Machala:
Machala is a city in south-west Ecuador, capital of the El Oro Province. It is located near the Gulf of Guayaquil on fertile lowlands. It has a population of 426,901 (2008 estimate). Machala has been referred to as the "Banana Capital of the World".
The center of Machala is dominated by a large Catholic church and a central plaza. The plaza was built in the early 2000s to include a large fountain. There are many hotels situated in the centre of the city. Las Brias, located a few blocks from the central plaza, is another popular place in Machala. Located in the wealthier part of town it serves as a hang out for local teenagers.
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