Montañita is a charismatic carribeanésq coastal town located off the coast of Ecuador. Once just a quiet little fisherman village, Montañita is now attracting visitors from all over the world to relish in its laid back attitude and killer surf. If you are traveling through South America, make sure you swing by this sweet little surf spot.
What to Do
If you didn’t gather from the introduction, surfing is what this town is known for. Montañita is located on the península of Santa Elena, and the waves known for being consistent and the swells are high. If you are a beginner surfer, surf camps are offered plentiful around the peninsula, and you may even be able to score a hostel that has surf lessons included in the price. What is the best time of year to visit? January 31st to February, Montañita hosts a surf competition that attracts local and international surf pros to compete in a week long competition of the coast of Punta de Montañita.
What to Eat
Can you say Ceviche? The coast of Montañita offers some of the freshest fish and seafood in South America, and your mouth will be watering the minute you step off your surf board and into one of Montañita´s best places to seriously nosh down. I recommend El Tiburon Restaurant that offers sizzling plates of baked fish, mammoth proportions of seafood, and some of the best Ceviche in town.
Where to Stay
There are a number of cheap and fairly rustic accommodations to choose from in Montañita. Ranging from $6 U.S.D to $30 U.S.D, hostels usually offer wifi, room fans and are a short walk to the beach. El Refugio de las Aves is located just 1km from some of the best surf in town, has a charming little garden, hammocks, with a traditional American breakfast included in the price. If you can´t stand the heat and humidity, you may have to bump up your budget to at least $30 dollars a night to get a room fully equipped with air-conditioning.
Have you traveled to Montañita?
