Things to Do in Montañita, Ecuador

Montañita is Ecuador's premier beach town and surf destination, located on the Pacific coast in the Santa Elena Province. This once-sleepy fishing village has transformed into a vibrant backpacker haven and surf mecca, attracting wave riders from around the world with its consistent year-round breaks and laid-back atmosphere. The town pulses with energy, featuring colorful street art, beachfront bars, and a thriving nightlife scene that keeps the party going until dawn. Despite its party reputation, Montañita offers much more than just surfing and nightlife. The surrounding area boasts pristine beaches, wildlife reserves, and opportunities for whale watching during migration season. The town serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader Ruta del Sol (Sun Route), with easy access to quieter beaches, traditional fishing villages, and natural attractions. Whether you're seeking world-class waves, vibrant social scenes, or simply a place to unwind by the Pacific, Montañita delivers an authentic Ecuadorian coastal experience.

Top Things to Do in Montañita

Surfing Lessons and Board Rental

Montañita's consistent waves make it perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers, with the famous right-hand point break offering rides up to 200 meters long. Multiple surf schools line the beach, providing lessons in Spanish and English with experienced local instructors. The waves work best at mid to high tide, and the water temperature stays comfortable year-round.

Booking Tip: Surf lessons cost $15-25 USD including board rental, while board rentals alone are $10-15 per day. Book lessons in the morning when conditions are typically calmer for beginners. Look for schools with certified instructors and good safety records.

Whale Watching Tours

From June to September, humpback whales migrate through the waters off Montañita, offering spectacular viewing opportunities. Tours typically last 3-4 hours and depart from nearby Puerto López, with high success rates for whale sightings during peak season. The experience often includes dolphin sightings and visits to small offshore islands.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $25-40 USD per person and are best booked 1-2 days in advance during peak season. Choose operators with good safety equipment and experienced guides. Morning tours often have calmer seas and better visibility.

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Explore Montañita's coastline and surrounding countryside on horseback, with tours ranging from sunset beach rides to full-day adventures through local villages and forests. Most tours cater to all skill levels and provide well-trained, gentle horses. The sunset rides along the beach are particularly popular and offer stunning photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Beach rides cost $20-35 USD for 1-2 hours, while full-day tours run $50-80 USD. Book through reputable operators who prioritize horse welfare and rider safety. Sunset rides fill up quickly, so reserve early.

Day Trip to Isla de la Plata

Known as the 'Poor Man's Galápagos,' this protected island offers incredible wildlife viewing including blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and sea lions. The day trip typically includes snorkeling, hiking trails with panoramic ocean views, and boat transportation from Puerto López. During whale season, the journey often includes whale watching opportunities.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $35-50 USD including park entrance fees and basic lunch. Book through established tour operators in Puerto López rather than Montañita for better prices. Bring seasickness medication as boat rides can be rough.

Mangrove Kayaking and Wildlife Tours

Explore the mangrove ecosystems near Montañita by kayak, paddling through narrow channels while spotting birds, crabs, and other coastal wildlife. These eco-tours provide insight into the important role mangroves play in coastal protection and marine ecosystems. Tours are suitable for all skill levels and often include stops at secluded beaches.

Booking Tip: Half-day kayaking tours cost $25-40 USD including equipment and guide. Morning tours offer better wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures. Choose operators committed to environmental conservation and small group sizes for a better experience.

Getting There

The most common way to reach Montañita is by bus from major Ecuadorian cities. From Guayaquil (3 hours), take a direct bus with CLP or Liberpesa bus companies for $4-6 USD. From Quito (8 hours), you can take an overnight bus for $12-15 USD or fly to Guayaquil and continue by bus. The nearest airport is in Salinas (1 hour away), though most international travelers fly into Guayaquil. Taxis from Guayaquil cost around $80-100 USD, while shared shuttles are available for $15-20 USD per person.

Getting Around

Montañita is small enough to walk everywhere, with most attractions, restaurants, and accommodations within a few blocks of each other. The main street runs parallel to the beach, making navigation simple. For exploring nearby beaches like Olón or Ayangue, local buses run frequently for $0.50-1 USD. Taxis are available for longer trips, and many accommodations offer bicycle rentals for $5-10 USD per day. Motorcycle taxis are also popular for short trips within town, costing $1-2 USD.

Where to Stay

Montañita Centro

Beachfront Area

Punta Montañita

La Entrada

Manglaralto

Olón

Food & Dining

Montañita's food scene reflects its international crowd, offering everything from traditional Ecuadorian coastal cuisine to international backpacker favorites. Seafood is the star here, with fresh ceviche, grilled fish, and seafood rice available at beachfront restaurants and local comedores for $3-8 USD. The main street buzzes with pizza joints, burger spots, and vegetarian-friendly cafes catering to surfers and backpackers. For authentic local flavors, try the encebollado (fish soup) at morning markets or visit family-run restaurants away from the main tourist strip. Many establishments offer happy hour specials and all-day breakfast menus, while beachfront bars serve fresh fruit smoothies and cocktails with ocean views.

When to Visit

Montañita enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons, making it a year-round destination with different appeals. The dry season (June-November) offers sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and excellent surf conditions, plus it's whale watching season. However, this is also peak tourist season with higher prices and crowds. The wet season (December-May) brings occasional afternoon showers, warmer temperatures, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for budget travelers. Surf conditions remain good year-round, though swells can be larger during the wet season. For the best balance of weather, waves, and reasonable prices, consider visiting during the shoulder months of May-June or November-December.

Insider Tips

Bring earplugs if staying near the main strip, as music from bars can continue until 3-4 AM, especially on weekends

The local 'Pilsener' beer is much cheaper than imported brands, and many places offer 2-for-1 happy hour deals from 5-7 PM

Rent a surfboard for multiple days to get better rates, and always check the condition of boards before taking them out as some rental shops have poorly maintained equipment

Things to Do in Montañita