Machala: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Machala is a city in south-west Ecuador. It is the capital of the El Oro Province, and is located near the Gulf of Guayaquil on fertile lowlands.

Machala · CC BY-SA 4.0

Now in the cityMachala+24°CPartly cloudy · sunset 06:10 PMupdated 06:28 AM

EntryPick a passportThe answer depends on the passport.

Places on the map3

Exchange rate$1.00per 1 $USD — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026

Safety and health

Safety · official adviceour data as of Nov 3, 2026

UK Foreign Office (FCDO)Essential travel only to partsEssential travel only, and only to part of the country.

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Updated information about heavy rain and flooding on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. (Warnings and insurance)

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice

US State DepartmentLevel 2Watch your surroundings and belongings more closely than usual.

terrorism
kidnapping

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Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to risk of crime , terrorism , unrest , and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. U.S. government employees working in Ecuador are not allowed to travel to these areas due to safety risks: In Guayaquil, Nueva Prosperina and Pascuales districts, and all areas south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue.

Source: US Department of State Travel Advisory

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice · US Department of State Travel Advisory

Machala: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Getting there and staying

Visa and practicalities

Safety and health

Getting here