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All Ecuador Agua Blanca Agua Blanca Community

Agua Blanca Community

The remains of an ancient settlement in one of the oldest archeological sites in South America.

Agua Blanca, Ecuador

Added By
David Chang
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Hiking trail   davidfchang / Atlas Obscura User
Hiking trail   davidfchang / Atlas Obscura User
  hevel93 / Atlas Obscura User
  hevel93 / Atlas Obscura User
Ceibo tree   http://www.comunidadaguablanca.com/cultura...
Manteño bowl   davidfchang / Atlas Obscura User
Spondylus Shells   davidfchang / Atlas Obscura User
  hevel93 / Atlas Obscura User
Archeological tomb excavation site   davidfchang / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Agua Blanca is a settlement in one of the oldest archeological sites in South America, in the heart of the Machalilla National Park in Ecuador, on the remains of the Manteño culture's pre-Columbian period. It is a mix of natural wonder, culture, and archeology.

The ancient Agua Blanca Community was among the last coastal community in Ecuador to succumb to colonization. As a result, many traditions and archeological findings are preserved. A set of temples, houses, and plazas typical of the Manteño culture, as well as archeological items and skulls, can be found on this site dating from 1500 BC. 

The community has a small church and a museum in the center of the village, and the church is wonderfully painted in bright colors. A small artisan's market also sells rare Spondylus shell and tagua accessories, as well as local cuisine snacks.

A natural sulfur lagoon can also be found on the site and is accessible by tourists. It is said the mineral waters and muds in the lagoon can help the skin and wellbeing of visitors. Howling monkeys, butterflies, hummingbirds, and local flora like ceibo trees can also be seen here, and a hiking tour to local haciendas is included as part of the visit experience. English-speaking guides can be requested.

Related Tags

Ancient Ruins Archaeology

Know Before You Go

The Agua Blanca Community is located inside the Machalilla National Park in the province of Manabi, Ecuador. It is located 12 Km north of Puerto Lopez, nearly 5 Km from the Jipijapa - Puerto Lopez highway.A bus can take you to the front gate from Puerto Lopez for US$0.40, while a moto taxi may charge you between US$4-US$5 depending on whether they drop you off at the museum 5km from the gate. An additional $5 fee is required to enter the site, and tips are welcome. Swimwear, towel, and a camera are suggested.

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Community Contributors

Added By

davidfchang

Edited By

Blindcolour, hevel93

  • Blindcolour
  • hevel93

Published

April 23, 2016

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  • http://www.comunidadaguablanca.com/
  • http://visitpuertolopez.com/explore/AguaBlanca.html
Agua Blanca Community
Unnamed Road
Agua Blanca
Ecuador
-1.530337, -80.741536
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Nearby Places

Isla de la Plata

Ecuador

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Ecuador

Ecuador

South America

Places 40
Stories 26

Nearby Places

Isla de la Plata

Ecuador

miles away

Corrales Marinos de Monkey Beach

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miles away

Rio Muchacho Organic Farm

Canoa, Ecuador

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Ecuador

Ecuador

South America

Places 40
Stories 26

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