As an important city in Ecuador, Machala enables a visitor to go for sight seeing and indulge in enjoying the local cuisine and also do a bit of shopping. So tourists can enjoy various Things to do in Machala.

Things to do in Machala make a tour to Machala all the more interesting. As an important city in Ecuador, Machala enables a visitor to go for sight seeing and indulge in enjoying the local cuisine and also do a bit of shopping. So tourists can enjoy various Things to do in Machala.

Things to do include a visit to Zaruma a quiet village in southern Machala. The beautiful colonial homes and architecture have made it a national heritage site. Here, one can try a cup of delicious coffee which is produced locally.

Other sight seeing attractions which must be included in Things to do are:

A visit to Portovelo where the country's oldest gold mines is located. It is 80 kilometers from Machala.

A visit to Jambeli archipelago boasts of mangroves forest, clean beaches, calm water and abundant vegetation.

Tourists can visit to Puyango Petrified forest, where one can find an incredible variety of tree, vegetable, and animal fossils that date back to pre-historic times.

A visit to La Cocha, a fluvial spa set in a tropical paradise.

A visit to Santa Clara Island, Ecuador's largest refuge of sea birds

The main square, Abdon Calderon, with its cathedral, and the residential sectors are also worth a visit.

Eating in Machala- Once in Machala one must taste the local cuisine of the region. There are plenty of restaurants in downtown Machala which serve local fare and seafood. The most popular dishes of the area are grilled shellfish, shrimp ceviche, rice and beans, bolon de verde ripe banana fried and filled with meat and cheese. You can also head to nearby Puerto Bolivar for some delectable dining.

It is good to visit Machala at the end of September. On September 24th, Machala celebrates the World Banana Fair. Varieties of events are held to mark the occasion.

In Machala, you can go out for a little bit of shopping in the shopping centers. The place abounds in small local shops as well as a few large malls. The small shops sell cheap variety of products. Handicraft items are a good buy for the travelers who are coming to the city. For purchasing the local attire it is advisable to go to shops in the mall. They sell quality products.