About El Oro
El Oro, Ecuador's southernmost coastal province, is a captivating blend of tropical landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Known as the 'Banana Capital of the World,' its fertile valleys produce much of Ecuador's famous export, but the region offers far more than agriculture. The provincial capital, Machala, is a bustling commercial hub with a lively waterfront malecón. For nature lovers, the pristine beaches of Puerto Bolívar and Jambelí offer tranquil escapes, while the unique petrified forest of Puyango, shared with Loja province, is a geological marvel with fossilized trees over 100 million years old. El Oro's cultural tapestry is woven from its history of gold mining (giving the province its name, 'The Gold'), indigenous heritage, and Afro-Ecuadorian communities in the coastal areas. The annual Festival of the Banana in Machala is a colorful celebration not to be missed. From exploring the mangroves of the Isla de los Pájaros to savoring fresh seafood ceviche, El Oro provides an authentic, less-touristy slice of coastal Ecuadorian life.
Things to do in El Oro
Extra virgin Savoy Tour and olive oil tasting - FASANO
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
From GHS 367
5.0 (29)
2 hours tour on boat to Polignano a mare
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
From GHS 524
5.0 (22)
Cooking Class in a former Artist Monastery in the Heart of Monopoli
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
From GHS 1,243
5.0 (19)
Tour Monopoli
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
From GHS 393
5.0 (12)
Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Alberobello
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
From GHS 1,897
5.0 (12)
Hands in dough between orecchiette and focaccia in nature
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
Truffle hunting with tasting in the woods
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
From GHS 1,701
5.0 (10)
E-bike Tour to Alberobello with Visit to a Donkey Farm
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
From GHS 615
5.0 (9)
GPS self guide Alberobello and Masseria + Mozzarella and Focaccia tastings by E-bike
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
From GHS 851
5.0 (8)
Gastronomic Tour of Alberobello on Foot with Guide and Snack
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
Alberobello in e-bike. Trulli, countryside, mill and donkeys
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
From GHS 615
5.0 (7)
e-Bike tour from Monopoli to the rocky village of S. Andrea
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
From GHS 615
5.0 (7)
Explore trulli and nature with your personal fitness coach
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
From GHS 197
5.0 (7)
Highlights of Puglia: Bari, Alberobello and the charming villages
Lecce, Puglia
e-bike tour along the cycle path of the Apulian Aqueduct
Alberobello & Locorotondo, Puglia
From GHS 615
5.0 (6)Travel Tips for El Oro
Getting Around
Intercity travel is primarily by bus, with frequent services from Machala's main terminal to other towns and provinces. Within cities, local buses and 'colectivos' (shared taxis/vans) are cheap but crowded. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive; always agree on a fare before starting a trip or ensure the meter is used. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and InDriver operate in Machala. Car rentals are available but not essential for city exploration; driving to rural attractions like Puyango Forest is feasible. Motorcycle taxis ('mototaxis') are common in smaller towns. For visiting the Jambelí Islands, water taxis depart from Puerto Bolívar.
Best Time To Visit
June to September (dry season) offers the most pleasant weather with less humidity and minimal rainfall, ideal for beach visits and outdoor exploration. The Festival of the Banana in late September is a major cultural highlight. The wet season (December to May) brings lush greenery but frequent heavy rains and high humidity, which can hinder travel to some natural sites.
Local Customs
Ecuadorians in El Oro are generally warm and polite. Greet people with a handshake or a slight nod. Casual dress is acceptable, but modest attire is appreciated when visiting churches or rural communities. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 10% is standard in restaurants if a service charge isn't included. Small tips for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and guides are welcome. Mealtimes are important social events; lunch is the main meal. Be respectful when discussing local industries like mining or bananas. Sunday is typically a family day, with many businesses closing early.
Safety Information
Exercise normal precautions in El Oro. Machala's city center is generally safe during the day, but be vigilant against petty theft, especially in crowded markets and bus stations. Avoid isolated areas, beaches, or the malecón after dark. Use registered taxis (preferably called by phone or app) rather than hailing them on the street. Scams are rare but be cautious of unsolicited help with ATMs or currency exchange. Rural areas and smaller towns are typically very safe. Keep valuables secure and out of sight. Political demonstrations can occur; avoid large gatherings.
Health Information
Medical facilities are adequate in Machala, with several private clinics (Clínica San Agustín, Hospital Teófilo Dávila) offering better services than rural areas. Travelers should have comprehensive travel health insurance. Common concerns include mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever, especially in humid coastal and rural areas; use insect repellent and bed nets. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended. Tap water is not safe to drink; consume only bottled or purified water. Foodborne illnesses can be avoided by eating freshly cooked, hot food. Altitude is not a concern here as the province is primarily coastal lowland.
Languages Spoken
SpanishQuechua (indigenous communities)
Quick Facts
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
$
$
Timezone
America/Guayaquil -05:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+593
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
715,000
Area
5858 km²
Government
Provincial Government (Gobierno Provincial de El Oro)
ISO Code
7