Playa de los Frailes
Playa de los Frailes
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
659 reviews
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517
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127
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Gabba D
Quito, Ecuador46 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Los Frailes beach is located in the Machalilla National Park. Thanks to Ecuador's preventive care, it is preserved very well. A few days ago we visited this place as a family. We took a short walk and were able to look at several animals. When we swam as a family we managed to see whales in the distance!! Marvelous. I recommend bringing a parasol or renting one before entering. Bring water in thermoses or a tomato. And there is a part in the center of the beach where there are red flags, be careful as you cannot enter the sea there. There are showers outside in the parking lot that cost a dollar and allow you to rinse off the salt water, obviously without soap or shampoo, and there are changing tables.

Written August 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cindyanddoug
Detroit29 contributions
Mar 2023
The beach was beautiful, and there were changing rooms and restrooms. Umbrellas were available for rental. It was very busy, though it was Sunday so may be less busy during the week. The beach has quite a steep incline so the waves break late and there is an undertow. Not recommended for small children.
Written March 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Weezi2013
Toronto, Canada73 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We came here mid-week and it was not crowded at all.
A beautiful long pristine stretch of beach, with a mirador on a clifftop at the north end. (We didn't do the mirador).
I found the waves a bit strong because I currently have mobility challenges, but we moved further north along the beach to where the waves were gentler and then it was fine, even on a red-flag day.
Walking into the water was like stepping into a warm bath. Swam for an hour and still didn't want to get out.
There are lots of trees and shelter at the edge of the beach, but there are no bathrooms or concessions so make sure to bring a picnic (the town of Puerto Lopez is close by and in much of Ecuador you are not far from a roadside stand) and water and a good book. Also bring a copy of your passport (required for entry) and lots of sunblock.
There are showers and bathrooms adjacent to the parking lot, for a small fee.
On a Wednesday the beach unfortunately closed at 4pm, so get here early if you want to make a day of it.
A beautiful long pristine stretch of beach, with a mirador on a clifftop at the north end. (We didn't do the mirador).
I found the waves a bit strong because I currently have mobility challenges, but we moved further north along the beach to where the waves were gentler and then it was fine, even on a red-flag day.
Walking into the water was like stepping into a warm bath. Swam for an hour and still didn't want to get out.
There are lots of trees and shelter at the edge of the beach, but there are no bathrooms or concessions so make sure to bring a picnic (the town of Puerto Lopez is close by and in much of Ecuador you are not far from a roadside stand) and water and a good book. Also bring a copy of your passport (required for entry) and lots of sunblock.
There are showers and bathrooms adjacent to the parking lot, for a small fee.
On a Wednesday the beach unfortunately closed at 4pm, so get here early if you want to make a day of it.
Written March 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sofia C
Quito, Ecuador31 contributions
Jan 2025 • Friends
It was a wonderful experience. The sea and sand looked spotless, making this beach an ideal place to enjoy with friends or family. Definitely a perfect destination to relax and spend unforgettable moments.
Automatically translated
Written January 15, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laura j
Cuenca, Ecuador604 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Great wee spot. I had the camarones in salsa verde, very tasty. The patacones were mi rico! Large portions, great price. My partner had the fish of the day, Dorado, pan fried. It was excellent. Swerve the wine, not so great! Decent prices.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana M
Lexington, KY14 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Pristine beach like hour away from Manta. Well preserved area. No restaurants or hotels. Closest city is Puerto Lopez like 15 minutes away.
Perfect place to relax
Perfect place to relax
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
behindwalls
New York City, NY19 contributions
Mar 2012 • Friends
This was the best beach I went to in Ecuador. We went there twice, we liked it so much. The water was great and not crowded at all. To get there, you need to take a bus that will drop you off at the entrance of the National Park, where you will be signing in at the gate. You will hire a motorbike to take you to the actual beach. When you go to the beach there are some rock formations all the way to the left where you can have smaller beaches all to your own.
Written August 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
grkelley
Space Coast, FL13 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
We are from the U.S. & only know a few words, numbers, & phrases in Spanish. We drove our rental car from Ayampe to Playa Los Frailes, Machalillia. About a 30 minute drive. They asked for our passports & asked our age (in Spanish, of course). The park ranger politely gave us instructions...We only understood, "drive slow, respect wildlife &/or something else, & no fire/smoking..." Not sure what else he said. It was the end of April, on a Wednesday, in the AM, only a few people there. We parked & someone checked our backpacks before we walked on the beach. Walked south to the small cave, saw a bunch of cute pink crabs, a few hermit crabs, & a bunch of frigate birds flying above (I love seeing those guys)! Walked back north past the parking lot to the trailhead to the overlook. It was mostly soft sand, so my bum calves were working & were tired. It was a 10-12 minute walk from the parking lot north to the trailhead for the overlook. Max 30 minutes to walk uphill to the overlook and back down to the trailhead, including a few minutes to take pictures & soak in the view. Very pretty. We did not go in the water, but there were waves that stood up & broke right on the beach (we call it shore pound)...Little ones &/or adults should be cautious if you are not used to that, otherwise, it should be fun! FYI, it looked like there were submerged rocks towards the very south end of the beach/ bay - perhaps that is good snorkeling. Also, I am glad we did not bring a cooler full of beverages, like we normally do at home. If we read the big sign correctly - no drinks, food, or anything allowed! There were umbrellas for rent when we got there & there was water, sodas, & a few vendors selling jewelery/ little things at the parking lot when we left. There were bathrooms, which I had to give the lady/attendant 25 or 50 cents to use (she also gave me TP). I think the building that you immediately see to the north at the parking lot had showers, which had an attendant in front of it also, but we did not use it. We went through a police check point on the main road on the way back to Ayampe.
Written May 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MonkeyMelissa
Medellin, Colombia24 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
We hired a car to take us because we were still recovering from a bad food poisoning incident. If you take a bus, you have to walk probably 2-3km from the road to get to the beach.
Having a car/driver for a day only cost us $20 and it was worth it, as he drove use to Agua Blanca afterward.
The park closes at 4pm!
Beautiful beach, very clean. There's a simple snack bar (no alcohol allowed) about 100 meters from the beach if you need anything.
We rented an umbrella for $4, which was a good call. There's not really anywhere to get shade.
Beautiful place! Definitely recommended. Pack a picnic, towel, and plenty of sun protection!
Having a car/driver for a day only cost us $20 and it was worth it, as he drove use to Agua Blanca afterward.
The park closes at 4pm!
Beautiful beach, very clean. There's a simple snack bar (no alcohol allowed) about 100 meters from the beach if you need anything.
We rented an umbrella for $4, which was a good call. There's not really anywhere to get shade.
Beautiful place! Definitely recommended. Pack a picnic, towel, and plenty of sun protection!
Written July 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jordon C
Kenora, Canada76 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
Absolutely beautiful beach, they say the best in Ecuador! I wouldn't disagree! However.....my mom would claim she was almost killed by the waves here.....lol. The steepness of the beach does create some pretty decent bodysmashers so be careful, we did see a few people get rag dolled, including my mom........
Written April 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
can i get the to los Frailes from MONTANITA, even in a tour, for just the day?
Written November 22, 2019
Que tiempo en carro hay desde quito a esta playa... y desde mompiche. Hay playas cerca que tambin sea agua cristalina y olas menos fuertes?
Written September 15, 2019
Que tiempo en carro hay desde quito a esta playa... y desde mompiche. Hay playas cerca que tambin sea agua cristalina y olas menos fuertes?
Written September 15, 2019
Carlos Abel Moreno
Guayas Province, Ecuador
Puedo ir con amigos y quedarnos a bañar allí toda una tarde, o es solo por tiempo limitado que uno puede estar allí?
Written June 21, 2019
Tengo un bebe de 6 meses. Seria conveniente visitar esta playa con el?
Written March 11, 2019
¿Se puede ingresar a la playa alimentos en recipientes no desechables?
Comida preparada en contenedores.
Written February 13, 2019
Bonjour, comment peut-on accéder à la plage de los frailes avec une voiture ? Peut on rouler jusqu'à la plage ?? Y a t'il un parking sécurisé ? Merci pour votre réponse !
Written July 10, 2018
Bon après-midi, bien sûr, la plage est sûre à tous égards, pour monter dans la voiture la seule condition est d'aller à une vitesse maximale de 20 km par heure. Il faut vous dire que la plage los frailes est située à environ 40 km de la ville de Jipijapa et à 11 km de la plage de Puerto Cayo.
Written July 11, 2018
Are there any birds we might see there?
Is there any chance of seeing blue footed boobies there?
Written February 15, 2018
You will maybe see a few birds but you will need to go to Isla de la Plata to see the blue footed boobies, as well as red footed and nasca boobies and frigate birds. The snorkeling is so-so at Los Frailes. You will see more if you go to Isla de la Plata. We had a really great experience there, much more to see
Written February 19, 2018
Hola!!! Qué se necesita para ir a los Frailes?, donde se puede comer? y hay sitios donde se pueda uno sentar en la sombra?
Written November 3, 2017
You can take a bus and then walk in but we took a cab and he dropped us off much close to the beach and then came back to pick us up later. There is no charge to go to the park but it is recommended to rent an umbrella from the small stand as you enter the beach area as there is no shade. Bring a lunch, if you want as there is only a small shop to buy an ice cream or a souvenir there. No restaurant is there. Bring water to drink, it can be very hot there
Written April 16, 2018
I would like to know how tu get there from Quito or Guayaquil. Is swimming safe there? No undercurents?
Many thanks.
Valeria
Written May 9, 2017
You would need to travel to Puerto Lopez first. You could fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Manta and then take a bus to Puerto Lopez, or just take the bus all the way to Puerto Lopez. From Puerto Lopez, you can take a local bus to the outer edge of the park or take a cab, who will arrange to come back to pick you up. Admission is free but you need your passport number to enter the park.
Written April 16, 2018
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