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Looking for a beach destination that also offers a lively nightlife? Montañita, Ecuador, is the perfect destination for those that want to hang on the beach all day and party all night. The cost of staying in this laid-back town is also a lot lower than others. As a backpacker and hippie hotspot, I wondered if there would be enough for us older and “less partying” crowd. Fortunately, the answer was yes!
Is Montañita the place for you? Ecuador has many beach towns – most of them sleepy and some of them larger. Unfortunately, the pandemic has undoubtedly put a damper on many locations, and Montañita is no exception. It was not as lively as we expected but made for a good break from our adventures in Quito and Cuenca. You can find tips for traveling during the pandemic here.
Best Things to Do in Montañita Ecuador
Let’s be frank – if you’ve chosen Montañita, it is because you want to relax at a beachside resort. So besides partying at night, especially on the weekends, take your time to chill and enjoy life.
Surf
Montañita is known for its consistent surf, making it the ideal spot to learn how to surf and to enjoy a surfing vacation. However, unless you’re an experienced surfer, you’ll want to stay away from the northern point of the beach. Multiple surf schools offer beginner and advanced lessons.
Enjoy the Beach
Ecuadorians flock to the beach on weekends, and Montañita is popular. Whether you choose to lay on it or frolic in the waves, something is invigorating about being on the beach. While there are some vendors, they pretty much leave you alone.
Learn Spanish
One of the best ways to learn Spanish is to enroll in an immersive course, and Montañita offers plenty of options! The MarAzul Spanish School enjoys an excellent reputation, and you can even learn how to surf and relax with yoga!
Enjoy a drink at Cocktail Alley
Cocktail Alley is a street lined with different cocktail vendors, living up to its party town reputation. Whatever is your pleasure, you can find it here, though try some of the local specialties too!
Walk the Malecón
Montañita’s boardwalk is a short walk along the beachfront. Enjoy people-watching. Street vendors sell all kinds of souvenirs. It is a pretty good spot to watch the sunset too.
Visit the Mirador Santuario de Olón
The best views of both Montañita and Olón can be found from the viewpoint next to the church at the top of the hill that separates the two towns. The church is built without walls, offering fantastic views of the ocean.
TOP TIP: Watch the sunset from the Mirador Santuario de Olón!
Enjoy the views from the Mirador de Montañita
This vantage point is one of two places in town to take a photo with the Montañita sign with views of the town in the background. While many people come here to watch the sunset, I like the views from the beach better.
Walk to the point
At the northern edge of the beach, you’ll find the point. This rocky portion is walkable during low tide, and you can even go to Olon this way. Discover tidal pools along the way. Wear your shoes, though, as the ground is jagged and slippery.
Take the obligatory Instagram photos
Montañita is full of Insta-worthy spots! From the metal shrimp and fish sculptures on the beach, the Montañita signs, the surfer statute, the murals, and more murals!
Best Places to Stay in Montañita Ecuador
I recommend staying away from the nine-block area that comprises the town’s center. Staying in the center means having loud music and noise at all hours of the day and night. The hotels listed below are close enough for a quick walk into town but far away enough to enjoy the quiet.
Hotel Kundalini Montañita:
Located on the beach, just north of the town area, Hotel Kundalini hits the perfect balance between being near the action but far away enough to avoid the loud nightlife. The hotel is eco-friendly while offering comforts like air conditioning in the rooms. Or just lay on the hammocks and enjoy listening to the ocean. Room prices include yoga classes. The Kundalini was our first choice of accommodation – a great price for a great location.
Nativa Bambu:
Ecolodge on the hill. Walk to town. A more luxurious and expensive alternative, but since it isn’t located on the beach, it wasn’t as interesting to me. However, due to its location on the hill, the rooms have a fabulous view of the beach. In addition, the hotel features an infinity pool and nightclub on-premises.
Hotel Baja Montañita:
We stayed at Hotel Baja Montañita, and I would not recommend it. Located at the northern edge of Montañita beach, you’ll be farther away from the activities at the center of town. It does offer a pool, air conditioning, and a breakfast buffet. It is best for families, especially those traveling with dogs. Visiting during the pandemic, the bar and pizzeria were closed. The food offerings were minimal and unremarkable.
Casa del Sol:
What an incredible discovery this was! While it is also not located directly on the beach, it is just a block away. This hostel with private rooms, as well as the usual cheap dorm space, some with air conditioning, was the perfect spot to rest for our last few days. With a tasty breakfast included in the room rate, you’ll be energized for the rest of the day. Book a massage here, too! I spent 90 minutes in heaven!
Best Places to Eat in Montañita Ecuador
Whatever international cuisine you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Montañita. While this means fewer options for authentic Ecuadorian cuisine, it can be found. Here are the ones we found that we enjoyed the most. Addresses are not included because nothing is hard to find in this little town!
Street Vendors!
The best way to stretch your budget and enjoy tasty treats is to visit the street vendors. Along the beach, vendors sell ceviche. Don’t miss grilled corn on the cob or meat sticks. Empanadas for $1? Yes, please! Or how about an arepa or hamburger?
Tiki Limbo
One of the more expensive restaurants in town, Tiki Limbo, offers a variety of food options, making it the perfect spot for picky eaters or when everyone wants something different. The falafel platter was the best I’ve ever had. Save room for their homemade desserts!
Lido Beach & Grill
Located at the Kundalini Hotel, this restaurant offers reasonably priced meals, including wood-fired pizzas, salchipapas, and a large variety of beers and drinks.
Pigro
Looking for the best Italian food in town? Head over to Pigro! Whether you opt for pizza or homemade pasta, you won’t regret your experience here. Don’t miss the gnocchi!
Shanka Sushi & Thai
Located directly on the beach, next door to Montañita Brewing Company, we ate here more times than I care to admit! The restaurant offers a variety of food options, making it a popular place for groups. Try the panko shrimp and the avocado sandwich!
Ezzio’s Pizzeria
Ideally located on Cocktail Alley, Ezzio’s pizza oven delivers unique flavors at affordable rates. A small pizza costs $3, a medium $7, and a large $15. Order several small ones instead of the larger ones to try a variety.
Best Day Trips from Montanita Ecuador
Olón
Located just north of Montañita, you can walk along the road or beach (at low tide) or take a bus or taxi. If you’re looking for the quiet of a beach resort without the nighttime party options, then Olón might be perfect for you. The town offers plenty of cute markets and local bakeries. Mural lovers especially will appreciate the art scene here. don’t forget to take your photo with the Olón sign.
Puerto Lopez
This small fishing village serves as a home base to access the Parque Nacional Machalilla. It’s also the best place to take a day trip to Isla de la Plata. If you’re visiting from mid-June to October, you can book a humpback whale watching trip. This fishing town is not worth staying at other than the excursions you can take from here.
Playa de Los Frailes
Possibly the best beach in Ecuador, Los Frailes is off the beaten path. Located inside the Parque Nacional Machalilla. At the entrance to the beach, opt to hike in (about 2 hours, so go early to avoid the heat!) or take a tuk-tuk. If you walk the well-marked trail, Los Frailes will be the third beach you’ll reach. There are not a lot of facilities here, so bring snacks, water, and anything else you’ll need. A small stand rents out umbrellas (about $5) and offers a few other options, but it may not be well manned during the week. Speaking of weekdays, if you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the week or during non-holidays.
Isla de la Plata
Don’t want to blow your budget with a visit to the Galapagos? Visit Isla de la Plata, which is named for its past as a stopping point for pirates who hid their booty here. It is also referred to as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos” because many birds found in the Galapagos can be found here, including the blue-footed booby. The island’s coral reefs also make it a popular place to snorkel, so bring your gear!
Getting to Montañita
Fly to Guayaquil. Take a taxi to the bus terminal (about $5). Go to the top floor and look for the CLP (Coop Libertad Peninsular) bus line. For $7, you’ll take a 2.5-hour bus ride in a comfortable bus. The bus features free WiFi and air conditioning. Movies on screens provide entertainment if you don’t bring your own. If you prefer, you can also hire taxis or private drivers to take you to Montañita.
Don’t Miss Montañita, Ecuador
Montañita was the perfect relaxing spot, even if the weather did not cooperate! Take a few days to recharge before you resume sightseeing the rest of this beautiful country.
Loving these things to do in Montanita Ecuador? Here are more posts that may interest you:
- Ecuador Itinerary
- Best Ecuadorian Souvenirs
- What to do in Quito
- What to do in Cuenca
Have you visited Ecuador? Do you prefer the beaches or the cities?
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.