Destination: Ecuador

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Surf & Sun

THE ECUADORIAN COAST

Ecuador’s coast is underrated. Admittedly, it’s no Caribbean, but it has some undeniably stunning beaches.



The best on the north coast are Mompiche, where surfers will find a heavenly wave, and Canoa, whose sands seem endless. Visit Tarqui beach in Manta to see the fascinating fish market (it takes place right on the sand) and the nearby wooden-boat yard, the last of its kind in the country.

Next up, visit the Ruta del Sol (Route of the Sun), the stretch of beautiful Ecuadorian coastline stretching from Parque Nacional Machalilla in the north, to Ballenita in the south. Spectacular Los Frailes Beach, protected inside Parque Nacional Machalilla, is a paradise. The bayside village of Puerto López is the perfect base for exploring the park. Divers should stop at Salango for some underwater fun. South of here, it’s beach after beach, with the best lodging at Ayampe. At last you arrive Montañita whose surf and laid-back vibe (bring your fire sticks) have made it famous. For the classic upper-class Ecuadorian experience, visit Salinas, the country’s most famous resort. And to fuel up after all that fun, stop in Playas (the poor person’s Salinas) for a massive plate of the town’s famous crab – have at it with a wooden hammer!