Things to Do in Salinas

Salinas is Ecuador's most developed beach resort town—which isn't saying much internationally. Still worth visiting. The town attracts middle-class Ecuadorian families from Quito and Guayaquil who come for weekend escapes to condos and seafront restaurants. What makes it work is the long crescent beach, solid infrastructure, and surprisingly cosmopolitan feel for a small coastal city. The waterfront malecón works well for evening walks. The town developed without losing all character—though you'll spot plenty of high-rise hotels mixed with old fishing village remnants.

The food scene centers on seafood. Generally quite good. Restaurants along the malecón serve everything from casual ceviche to elaborate preparations at reasonable prices ($6-18 for most dinner entrees). Local specialties include encebollado (fish stew) and various corvina preparations. Several decent international restaurants cater to expats and tourists. Fish markets near the marina deserve a look if you can cook where you stay.

Weather stays consistent year-round. June through September brings cooler, less humid conditions—this is whale watching season too. December through April gets warmer and more crowded with Ecuadorian vacationers, especially during holidays. May and October-November offer the best balance of decent weather and fewer crowds. You'll miss the whales though.