Overview

The northern Pacific lowlands of Ecuador have a gentle landscape of tropical agriculture, forest and warm-water bays. The developing tourist infrastructure is yielding a wide range of things to do, from whale watching to exploring pre-Columbian ruins, and diving and snorkelling at the coral reef around Isla de la Plata where the bird and animal life ― which includes colonies of waved albatrosses, frigate birds, boobies and sea-lions ― is not afraid of human proximity. Los Frailes beach is one of the loveliest on the coast.

Nearby is Machalilla National Park, which embraces and protects the tropical dry forest.

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Things to do

We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.

Where to go when - our guide to Pacific coast

Pacific Coast

The weather in Pacific coast is wide and varied

Whilst Ecuador’s Pacific coast is hot all year round, with little significant change in temperature, there are nevertheless two distinct seasons, the wet and the dry season. The central and southern coastal strip is the most visited and appealing stretch, boasting some lovely palm-fringed beaches and friendly fishing villages. It’s an arid region with rains usually only falling in the January-April wet season but, even then, mostly only as short sharp downpours. Paradoxically, whether learning to surf or simply wanting to sunbathe and relax on the beautiful beaches, these months are the best time to visit. You can expect warm waters, clear skies, average highs of around 30°C and almost permanent sunshine. The arrival of the cold ocean currents in May sees the transition to the ‘cooler’ dry season, which lasts until December. During these months average temperatures are still a high 28°C but the days are often hazy and overcast and the sea notably colder. However, this is the ideal time for nature lovers as humpback whales arrive to breed in June and can be seen just off the coast through to October. The seasonal differentials are less notable in the little visited far north, which has a hotter and distinctly equatorial tropical climate with rain to be expected every month.

View our Pacific coast weather guide

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

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Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Millie
    Millie Davies - Travel Expert

    Having caught the travel bug as a child, Millie has travelled all over Latin America before making her home in Buenos Aires for 3 years.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

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