Tired of the same old places to travel? Want a vacation that doesn't require a lot of planning? La Isla de los Cocos, a secret island tucked away in the Pacific Ocean next to Machala, Ecuador, is waiting for you to embark on a lazy trip with its pristine natural scenery, healing island flavors, and abundant fun experiences!
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Transportation
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The easiest way to get to La Isla de los Cocos from Machala is to take a regular cruise from the port of Puntarenas, a 4-6 hour voyage where you can watch dolphins jumping out of the sea from the deck chairs or share travel stories with your fellow travelers. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance through official platforms, and some companies offer packages that include transfers from Machala city to the pier, making it a real “handbag boarding” experience. If you have enough budget, you can choose to take a small private plane, which can be airborne to the island in about 1 hour, leaving more time for the beautiful scenery.
Departure essential list
Documents: electronic certificate of ferry ticket, insurance certificate
Sun protection: SPF50+ sunscreen, sunscreen jellyfish suit, large brimmed sun hat.
Fun equipment: snorkeling mask (recommended to bring their own more hygienic), beach waterproof bag, portable binoculars
Emergency kit: gastrointestinal medicine (to deal with seafood diet), mosquito repellent spray, band-aids.
Ocean View Resort - the perfect choice for lazy people!
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The island's Cocos Bay Resort is known as the “lying flat ceiling”: push open the floor-to-ceiling windows of the room, delicate white sand and turquoise blue sea water directly into the eyes; lying by the private pool, the butler will be thoughtful to send a chilled coconut water; at dinner time, no need to move, the restaurant will be presented with freshly fished lobster dinner. The resort also offers “all-inclusive” packages that include activities such as snorkeling and fishing, and you can even book a private guide to accompany you throughout your stay.
Specialty lodging -- live in the story of the locals
For an in-depth experience of island life, choose La Casita del Mar B&B. Run by an elderly couple, the rooms are decorated with hand-woven hammocks and seashells in a tropical atmosphere. Every morning, the hostess serves homemade banana bread and freshly brewed coffee; in the evening, you can follow the man out fishing and ask him to help you cook the seafood you harvest, unlocking a one-of-a-kind “island-only dinner”.
Must-visit beaches
Coral Bay: No need to travel far, put on snorkeling equipment directly into the sea, you can encounter groups of clown fish shuttle in the coral bush, good luck can also be encountered sea turtles slowly “walk”.
White sand beach (Playa Blanca): the sand here is as fine as flour, the most suitable for “lying flat vacation”. Rent an umbrella, order a coconut smoothie, listen to the sound of the waves to read and take a nap, and the wasted time becomes romantic.
Natural wonders to explore
Volcanic Rock Secret: Follow your guide on a 1-hour hike to the volcanic rock formations on the east side of the island. Millions of years of seawater erosion have left the rocks with strange arches and caves, and at high tide, the roar of the waves against the rocks sounds like a natural symphony.
Birdwatcher's Paradise: More than 200 species of birds live on the island, so head to the mangrove wetlands early in the morning and use your binoculars to observe the clumsy yet adorable feeding behavior of blue-footed boobies or capture the frigatebirds as they hover in the sky.
Lazy Friendly Activity.
Half-day sea fishing tour: Get on a fishing boat and follow the experienced captain to cast nets, and bring back the tuna and grouper caught to the restaurant for processing and tasting the fruits of your labor.
Sunset Yoga Class: In the evening, practice yoga on the beach with the instructor, stretch your body in the sunset, and feel the deep connection between your body and mind and nature.
Seafood ecstasy
Coconut Curry Crab: The crab is stewed in rich coconut curry until it becomes flavorful, and is served with crispy bread dipped in the broth for a rich taste that is to die for.
Octopus grilled on volcanic rocks: octopus skewered on volcanic rocks, charred on the outside and tender on the inside, sprinkled with local lime salt, sweet, sour and salty on the tip of the tongue.
Sweet Strike
Mango Sticky Rice: ripe mango and purple rice drizzled with coconut milk, cold and sweet, is a great way to relieve summer heat.
Coconut Ice Cream: Ice cream made with fresh coconut meat, with coconut granules in every bite, paired with crispy coconut flakes for a layered texture.
Microbrew Moment.
Order a Pisco Sour, Ecuador's national cocktail, at a beachside bar. The tartness of lemon, the creaminess of egg whites, and the richness of spirits blend perfectly, and it's a great way to enjoy a drink with the setting sun.
Ecological protection: It is strictly prohibited to take away coral, shells and other souvenirs from the island, please return them to their original places after taking photos, and jointly protect this pure sea.
Communication: Most resorts provide Wi-Fi, but the signal is weak, so it is recommended to download offline maps in advance and start the “no-network vacation mode”.
Currency preparation: the island general dollar, some small stores only accept cash, it is recommended to exchange in advance in the downtown area of Machala.
No need to do strategy, no need to rush the trip, in La Isla de los Cocos, you just need to take a relaxing mood, let the sea breeze, sunshine, food and beautiful scenery cure everything. This vacation, come to this lazy paradise and start a casual island adventure!
