Los Frailes Beach, in Machalilla National Park, has been described as the most beautiful in Ecuador. At the very least it must be near the top of any list, with its long crescent of white sand and cliffs running along the strand. Los Frailes also benefits from its relatively remote location. As it is in a national park and there are no significant towns nearby, it’s rarely crowded. Another plus is that the surf is rarely rough here, so it’s not only beautiful to look at but a good spot for swimmers of all abilities.