Marjolein Dilven
Are you seeking a laid-back, chill beach town with pleasant weather and a relaxing atmosphere? Pack your gear and head out to Ayampe Ecuador.
Ayampe is a coastal town in the canton of Puerto Lopez under Manabi province. Not long ago, Ayampe was relying only on the fish markets in town. But, the last decade has seen it receive many visitors due to its surfing spots and amazing beaches.
Let’s learn more about this surf town that some seasoned travelers compare to the Montañita of several decades ago. Scroll down for an overview of this underrated destination.
Things To Do in Ayampe Ecuador – Activities
1. Surfing
Ayampe is also known as a surfing paradise. It has a long beach where people love to surf. The waves at the beach are ideal for surfing regardless of the time of the year, with the average wave size around 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters). However, some big ones can reach 6 to 12 ft (1.8 to 3.7 m).
If you don’t have any experience surfing in the sea, you can hire a professional trainer on the spot. We highly recommend La Buena Vida’s Keith.
For the surfing boards, you will have to rent them from nearby vendors.
2. Yoga
Otras Olas is a great place to get some yoga classes on the beach. They start their classes at 9:00 a.m., so be on time to give a healthy and active start to your day. Yoga under a vivid blue sky on the beach atmosphere is a must-have experience.
After a heavy workout, you can reward yourself by eating homemade peanut butter cups. These are available at Otra Olas café with many other food items.
3. Learn Spanish
Otra Ola Spanish classes are another great activity that can keep you busy on the beach. They understand the different needs of people and provide them with teaching styles and courses accordingly. These include methods of conversation, grammar, and sentence formation.
Improving your Spanish can help you interact better with the local Ecuadorians. Making them friends will make you feel much safer in the country.
Attending classes in such a mesmerizing atmosphere will be a completely new experience.
4. Meet Friendly Locals
Locals in this area are quite friendly. Ayampe started receiving tourists from around the world only a few years back, so locals are very hospitable to people from outside.
They are always smiling and accommodating. Talking to them is a great way to increase your social circle.
Things To Do in Ayampe Ecuador – Sights
5. Puerto Lopez
Puerto Lopez is a town located only 20 minutes away from Ayampe. This fishing village is one of the best in Ecuador. It is also the Machalilla National Park headquarters. The 2 main industries that run the place are ecotourism and fishing.
You can enjoy some great local Ecuadorian food on the street near the beach, like ceviche. It has many great restaurants and cabanas.
Many visit Puerto Lopez for adventure tours, such as whale watching. If you want to make sure your experience is unique, check out these incredible tours:
- You can book a snorkeling and whale watching tour to Machalilla National Park. This 4-hour boat excursion will take you to one of the most attractive points of the park, where you can snorkel and experience the fascinating marine life in the reefs of Salango Island or Islote Sucre. You can observe humpback whales in their natural surroundings between June and September. Prices start at $66.66.
- If you are a fan of birds, try this customizable bird watching tour. For approximately five hours, see if you can spot and identify the 50+ bird species with the help of the tour guide, local bird expert, and Puerto Lopez native Sandra Plúa. The tour cost starts at $61.54.
6. Los Frailes Beach
Los Frailes is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador. Turquoise waters and white sand make it extremely attractive. You can reach it by hiring a moto taxi from Ayampe.
It is located in the Machalilla National Park on the western Ecuador coast.
There are 2 other beaches in the area. To reach Los Frailes, you must first pass through Playa Prieta and Playa la Tortuguita. Swimming at these beaches is not recommended due to strong currents. Once you reach Los Frailes, you will first notice the crabs in the area.
There are plenty of them–- almost a million. They hide under the sand and move out if you accidentally step on them.
7. Isla de la Plata
Isla de la Plata, also known as Poor Man’s Galapagos, is a great spot for people who want a Galapagos Island experience for much cheaper prices. A day trip to this island would be enough to satisfy the adventurer inside you.
You can enjoy some amazing blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and nesting frigates in this place. Many activities are nearby, such as swimming, snorkeling, etc.
While snorkeling, you can spot giant sea turtles, colorful fishes, and giant manta rays.
You can also see whales on the sea’s surface from June to September. Check out this tour to fully enjoy this whale-watching experience:
- A 3-hour combined tour to La Plata island and whale watching starts at 9:00 a.m. with a boat trip to Isla de la Plata for a guided walking expedition to observe the island’s landscape. Next will be a cruise to Drake Bay to observe Hawksbill turtles.
You can also snorkel and swim with the exquisite marine life or, if lucky, see the visiting humpback whales. Prices start at $122.22.
Things To Do in Ayampe Ecuador – Food
8. Experience Corviche and Other Seafood
Ayampe has the best corviche in Ecuador. Corviche is a fried pastry filled with green plantains and peanut butter. The shape is usually round, and more stuff is added, such as seafood (mostly fish or shrimp).
The dish is served with hot Ecuadorian sauce and lime. The best restaurant to try this dish is La Cabanita del Corviche.
9. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
If you visit the markets, you will experience hundreds of market stands with a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The best part about this place is its affordability. You can buy a coconut for only a dollar.
The closest fruit market to Ayampe is TIA, and you’ll be sure to try many different fruits you haven’t had before.
10. The Barn Bakery
The Barn Bakery is great for starting your day with a healthy breakfast. They provide vegetarian and gluten-free options. The food we recommend the most is their mahi-mahi (common dolphinfish) sandwich.
It is quite similar to the tuna fish sandwich but much more delicious. Most people also go here to enjoy coffee with mouth-watering pastries and cakes.
How To Get To Ayampe, Ecuador
Location
Ayampe is on the Pacific coast, a 3-hour drive from Guayaquil airport. If you move from Puerto Lopez or Montañita, it will take 15 to 30 minutes to reach the town.
Most tourists visit this place after enjoying the big cities of Ecuador, such as Quito or Guayaquil. Here is how you can get to this place from 2 major cities in Ecuador:
From Quito
The total distance from Quito to Ayampe is 316 miles (508 kilometers). The best option to reach the place is getting on the bus, which charges around $19 to $29 per person.
There are 2 routes, one going through Tosagua and another via Santa Domingo de Los Ángeles. Both take around 10 to 11 hours to reach the destination.
If you want private transport, hire a taxi for around $91 per person.
From Guayaquil
The quickest way to get to Ayampe from Guayaquil is by hiring a private taxi. However, it costs between $110 to $140. The total distance between the 2 places is 74 mi (119.2 km), which takes about 3 hours to cover.
There is no direct route from Guayaquil to Ayampe, so you must reach Montañita first. Buses from Guayaquil charge around $7 to $20 per person, and you will reach Montañita in about 2.5 hours. From there, take another bus for $2 to reach Ayampe.
Buses leave every 4 hours from Montañita.
How is the Weather in Ayampe?
Ayampe’s pleasant weather is another reason why people love to visit this place. The average temperature between December and April is 75.2 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius), which is neither too cold nor too hot. These are the months when people prefer to visit this place.
From May to November, the temperatures usually go down to 69.8°F (21°C), which is not that cold. However, people generally visit outside of this time.
Where To Stay in Ayampe, Ecuador
There are many great accommodation options in this small coastal town. 2 of the best ones include Cabañas La Tortuga and La Buena Vida. The great part about these hotels is the opportunities they provide for surfing.
You will never have any issues regarding electricity, hot water, missing toiletries, etc. The staff is friendly and hospitable, and the beach is only a few steps away.
La Tortuga and La Buena are just some hotels worth staying at. Here are some other notable mentions.
Ganso & Búho
The guesthouse offers accommodation for solo travelers and families. It has a restaurant, a bar, a garden, free private parking, a shared kitchen, a tour desk, and free WiFi throughout the property.
A double room by the sea with a double bed and basic amenities. A family room has 2 large double beds in bedrooms 1 and 2, and a sofa bed in the living room.
Spondylus Lodge
Accommodations at this well-reviewed Spondylus Lodge feature include a fully equipped common kitchen, a garden, and BBQ facilities. Ayampe Beach is about 656 ft (200 m) away while shopping at Puerto Lopez is just a 15-minute drive away.
The accommodation options vary from a 2-bedroom apartment with a garden/sea view balcony, which includes a single bed and a double bed in each bedroom, and a living room with a sofa bed, to a basic double room that features a double bed.
Villas Los Olivos
Villas Los Olivos is 1,968 ft (600 m) away from Ayampe Beach. It offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, a shared lounge, a garden, free private parking, a shared kitchen, barbecue facilities, and free WiFi.
The air-conditioned rooms offer mountain-view balconies and include standard amenities such as an extra large double bed, air conditioning, en suite bathroom, and more. The available options begin with a deluxe suite.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
Things To Remember To Enjoy Ayampe Ecuador
Ayampe is a great place to stay for a few days; however, you can improve your overall experience by following these expert tips.
- Bring some cash with you, as there are no ATMs in this area. The closest ones are in Puerto Lopez and Montañita.
- The crime rate in this area is very low, but do follow the basic safety precautions.
- Some vendors initially quote very high prices in the fruit markets, but you can always bargain.
How To Stay Safe In Ayampe Ecuador
To ensure safety in Ayampe, Ecuador, it’s essential to respect the local community and environment while exploring this serene coastal village. Stay informed about any potential hazards, such as strong currents while swimming or hiking in unfamiliar terrain.
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) – Ayampe Ecuador
How Do You Get To Ayampe, Ecuador?
Start your journey to Ayampe by heading to Montañita, a nearby town you can reach by bus or car from major cities like Guayaquil or Quito. Once in Montañita, hop on a local bus for just $1 to $2, and it will take you straight to Ayampe. This coastal village is known for its relaxed vibe and natural beauty.
If you prefer a quicker trip, you can also hire a taxi, which costs a bit more but gets you there directly.
What State Is Ayampe Ecuador?
Ayampe is nestled in Manabí province, along Ecuador’s central coast. Manabí is famous for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and mouth-watering seafood. Ayampe, with its peaceful ambiance, has become a go-to spot for surfers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a serene getaway.
How Is the Weather in Ayampe, Ecuador?
Ayampe enjoys warm, pleasant weather all year, with temperatures averaging around 75.2°F (24°C). The tropical climate brings a wet season from December to May and a drier period from June to November.
Thanks to its consistent warmth and lush environment, Ayampe is perfect for surfing, exploring nature, or simply unwinding by the beach, no matter when you visit.
Fun Activities in Ayampe, 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:
- Top 10 Best Activities and Places To Stay in Cuenca Ecuador
- 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.