Coastal villages and towns are most often located in river valleys that drain mountain runoff into the Pacific Ocean. Thus, most villages and towns are located seaside, adjacent to the beach. Their economies are dependent on ocean products. The weather from June through August is typically warm, but at times clouds do hang over the coast and keep the atmosphere moist and cool. Temperatures generally stay in the 80s during the day.
Nights can be a bit clammy with a very slight chilliness.
There is whale watching that begins at the end of June and continues into August. The program takes place in the village of Salango, a fishing village of approximately 1,200 inhabitants. Puerto Lopez has an open air market, numerous small shops, pharmacies, some doctors, a small hospital, and some restaurants. The nearest city with a number of modern conveniences such as a modern hospital, a big grocery store, a small mall, and pizza restaurants is Salinas, located 3 or more hours to the south. The course is designed as a series of steps and methods that become increasingly structured and focused as time progresses.