While studying in Rio Muchacho, students will have the option to extend their time and go to the Isla de Plata and the Machalilla National Park. The Parque Nacional Machalilla is the only coastal national park in Ecuador. It contains a A 20,000-hectare marine sanctuary containing the only coral formations found on the Ecuadorian mainland coast.  Humpback whales and dolphins inhabit the waters from June to mid-October.  The whales pass through the park during their yearly migration from Antarctica.

The Isla de la Plata (Silver Island) is part of Parque Nacional Machalilla and contains some of the same bird and marine species found on the Galapagos Islands.  Species include blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies, masked boobies, frigate birds, albatross, and sea lions.  Spectacular headland cliffs provide launching sites for the sea birds and stunning views of the ocean.