Marjolein Dilven
What if you cross one of the world’s best surfing destinations with one of South America’s most happening party spots? Is it surprising that these two are found in just one place? That’s Montañita Ecuador for you.
As a tourist, you would want to find and travel to a place where everything you want is in it. Making an itinerary is hard, and if you can find a breathtaking place with all you need, you will want to visit it.
This is why when you travel to Ecuador, we recommend you visit Montañita. Your next South American travel guide is right here!
Best Things To Do in Montañita Ecuador – Activities
1. Surfing
Montañita is known for its surfing. The best part about surfing here is the various levels to choose from. Even if you are a beginner, you can experience surfing in a spot with low waves.
Surfing lessons are also available at the beach. You can opt for the beginner lesson for only $35.
To surf, you will need a board. If you haven’t brought your surfing board with you, don’t worry, you can get one on rent for as low as $5 per hour.
The best time to get the surfing experience in Montañita is between December and June.
2. Learn Spanish
Montañita is a great place to improve your Spanish. You can attend Spanish classes at Montañita Spanish School to get a command of basic vocabulary and sentence formation. After completing the short course, you can communicate much better with South Americans.
The cost of classes at the school ranges from $260 to $2,182 per course, depending on the course description and duration. A class is limited to a maximum of 6 students. The place also has very good reviews due to its central location and innovative modules.
Everyone would love to learn some Spanish in front of the mesmerizing views of the beach.
3. Paragliding and Parasailing
Paragliding and parasailing are 2 of the most in-demand activities at the beach. To avail of these services, head to any tour agency in town. They all sell paragliding and parasailing tours.
People often need clarification on the 2 water activities. Parasailing involves being strapped into a parachute, then you are attached to a boat and pulled, which generates air pressure causing you to fly into the air above the sea. The maximum height depends on weather conditions and boat speed; people get as high as 656 to 1,312 ft (200 to 400 m).
A 15- to 20-minute ride costs around $20.
On the other hand, paragliding doesn’t involve any boat. Instead, it involves a pilot with a paraglider attached to a large fan. The pilot has all the control over the paraglider, so you don’t need to worry about safety at all.
The flights last about 20 to 30 minutes and start from $45.
If you would like to book your paragliding experience in advance, we recommend the following:
- Paragliding in Ecuador Parapente
- Paragliding Initiation Course in Montanita
- Paragliding in Valdivia beach
4. Health, Yoga, and Massage at the Beach
After performing all the above activities, you just need a massage to relax and end your day healthy. Montañita offers various options for you to relax, as almost every hotel offers daily yoga classes and massages.
Montañita also has a gym called Muscle Beach Gym with all the modern facilities and equipment. The cost per day is only $3.
Best Things To Do in Montañita Ecuador – Sights
5. Beach Sunsets
Montañita has one of the best sunset views on the west coast of South America. The blue and golden sand beach mixed with the orange and blue sky makes an astonishing view.
Grab a drink and chair and experience the sun drowning in the water right before your eyes. Also, no one will ask you for money to view the beauty of nature.
6. Whale Watching
Whale watching is an amazing sight for you to experience. Whales are usually seen between July and November.
The boat ride from the coast takes passengers to the Humpback whale spot, which is 15 to 20 minutes away. The cost is around $15 per person.
7. Isla De La Plata
Isla De La Plata, also known as the poor man’s Galapagos, is an island around 43.5 mi (70 km) away from Montañita. The small island is a must-visit in Montañita, as you can spot Blue-footed boobies, whales, and sea turtles here. It is a Galapagos Island-like experience but at a much cheaper price.
The bus ride to the island takes only $3 per person and usually lasts about an hour. If you visit during the peak season, make sure to book your seat in advance, as tickets sell out quickly.
Best Things To Do in Montañita Ecuador – Food and Nightlife
8. The Great Ecuadorian Ceviche
Ceviche is a dish that contains raw fish. The seafood used in ceviche is marinated in lime juice. Other ingredients include onions, cilantro, and chiles. The whole dish is served with fried corn or plantain chips.
It is one of the elite dishes of Ecuador, and you can find it almost everywhere in Montañita. As it’s so close to the sea, you’ll surely get fresh fish and seafood, making the ceviche taste much better.
9. Tambo Sabores Peruanos
If you are visiting from outside Ecuador, Tambo Sabores Peruanos is a great restaurant to satisfy your hunger. Peruvian dishes at Tambo Sabores are a great alternative if you want to switch up your diet and try a different kitchen.
Most dishes here use the same base ingredients, such as seafood, potatoes, pasta, and chicken, with slightly different spices.
10. Cocktail Alley
Montañita is one of those unique beaches where you can also get an amazing nightlife experience.
Head towards the Cocktail Alley and choose one of the many places to grab and drink and dance. Interestingly, specific clubs get the limelight on different days of the week, offering the most exciting events and deals.
Cana Grill is one of the best places in this alley. The atmosphere is amazing, and live bands are the cherry on top. You can dance on the sand dance floor with dim lighting. Visit the place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
How To Get to Montañita Ecuador
The easiest way to get to Montañita is by a direct flight to Jose Joaquín de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil, the closest airport to the town. The flight would take about 2 hours and 24 minutes. The distance between the 2 places is around 112 miles (180 kilometers).
However, if you are an international traveler landing directly at Quito International Airport, the route to Montañita would be a bit longer. It would take around 9 hours and 32 minutes to cover the 342-mile (550 km) distance.
The cheapest way to reach Montañita from Quito is by using public transport. For a maximum of $20, take a taxi from Quito to Quitumbe, which would take about an hour. Quitumbe is the terminal where plenty of bus services depart to Guayaquil; the 7-hour trip costs $12.
From the Guayaquil terminal, take another bus to Montañita for $16-$22 and around 3-hour ride time.
Where to Stay in Montañita Ecuador
While Montañita is a tiny place, there are plenty of hotels in this coastal town. In this section, we have listed some of the best hostels and hotels in this small town.
Hotel Kundalini
Located right along the seashore, Hotel Kundalini is only 2 minutes from the Montañita downtown. Other amenities include large green areas, a daily a la carte breakfast, free WiFi access, and free Yoga classes.
A deluxe double room with an extra large double bed, a balcony, and a sea view go for $99 nightly, while a double budget room with a double bed costs $49 per night plus taxes and charges. Both have air conditioning and en suite bathrooms.
Selina Montañita
If you are looking for a place to stay in Montanita, this 2-star hotel is a dream home base for travelers and digital nomads. It has an outdoor pool and gardens, a restaurant, and a bar with a DJ. With simple, functional décor in pastel tones, this hotel has private bathrooms with a shower and a pool view.
Lodging options range from a rockstar suite with a large double bed at $147 per night to a small room with a double bed at $50 per night plus taxes and charges.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Montañita
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Montañita is a 32-room hotel right in front of the popular Montañitas Beach. It has a swimming pool and a restaurant, and its rooms are equipped with free WiFi and plasma TVs.
For $163 nightly (plus taxes and charges), you can have a deluxe queen room with 2 queen beds, air conditioning, an en suite bathroom, and an ocean view.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
Montañita Ecuador – Safety Concerns
Montañita is safe compared to other big cities in Ecuador. You just need to follow the basic safety rules, such as walking without tons of cash, leaving items you don’t need at the hotel before leaving and keeping everything in a bag.
Remember that drinking too much can make you an easy target for thieves and grifters, so try to limit your alcohol or any other drug usage.
Important Tips to Enjoy Montañita Ecuador
Montañita is a small paradise in Ecuador. Here are some tips to get the best out of your trip:
- Illegal substances, such as marijuana, are smoked or taken quite often in this area. Make sure to avoid them as much as possible.
- Always bargain before buying something. Street vendors usually quote high prices to tourists.
- Learn some Spanish phrases to better communicate with the locals.
How To Stay Safe During Your Visit In Montañita Ecuador
When in Montañita, Ecuador, prioritize personal safety by staying aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like the beach and nightlife spots. Avoid walking alone late at night and be cautious of petty theft, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Additionally, stay hydrated, use reputable transportation services, and consider seeking advice from locals or your accommodation on safe places to explore.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay.
Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Montañita Ecuador
Is Montañita Ecuador Safe?
Montañita is quite touristy, so it’s safer than other Ecuador cities.
Criminals using drugs to steal valuable items from people is the most noticeable crime in the area. If you avoid getting involved with drugs, you’ll avoid most of the problems here.
Is Montañita a Good Place to Live?
Montañita is a good place to live if you want to escape the rat race of the big cities. The place is famous among expats due to the relaxing atmosphere and inexpensive living.
How Do You Get to Montañita, Ecuador?
To get to Montañita, you can take a bus from Guayaquil, which costs around $16 to $22. The road distance between the 2 places is approximately 108 mi (174 km).
Hiring a private taxi from the Guayaquil airport would cost you around $100 to reach Montañita.
What State Is Montañita?
Montañita is a small town located in Manglaralto parish in the province (state) of Santa Elena on Ecuador’s south coast.
Conclusion – Montañita Ecuador
At Montañita, you can spend lazy days soaking up the sun and enjoying the turquoise waters. Come dusk. You are getting ready to party and go bar crawling in the beach town’s entertainment strip.
What is there not to like in this ideal vacation destination? As you have seen in this article, there’s more to Montañita than just beaches and parties.
So, head to this ideal relaxing spot and soak up everything this awesome town offers!
Surf and Party in Montañita, Ecuador – Best Booking Resources
I use a couple of favorite companies every time I travel. They have the best prices, great value, and customer service you can wish for. They’re much better than the competition, and I use them a lot. Every time I travel, these are the companies I go for:
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my go-to platform for booking flights. It’s so easy to use. Skyscanner also searches the smaller websites and airlines that are often skipped, which means more savings in your pocket. They are hands down the number one place I book my flights.
Booking.com – Looking for the cheapest and lowest rates? Booking.com is the best platform out there. They have the widest selection and availability worldwide, ideal for travelers on a budget. I book 90% of my travels through Booking.com because they always have the lowest rates
Hostelworld – If you’re into hostels, Hostelworld is the best site to compare hostel accommodation. It’s easy to use, has many options, and has the best availability.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is an online marketplace where you can book tours and excursions. They have tour options worldwide, with any experience you wish for. This includes walking tours, cooking classes, street art lessons, and more unique experiences.
12Go Asia – This platform is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights. The platform is easy to use and I have used it extensively when I traveled through Southeast Asia.
Rome2Rio – Rome2Rio is a convenient website where you can see how to get to your destination the quickest and cheapest. It gives you options for train, bus, plane, or even boat routes and tells you exactly how often they operate and how expensive they are.
SafetyWing – If you’re looking for affordable travel insurance, Safety Wing has you covered. It’s ideal if you’re traveling often or for the long term. I never travel anywhere without travel insurance, and I’ve used it often while on the road. So, I can recommend you look into Safety Wing. They have good monthly prices, the best customer service, and a convenient, easy-to-use process to make claims on the road.
LifeStraw – I love LifeStraw, and it’s been my go-to reusable water bottle with built-in filters for 10 years now. With their bottles, you make sure your drinking water is always clean and safe. I’ve used it everywhere, from South America to Southeast Asia, and I’ve always been perfectly safe drinking the local tap water.
Related reads:
- Is Ecuador Safe to Travel? 10 Safest Places For Tourists
- 10 Best Things To Do in Puerto Lopez Ecuador This Year
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.