The coastal town of Valdivia is famous for the 3000 BC Valdivia culture and though the best artifacts are displayed in the Quito and Guayaquil museums, locals will also invite you in to see their own examples also, you can in addition purchase some of these pre-Colombian artifacts in replica form and so it isn't illegal to take these home.

Places to visit. The small museum called Ecomuseo Valdivia with "in-situ" remnants on display. A craft division also coexists with the museum and from Wednesday to Sunday you can see local artists at work in their craft for US $0.50* and also take up the options of the museum's rented rooms with a bath and a restaurant.

The aquarium is located at the entrance to Valdivia with several exhibits of marine life. Admission fee US$1*. Nearby there are a few restaurants and cabins for rent by the beach.

Excursions can be done to the surrounding areas, such as Loma Alta, a reserve in the Cordillera Chongon-Colonche, and by boat to Islote El Pelado, which is a small island off shore, where you can enjoy some whale watching when in season.

*The prices are approximately