Stay : Beaches and surfing on the Pacific coast
Montañita and Manta are popular seaside resorts with foreign and Ecuadorian tourists alike, as they offer a combination of playa and fiesta. For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Esmeraldas or Bahía de Caráquez are ideal. Last but not least, for slide lovers and offbeat beaches, Mompiche, Canoa and Playa Santa Marianita are must-sees.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
8 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : Beaches and surfing on the Pacific coast - 8 days
Day 1: Esmeraldas, far from the usual tourist circuits
Steps: Esmeraldas
From Quito, take the bus to its terminus Esmeraldas or drive (5h). Better known as the "City of the Sun", Esmeraldas is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters. The visitor can taste the cuisine of the coast, the ceviche (fish or shellfish cooked and marinated in a mixture of lime and onions) while drinking the national drink, the chicha, a kind of corn and peanut beer.
Day 2: Mompiche, a fishing village where time stands still
Steps: Esmeraldas, Mompiche
About a two-hour drive south ofEsmeraldas, located at the southern end of a large fishhook-shaped bay, Mompiche lives up to its name as a small fishing village. Famous for its world-class waves and magnificent 7 km stretch of pristine sandy beach, Mompiche is still a small village where everyone knows everyone else. There's not much to do except surf and swim, and that's the charm of Mompiche. Here you rise and set with the sun.
Day 3: Canoa, for surfing enthusiasts
Steps: Canoa
Continue your descent from the coast to the peaceful fishing village of Canoa. Considered one of the best surf spots in Ecuador, there are less spectacular but perhaps more technical waves than in Montañita.
Day 4: Bahía de Caráquez, underwater fishing and diving
Steps: Bahía De Caráquez, Canoa
30 minutes south of Canoa, you cross a bridge over the Rio Chone to reach Bahía de Caráquez. Bahía is a small niche, frequented more by Ecuadorians on vacation than tourists. Take time to wander around this innovative seaside destination, which was rebuilt on the Ecocity principle after the earthquake of August 1998. It's here that you can enjoy underwater fishing and diving in particular.
Day 5: Manta, the port city on the coast
Steps: Manta
Manta is a bustling and prosperous port city, the fifth largest city in Ecuador and the most popular resort among Ecuadorians. Enjoy a quiet day sunbathing on the white sandy beach of El Murcielago. In the evening enjoy the multitude of bars, restaurants and discos where you can meet people from all over the world. An ideal place for the fiesta !
PLAYA MURCIÉLAGO
Day 6: Playa de Santa Marianita, water sports and sailing
Steps: Manta, Santa Marianita
A few kilometers south of Manta (30 min. drive) is the playa de Santa Marianita. Kite-surfing, fishing, wakeboarding and scuba diving are all on offer on this 7 km beach. The area is surrounded by restaurants and bars where you can enjoy an asado con frutas del mar, a spicy rice dish with freshly caught seafood. In the evening, you can take a long digestive stroll along this 100% natural brown sand beach and admire the surfers, birds and palm trees.
Day 7: Montañita, less technical surfing, very festive atmosphere!
Steps: Montañita
Montañita is the place to be before the hordes of surfers from all over the world arrive. It's a must for initiates and, during the high season, the mixed Ecuadorian and gringo atmosphere is as hot as Hawaii. A great wave with a long beach break guaranteed.
Ideas for holidays and week-end breaks Pacific Coast
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