Isla de la Plata, Rocky island in Manabí Province, Ecuador
Isla de la Plata is an island in the Pacific waters off Ecuador's Manabí coast and forms part of Machalilla National Park. The terrain features rocky shores, tropical vegetation, and archaeological remains from pre-colonial times.
The island received its name from a legend about hidden silver treasure left by English navigator Francis Drake during his expeditions along the Ecuadorian coast. Archaeological finds suggest that Inca peoples used the location for sacred purposes.
The island contains remnants of an Inca shrine, indicating the historical presence of pre-colonial civilizations in this maritime territory.
Visitors reach the island via guided day tours departing from Puerto López, which include boat transportation, meals, and expert naturalist guidance. The outings are typically structured throughout the day, with time set aside for hiking and observation.
The island hosts breeding colonies of three booby species - blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca - making it an important location for birdwatching. Visitors can observe these seabirds in their natural environment and study their behavior.
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