Category: Ecuador for Investors

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.

Sua ia the way a laid back fishing village should be, or at least exactly how you picture it I’m sure. I’d stop if relaxation is your main goal.

Where to stay?

Hostal Chagra Rama is my pick with weathered yet safe rooms starting at $9 per person.

Atacames is rumored to have the ‘whitest’ sand in all of Ecuador, but I’d say it also has one of the widest, biggest beaches in Ecuador as well.

A party town with an Afro-caribbean flavor in Ecuador, this is where the folks from Quito come to party from June through September.

Things to do?

– Party along the boardwalk with the rowdy young locals.
– Work on your tan in the daytime.

Where to stay?

My value pick is the Le Castel right on the beach with a swimming pool on site. You’ll think you need to pay more for the room you’re put in with rates starting around $20 pr person varying on season.