So our few days in Puerto Lopez were brilliant fun, after sleeping through an earthquake, we spent our first day on a trip to the Isla de la Plata which is a poor mans Galapagos. We left harbour for a spot of whale watching. Sure enough after 20 minutes we came across a mother humpback and her calf calmly swimming along. After a couple of minutes of watching this beautiful sight two males came and started courting the female. This involved the males showing the female how powerful they were by flying out of the water at serious speed and crashing down next to the boat. The whales were about 15meters long at least so it was quite unnerving when they were crashing down next to our flimsy boat!
It was with out a doubt one of the greatest things we have ever seen. Maura even got a couple of good snaps (including a great one of the back of my head - sharp hair cut)
Isla De la Plata was very interesting, rich in bird life, we saw hundreds of blue footed boobies, albatrosses and red breasted frigate birds, we also managed to spot a turtle or two. There were also tons of manta rays swimming around the island. After a small lunch we did a spot of snorkelling off our boat which was great with good views of angel fish and other colourful fishes.
The next day we hired bikes and spent the morning exploring Machalilla National Park (and fixing said bikes) including some beautiful beaches and look out points. Both of us then proceeded to get a case of the South Americas and were bed ridden for the next while!
It was then gently off to the city of Cuenca, a quaint town in the south of Equador. With colonial buildings and interesting churches it was a relaxing change from the beach. Two days there was plenty as it only took us two hours to walk every street! Cold water showers and a rock hard bed were not appreciated by our fair weather traveller (me!)
Next stop Pisco in Peru once we have completed our 20 hours of bus rides. It should be a good one!
Tally: Muggings: Zero (but one hooters hat lost) "South Americas": two
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