El Rocio Nature Trail
To explore a unique part of Machalilla National Park, take a trip 15 minutes north to the nature trail El Rocio (Sendero El Rocio). This well-maintained path leads through tropical dry forest, an ecosystem only found in Ecuador, with native and endemic tree species including 300-year-old Barbasco trees.
The local landowners, who designed the 4 km trail as a means of community livelihood, will lead you up to the Punta Canoe and Punta Palo Santo lookouts for excellent views of the coast, and you might even catch a glimpse of a whale (between June and September).
The local landowners, who designed the 4 km trail as a means of community livelihood, will lead you up to the Punta Canoe and Punta Palo Santo lookouts for excellent views of the coast, and you might even catch a glimpse of a whale (between June and September).
From there, you will continue past large and aromatic Palo Santo trees, and arrive at a pink sand beach where you can watch seabirds diving into the beautiful Pacific.
Camping space is available on the beach.