat pulls in, the first thing you’ll do is take off your shoes. You would be getting off in the shallow waters and walk the shore to arrive at the visitor centre.
There are also benches with a wash station, which honestly felt like such a thoughtful touch. You can sit down, dip your feet into the water, wash off the sand, and then put your socks and shoes back on.
There’s a free washroom here as well, which is worth using before the hike starts.
Once everyone is ready, your guide gathers the group and explains what’s ahead.
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Walking The Isla de la Plata
Before we even started walking, our guide Tito shared a bit of the island’s history. Isla de la Plata wasn’t always known just for wildlife. Long ago, silver was found here, but it was taken, leaving the island without its riches. What remains now is something more valuable, a protected space as part of Machalilla National Park.
The hike begins gently. The first section is flat and wide, about 30 meters or so, and gives you time to settle into the pace. Then comes a short flight of stairs, which Tito told us is considered the most challenging part of the entire hike. Once you’re past that, you’ve already done the hardest bit.
About 20 minutes in, you reach a resting spot and it couldn’t be better placed. The breeze moves through naturally, almost like built-in air conditioning. This is where we had our first real wildlife moment: a blue-footed booby, an adult and a baby! We stopped, took photos, and forgot about the heat for a while.
From there, the trail opens up and continues mostly downhill and flat. The path is wide and easy, truly doable for most people. The terrain isn’t the challenge but the heat is. Shade is limited to that one resting area, and for the next hour and a half, you’re walking under the open sun. The breeze near the cliffs helps, and the ocean views makes all the effort worthwhile.
Meeting the blue-footed boobies
We saw blue-footed boobies throughout the trail, and somehow, each sighting felt just as exciting as the first. The little babies were waiting for food and we saw one that was 3 weeks old, a little fluff ball. We also spotted Nazca boobies, easily recognizable by their yellow beaks.
Tito also explained some of the conservation work happening on the island. Rats were introduced by fishing boats and have become a serious threat to blue-footed boobies, since they lay their eggs on the ground. Along the trail, you’ll notice small white boxes. These contain poison placed by park rangers to control the rat population and protect nesting birds.
The trail is also full of lizards, which dart away as you walk past. Tito mentioned that there are small non-poisonous snakes on the island as well, though we didn’t see any. He told us that during peak season, this same trail turns green and feels completely different, more alive, more lush, and even more beautiful.
By the time we finished the hike, we were tired, sweaty, and grateful for the breeze, but also deeply satisfied. It felt like we had seen Isla de la Plata as it truly is.
READ MORE: Best Day Hikes Around Cuenca, Ecuador
Back On The Boat: Food And Snorkeling
After the 2 hour hike, getting back onto the boat felt good. Lunch was waiting, and after being out in the sun for hours, it was much needed. We got two sandwiches (cheese and vegetables), watermelon and pineapple, and a Coke. It was filling and enough to get our energy back.
Once everyone had eaten and rested a bit, we headed to the snorkeling area. That day, the water wasn’t very clear, and there weren’t many fishes, but getting into the water after a long walk in the heat still felt good. It helped cool the body down.
Snorkeling here is unguided. You get into the water on your own, snorkel for about 20 to 25 minutes, and then get back onto the boat. The boats stay close by the entire time.
One thing to keep in mind is that fins aren’t automatically provided. We asked and were given water shoes and fins, so it’s worth asking your tour operator and having them pre-arranged.
Heading Back To Puerto López
The ride back to Puerto López was slower than expected because one of the boat’s engines stopped working. With only one engine running, the journey took longer. We reached the port around 4:00 to 4:30 pm, super tired but also super happy with a great day.
We went in the end of January, which is off-season, so we didn’t see whales or frigate birds. Even so, the experience felt complete. It also made us think about how different this trip must feel between June and October, when humpback whales pass through and the landscape is greener and more alive.
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Managing Sea Sickness On The Boat
The boat ride to Isla de la Plata takes about one to one and a half hours, and the sea can be unpredictable. On our trip, a couple of people didn’t feel well during the ride.
If you are even slightly prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to:
- Take motion sickness medication before boarding
- Avoid heavy meals right before the ride
- Sit toward the middle of the boat if possible
- Keep your eyes on the horizon and sit upright. Don’t slouch forward if you feel unwell.
- Stay hydrated
What To Pack For Isla de la Plata
Packing well makes a big difference on this trip, especially because there is very little shade on the island.
Things to bring:
- At least one litre of water per person. You can refill your bottle on the boat.
- Electrolyte water or packets
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Light, loose clothing that covers your skin
- Comfortable hiking shoes (sandals are not allowed on the trail)
- Towel (optional)
- Slippers or flip-flops (optional)
- Bug spray
You can leave most of your belongings on the boat during the hike. When you get off to walk, carry only your water, hat, and sunglasses.
Final Thoughts
A day trip to Isla de la Plata is a great experience if you want to see wildlife, spend time outdoors, snorkel or dive, and explore beyond the beaches of Puerto López.
Isla de la Plata offers a small glimpse of Ecuador’s coastal wildlife at a fraction of the cost and time commitment, making it a great option if the Galápagos isn’t feasible for you.
Where To Stay In Puerto Lopez
Puerto Lopez is a bigger town and has a more local feel. Getting around is easy and affordable thanks to tuk tuks, which cost about $1 and can take you anywhere in town.
One thing we’d strongly recommend is air conditioning. It gets very hot and humid, especially during the day, and AC makes a huge difference to your comfort.
If you’re visiting during tourist season or planning to book tours like whale watching, staying near the beach is the most convenient option. Most tour offices, restaurants, and cafes are located along the malecón, making everything walkable.
Here are two best options which will meet all your basic needs:
Hostería Mandala: This is a beautiful hostel and was recommended to us by many people who stayed here. It is at the beach front, free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, and a free breakfast. If you are taking the bus, then the bus terminal is only 5 min away from the hostel. The cost per night for two people is $63 USD.
Victor Hugo Hotel: Victor Hugo Hotel is another great option recommended to us by people who stayed there. They also offer beachfront access, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. If you are a sunset lover, then you can see absolutely beautiful sunsets from the hammocks in your accommodation.
At an additional cost you can attend yoga classes and purchase breakfast. Their food at the restaurant is also great. The bus terminal is only 5 min away from the hotel. The cost per night for two people is $86 USD.
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