Machala is the capital city of El Oro Province in Ecuador. It is the commercial hub for the agricultural industries developing in the surrounding areas. Especially banana cultivation and exportation play a major role in the city's prospering economy. It is popularly called the "Banana Capital of the World". Machala is the venue for the popular International Banana & Agricultural Festival. This festival in Machala opens the door for world wide exportation of bananas and thus boosts the growth of agricultural industry in Ecuador. The festival is one of the primary the reasons behind its becoming one of the popular Tourist Destinations in Ecuador.
Machala in Ecuador
Machala, the provincial capital of El Oro is situated by the Gulf of Guayaquil in south-western Ecuador. The city has a population of over 216,000. The small city of Machala houses a university and a luxury hotel. It has a small airport which is served by domestic flights. Ecuador Machala also serves as a gateway to nearby port Puerto Bolívar and the Jambelí Islands. Its location on the fertile low lands has helped a lot in the banana cultivation in the suburbs. From a small village Machala has grown to be the largest banana exporter in the world and currently it is the fastest growing city in Ecuador.
Tourist Attractions in Machala
International Banana & Agricultural Festival is one of the biggest Tourist Attractions in Machala. The festival is celebrated during the third week of September. Different countries from Latin America participate in the contest which is held to elect La Reina del Banano or 'The Banana Queen'. This celebration has become an integral part of the city life and it mirrors the cultural aspect of the people in Machala.
Puerto Bolivar located to the south-west of Machala is the city's main waterfront and a prime banana export point. The port, protected by mangroves offers a pleasant detour to Jambeli Islands. Motorized boat services are available for crossing to the beaches of Jumbeli Island. The tranquil beaches of Jambeli Island are favorite holiday retreat of local people.
Also worth visit is the bird sanctuary of Isla del Amor in Machala. Watch a wide variety of spectacular bird life while canoeing through the mangrove swamps. You can also charter a boat and enjoy a ride along the harbor.
Apart from Machala, there are several other Ecuador Tourist Destinations to visit. While you set out for Sightseeing in Ecuador you can visit the capital city, Quito, the quaint city of Cuenca, the Galapagos Island with diverse and beautiful flora and fauna and Guayaquil which is known as the largest port city in Ecuador.
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