Isla de la Plata – The Poor Man’s Galapagos

Yes, the Galapagos Islands are on almost everybody’s bucket list. They should be, even if Darwin didn’t make the islands famous. Their unique mix of breathtaking island views and fascinating plants and animals are a lifetime experience. But it also costs, a lot, with triple digit park fees alongside high costs for air travel and jaw dropping hotel charges. But Ecuadorians know that Isla de la Plata is much more accessible and much cheaper. You can even see boobies.

It's off Ecuador's Pacific coast near the Machalilla National Park, and the tiny village of Puerto Lopez is the place to get a boat. If you're seeing the park, you really must take the extra time to head out to Isla de la Plata as well. It's is nowhere near as busy as the Galapagos and you'll see just as much (possibly even more). You can get admission tickets that include the island along with your entry to the park, and there are nearly a dozen different boat operators that run out there.

It may be small but this island is a true gem, surrounded by rocky coastlines and the deep blue ocean. There are footpaths circling the island so you can see all the landscapes without having to blaze your own trails. Guided tours are an option too if you want to hear a professional naturalist tell the island's tales.

The main attraction here are the boobies. More boobies than you could possibly count. The feathered kind, of course. The blue-footed and red-footed boobies are the most numerous and you won't see both species together even if you did visit the famous Galapagos instead. That's unique to Isla de la Plata. There are also masked boobies, pelicans, albatrosses, and the brilliantly red-chested frigatebirds. The birds are pretty tame after so many years of watching all the human visitors, so you can expect to get close to them while you walk the trails.

Though Isla de la Plata is a bird-watchers paradise, there are other animals to be found. Most notable are the groups of sea lions you can find lounging around the shores. It's the birds that make up most of the island wildlife though. This is also a prime whale watching destination.

And there is more to see off the island itself if you don't mind getting wet. There are several great snorkeling locations where you can watch shoals of ocean fish and maybe see a giant sea turtle. Manta rays are also populous around the island, and they are a thrilling sight to see from underwater. Most tour groups will offer the option to snorkel so don't worry about arranging your own gear or anything. And even a complete novice can try it out at least once.

When you're on the boat coming or going to the island, watch the water for a cresting humpback whale or even a pod of dolphins or Orca whales. The boat ride is about an hour long, so you'll have plenty of time to watch the waves. Whale sightings are a bit seasonal, with the best viewing between June and September.

And as if that wasn't enough to fill a day, the beaches along the Ruta del Sol are waiting for you south of Puerto Lopez back on the mainland. The beaches are lined with white sand, and offer fine spots for sun-bathers and surfers alike. A drive up the coast will bring you to these beaches, as well as several little villages and an archaeological museum in the town of Valdivia. It's the perfect place to relax a little after your trip to the island. Don't forget to sample the local ceviche!