Machala, Ecuador

Capital City

With a population of just 44,197, Machala is hardly the bustling metropolis its title as the "Banana Capital of the World" might suggest. This small city on Ecuador's southern coast is dominated by the export-driven banana industry, which shapes both the economy and the character of the place. The weather is persistently hot and cloudy, thanks to the Humboldt Current, and crime and bureaucracy remain persistent headaches. Ultimately, Machala seems best suited for those looking to participate in the banana trade, rather than tourists seeking a quintessential Ecuadorian experience.