A small coastal town on Ecuador's Pacific coast known for its consistent surf breaks and beach parties. Popular among backpackers and surfers since the 1960s.
Montañita sits on Ecuador's Pacific coast, where surfers catch waves up to 2 meters high at La Punta break point. You'll find Spanish language schools throughout the small town, and beach bars serving cocktails along the sand. Walk 30 minutes inland to reach sulfur pools, or take a boat to Isla de la Plata to see blue-footed boobies up close. At night, local DJs play electronic music at beachfront clubs while vendors prepare street food along the main strip.
Surfing at La Punta
La Punta's waves break right and left throughout the year. Summer brings waves between 0.3 and 1 meter, while winter swells reach 1.5 meters. The biggest waves appear from January to March, reaching 2 meters during the February international competition. You can rent boards and take lessons at five surf schools along the main beach, with instructors speaking English and Spanish.
Nightlife on Cocktail Street
After 8 PM, Cocktail Street fills with music from competing speakers. Local bartenders mix mojitos and caipirinhas at outdoor stands, while DJs play at four beachfront clubs until 4 AM. Electronic music festivals run from December through March. Weekday nights stay calm, but Friday and Saturday bring visitors from Guayaquil and Quito.
Beyond the Beach
The Dos Mangas Community maintains 12 kilometers of hiking trails through tropical forest, leading to natural sulfur pools. Local diving schools run PADI certification courses with trips to coral reefs 20 minutes offshore. Take a day trip to Isla de la Plata, 70km north, to spot blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and red crabs in their natural habitat.
Local Food Scene
Fishermen sell their daily catch to restaurants each morning. Try local dishes like ceviche made with fresh shrimp, trigillo (fish stew), and sango (plantain soup). Food carts line the main street selling fruit smoothies, empanadas, and grilled corn. In the town center, you'll find restaurants cooking Thai, Peruvian, and Argentine dishes.
Getting There and Around
Buses depart Guayaquil for Montañita every two hours until 4:30 PM, taking three hours to reach the town. The town's eight-by-six block grid makes walking easy, with all east-west streets ending at the beach. Rent bicycles from shops on the main street, or take taxis and pedicabs to nearby towns like Olón (10 minutes north) and Manglaralto (5 minutes south).
