La Vida es Buena
Bienvenidos! Welcome! Sveiki!
Welcome to Zutalu Lodge, an idyllic oceanfront retreat located in the picturesque town of Puerto Lopez, Ecuador. Our lodge boasts a collection of 9 charming and cozy private cabanas, each with its unique style and character, perfect for an unforgettable getaway with your loved ones.
Come and discover the magic of Ecuador’s Pacific coast at Zutalu Lodge. We invite you to experience the perfect blend of comfort, natural beauty, and warm hospitality that awaits you.
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
A hidden gem in the Manabí of Ecuador, this charming fishing village has friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and stunning beaches. It is perfect for those seeking a relaxing getaway or outdoor adventure, with pristine beaches, archaeological sites, and diverse wildlife such as humpback whale watching tours.
Visitors can also enjoy a vibrant cultural scene – colorful festivals, traditional music, and a plethora of local murals. Puerto Lopez is a must-see destination in Ecuador for those looking to relax, explore, and immerse themselves in local culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lots To Do!
Beaches! Food! Culture! Snorkeling! Boat tours! Fishing! Horseback riding! Island touring! Scuba diving! Biking! Dinner, drinks, and dancing next to the ocean! Surfing! Shopping! Cafes! Palo Santo! Beach Soccer! Natural Sauna! This website gives a good overview, but is outdated, especially in prices.
- Isla de la Plata (depart from the port of Puerto Lopez) – “Poor Man’s Galapagos”; haven for blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, manta rays, and humpback whales
- Los Frailes (17 km/10.5 m) – “the most beautiful beach in Ecuador” located within Machalilla National Park
- Agua Blanca (8km/5m) – natural sulfur pools, indigenous village, and archeological site with preserved ruins from the Manteño civilization
Montanita (29m / 46 km away) – world-class surfing, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. You can get there by taxi which costs $16-20 and takes ~40 minutes. There is also a bus which runs about every hour.
Ayampe (12m / 20km away) – tranquil and endearing yoga and surf town
Zutalu Cabanas
In total, we have 9 boutique thatched-roof cabanas fitting ~30 people:
3 matrimonial cabanas (1 queen bed fitting 2 people)
3 larger cabanas (2 queen beds fitting 4 people total)
1 deluxe matrimonial cabana (more spacious than the standards, if you are looking for something a little more “suite”)
1 ocean-front cabana (2 queen beds, 1 single bed fitting 5 people. 2 floors with a balcony facing the ocean)
1 grand cabana (2 queen beds, 1 single bed, 1 couch fitting 5-6 people. 2 floors with a kitchenette)
Zutalu has Wifi, public bathroom and showers, a communal area (with plenty of hammocks), parking, luggage storage, and a refrigerator (at this time there is no kitchen open to all guests – the ants are amazing at finding crumbs!).
Each cabana also contains a private bathroom with hot showers, mosquito nets for each bed, a fan (no A/C), and fresh towels.
(We do have running water, by the way)
The property of Zutalu is a local jewel – it was founded over 25 years ago as a humble campsite. The unique cabanas are charming in their natural materials and Earthy feel, transporting guests to a more elemental world.
Since the Kulbis family has purchased the property in October of 2022, we have brought a new energy to the area. We are revitalizing the property as part of our ambition to connect the world in positive ways. We love supporting local Ecuadorian families who have been coming here for years, as well as opening the gates to foreigners on their traveling adventures.
The beach is just across the road from Zutalu. It is quite long, extending the whole 2.5 miles (4km) along the village, with little fishing boats and “cabanas” offering food and drinks in sections. Depending on the tides, it can vary from ~30m – 100m from the road to the water. Depending on ocean storms, it can be rocky in parts. Depending on the season, it can be filled with crabs, sand dollars, and other filter feeders. You’ll just have to come see for yourself 😉
Puerto Lopez is a perfect beach for swimming. The water is always warm and the surrounding views are fantastic. There is rarely a strong rip current, and the waves are relatively calm.
Prices range from $30 – $100 per cabana. This range in price depends on the cabana, low season / high season, weekday, weekend or holiday, number of guests. As a general rule of thumb it is ~$15-20 per person
Getting There
After flying in to Guayaquil International Airport (GYU), it is around 3.5 – 4 hours by bus (~$6.5 per person). The bus terminal is 5 miles from the airport ($3 by taxi). It is also possible to hire a private driver for the trip to Puerto Lopez (~$60 – $100 per vehicle).
If you fly in to Quito International Airport (UIO), it is around 9 – 10 hours drive to the coast. Ecuador has several bus companies offering luxurious buses, designed for overnight travel with reclining seats and in-travel entertainment (~$13.5 per person).
It is also possible to fly in to Manta International Airport, reducing driving time to 2 hours.
No car is necessary. There is an extensive bus system to get around the country, although it does require more patience 🙂
It is permitted to drive for 30 days in ECU with a U.S. driver’s license. If you do want the convenience of a private vehicle, we would recommend hiring a driver as well.
Puerto Lopez is extremely accessible. The beach is a stone’s throw away from our front gate. The village center is a 5-10 minute walk down the street.
There are a plethora of local “tuk-tuks” (motorcycles with a covered carriage in back) consistently driving through through the streets. You can hail a tuk-tuk to the local bus station, which will connect you to the rest of Ecuador.
In addition, there is also a plethora of taxis (~$5 – $30 for attractions and towns nearby).
June – August is humpback whale watching season in Puerto Lopez.
January – April are the sunny summer months on the coast of Ecuador.
Reservations
Connect With Us!
Learn more about our family background and this venture on our website gokulbisgo.com!
