The Ecuador Insider

In Cojimies, you may feel like you are the only foreigner around, in fact, you probably will be. But The beach is pearly white and one of Ecuador’s widest, tours to the nearby Island of Love (Isla del Amor) can also be arranged and this is the only place in Ecuador I’ve seen forests of coconut palms swaying in the breeze.

Where to stay?

My pick is the Sueno de Teo, a collection of bamboo beach huts in the typical Ecuadorian style… fun, and the mosquito nets will pretect your skin. Prices start at around $9 per person.

Few people outside surfers knew about Mompiche, a little, lush green cove with great waves (lefts) until Ecuador’s first all-inclusive luxury resort went in, De Cameron.

Its retained its low-key vibe but prices have risen since the resort finished in 2009.

Where to stay on a budget?

Id stay at my budget pick, the DMCA Surf Hostel with basic rooms with cold showers starting around $8 per person.

Tena reminds me of my time traveling Laos. An ideal tropical, jungle area full of fun, interesting travelers chatting it up over a cold beer after a days worth of heavy duty adventuring.

Many come to Tena to try the world-class white water rafting and kayaking. Class III and IV rapids abound, guides can be hired throughout the city.

Also try a hike through Parque Amazonico, a 27 hectare island with nice signs along a walking trail marking unique wildlife.

As well, in one of the many local outfitters you can arrange jungle and indigenous tours for as little as $25.

Where to stay?

My pick is the Hotel Brisa del Rio on Orellana. Nice atmosphere with big rooms and on top of that you are right on the riverfront with rooms starting from $8 per person.

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Ayangue reminds me of the Galapagos, both above the water and below it. It’s a tiny cove with a small, sleepy town and a handful of dive operators. That’s it, but its nice.

What to do?

– Try the seafood at one of the many huts along the beach.

– Swim and snorkel in the table-top flat ocean in the cove.

– Hike the nearby oceanfront cliffs.

– Para-glide in nearby San Pedro.

– Visit the nearby Playa Rosada beach.

– Scuba dive! Its cheap and its good!

Where to stay?

My top pick for a Hotel in Ayangue is the Oasis Ayangue. Can’t beat it, Wifi, hot water and good thin crust pizza one block off the beach.