Author: Journeyman Jack Ecuador

Ahhh, Salinas.

At first I didn’t like the place, but now, I really like it. The older you get the more it grows on you. Eerily empty for 9 months a year, this place is like an empty Miami Beach except for on weekends when the local affluent with second homes here come to play on the beach.

The ocean is flat and great for swimming, the food along the Malecon/Boardwalk is great, and the dry climate is ideal for people who want to escape humidity.

Whale watching in the July, August and September months beats Puerto Lopez.

Where to stay?

– Hostal Aqui is the most popular expat bar/guesthouse in town with rooms starting around $20 per person its a clean, safe, friendly option.

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I first visited Ayampe in 2009 when a friend told me, ‘hey, you gotta see this place, it’s going to be the next Montanita’.

Well, it hasn’t quite turned into the next Montanita but it has soared with development since then.

Known for its under the radar, uncrowded waves, surfing is good here. For those who are adventurous bird watching, although not formally offered in tours is also good in the highlands.

Where to stay?

My value pick is LA BUENA VIDA Hosteria… American owned, they also offer surf classes upon request, the rooms are elegant and feel ike they should cost more than they do. Rooms start around $15 per person.

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Puerto Lopez can grow on you. At first I didn’t like it but now I’m coming around, renowned for its whale watching during the July-October months, Puerto Lopez actually has a bit more than that.

The food is excellent and the trips to the ‘poor mans Galapagos’, Isla de la Plata leave from here. Another highlight for me is the nearby Machalilla Park where you can sleep with the natives and frolic on one of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador, Los Frailes, all within about .

Where to stay?

My value pick is the Machalilla Hostal on Juan Montalvo, the central courtyard is borderline nice and the location near the beach is hard to beat. Rooms start around $8 per person.

Same has arguably one of the most beautiful palm laden beaches in all of Ecuador, and its pricey too with resorts and expensive guesthouses for the local rich.

Where to stay?

My pick is La Terraza complete with a restaurant and rooms with sea-views, its hard to beat the value here with prices starting at $15 per person.

Manglaralto is the town just south of Montanita, in fact you can walk there along the beach in about 25 minutes.

No noise, about 3 roads parallel to the ocean, just like a coastal Ecuadorian town should be. The roosters in the morning are the biggest annoyance.

Theres not much surf here or other things to do besides lounge on the beach, but for most that will suffice.

Where to stay?

For a bare-bones good enough place you could try the Hotel Manglaralto with rates starting at $12 per person per night.

Or you could rent a tiki hut or house at Casa Blanca.