The beautiful beach village of Montañita runs along the Ecuadorian coast, offering visitors miles of beaches, a relaxed vibe, and a plethora of water-related activities. A haven for locals and visitors alike, Montañita provides activities for all—from adventurous parasailing to rejuvenating yoga classes.
Why go?
Montañita's beaches offer various activity options for all travelers, including parasailing, paragliding, surfing, sunbathing, diving, and strolling on the Malecón Boardwalk. The varying waters make a perfect location for surfers of all levels, from beginners to those with years of experience. One side of the main beach offers smaller, inviting waves perfect for practicing standing on the board or paddling. The other end of the beach provides challenging, three-meter-tall waves that are best left to experienced surfers.
While these exciting beach activities draw many to the small village, they aren't the only benefits of visiting Montañita. During the day, visitors and locals can partake in yoga classes, massages, or Spanish classes. In the evening, Montañita comes alive with bumping beats and colorful lights. Besides the beach and lively nightlife, one of the most compelling reasons for visiting is the authentic experience it offers. It remains a stunning destination where travelers can experience daily life in a coastal Ecuadorian village without tiptoeing around large tourist groups.
How do I get there?
Even without an airport directly in the village of Montañita, it remains a relatively easy-to-reach destination. The most direct route includes flying into Guayaquil, a port city about 110 miles from Montañita. Once in Guayaquil, you can take a Wanderbus to Montañita, which will take about three hours to reach your destination. United, American, Delta, and LATAM airlines have direct flights from cities like Atlanta, Miami, and Houston to Guayaquil. Other airlines, like Avianca and Copa, also offer routes to Guayaquil, typically with stopovers in locations like Panama City and El Salvador. Additionally, you can fly into Quito for a more wallet-friendly option. From Quito, there is a direct bus to Montañita, which takes about six hours.
Where should I eat?
Ecuador's culinary landscape is a fusion of Spanish, Amazonian, and Andean flavors, enriched by international influences. As a result, in Montañita, you can anticipate a wide array of culinary delights. This coastal village, frequented by backpackers, consistently expands its gastronomic variety with each visit.
Tiburon features a unique combination of Thai and Ecuadorian cuisine. This hidden gem, with a relaxed atmosphere, serves large portions at budget-friendly prices in an intimate setting. Top choices on the menu include empanadas with various fillings, arroz con mariscos (rice with seafood), and red chicken curry.
Tambo Sabores Peruanos stands out for its delicious, fresh offerings. This laid-back establishment specializes in Peruvian-style dishes, providing warm and welcoming service at a budget-friendly price. Popular among locals, it caters well to vegans and vegetarians. Some highly recommended dishes are the pescado entero (whole fish), minestra (bean stew), and patacones (savory fried plantains).
Jajá en Balsa is a favorite among surfers and those attending surf camps. The menu offers comforting dishes made with fresh ingredients, focusing on seafood, pizza, and pasta. This Latin spot features tasty options like the Don Ramón pizza made with ham, Ecuadorian-style ceviche, and juicy burgers. With fresh juices and craft beers on tap, this comfort food haven is a must-try.
Where should I stay?
This coastal village has accommodation offerings for every budget.
Hidden House Hostel is one of the most wallet-friendly options in Montañita. This surf hostel features dorm-style rooms and is a top pick among those visiting for the nightlife. A stay includes a shared, fully equipped kitchen, 24/7 reception, a BBQ area, and multiple slacklines. The hostel also offers affordable add-ons, including surfing lessons, hiking tours, and scuba diving excursions.
Montañita Cabañas is a rustic, resort-style stay near the city center. It's a budget-friendly option with several amenities, such as a swimming pool, hot tub, BBQ area, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Units also include views of the pool or garden, with the option to stay in a room with a terrace. Yoga, diving, and surfing are available for an additional fee.
Nativa Bambu is a great option for a quieter, more luxurious stay. This hotel offers a secluded feel as it sits atop a hillside overlooking the town. The eco-lodge offers stunning ocean views and an extensive garden to explore. Guests will feel at ease in the nature-inspired rooms, each featuring bamboo accents. Every room has a private balcony and bathroom. Spend time lounging near the multiple pools, dine at the on-site restaurant, or dance the night away at the hotel's nightclub.
How much does it cost?
Montañita is a relatively affordable beach town, with the average nightly cost of accommodations at per individual and per couple. Hostels cost about – per night, while mid-range accommodations cost – per night. Luxury stays range from – per night.
With a variety of restaurants and food vendors to choose from, meal prices typically range between and per person. On average, visitors spend about per day on food, though this may vary depending on the dining establishments selected.
Transportation is also relatively affordable. Bus tickets can be purchased for for 1.5-hour rides to nearby towns. Taxis have a higher cost but will generally be about for a two-hour ride. Transport within the town is limited, though most locations are easily walkable. Tours, excursions, and lessons—surf lessons, birding, paragliding—are generally within the – range.
Beach Happy Magazine, Winter 2024.
