The Beach Towns and Cities of Ecuador

Salinas

Salinas is located on the southern coast of Ecuador, and is the country’s most western city. It is a small, upscale city that offers many big-city comforts and luxury resources like yacht clubs, but is not as ridiculously expensive as some other resort areas. Salinas is also the beginning of the “Route of the Sun,” which is a road along the coastal resort areas. A lot of tourists come to Salinas, as there is a huge visitor infrastructure. Many of these visitors make the trip to enjoy whale watching, along with numerous outdoor sports, like jet-skiing, fishing, hang gliding and skydiving. Some beaches located near Salinas include San Lorenzo and Mar Bravo.

Manta

Manta is a small city that has existed since pre-Columbian times. Other than tourism, the city supports itself off of tuna fishing. It is also Ecuador’s largest seaport. This city also hosts the International Theater Festival each September. Some of the beaches around Manta include El Murcielago and Santa Marianita. Sand Lorenzo is a popular place for surfers, due to its windy conditions.

Montanita

Montanita is a beach town that has a reputation for being laid-back and friendly. It is also considered a surfer’s paradise, and many people come here from all over Latin America to participate in surfing events. They also hold an annual seafood festival. It is growing as a popular place for students to come learn Spanish.

Guayaquil

Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and more important port. Its metro area has over 3 million people. Though not directly on the ocean, it is located on the Guayas River, and where it flows into the Guayaquil Gulf. There are a few beaches on the water in Guayaquil, but many beautiful coastal beaches are located slightly north of the city. It is not a bad location to be at for people who choose to live in the city but have a car and like to escape to Ecuador’s Pacific coast beaches on their free time.

Playas

Playas is a local beach that does not get as crowded as many of the others; it is only 25 miles from Guayaquil. Lots of locals make and sell ceviche at this beach, as well as assorted fresh seafood. Though pleasant, it is not the best place for swimming because there are rip tides.

Baños, Ecuador

Baños is a beautiful town nestled among sizzling volcanos and the Amazonian foothills, in central Ecuador. A popular tourist destination, Baños is the ideal place for both the adventure traveler and the aspiring expat just looking for a pleasant, lively place to settle down.

Without a doubt, the city’s most prominent landmark is the very, very active Tungurahua Volcano which towers overhead, thunders the skyline and keeps this rumblin’ town alive. Despite its proximity, the projections of the volcano’s blast and direction of the winds blow southward, keeping Baños safe– at least for now! Because of its exciting location, it’s not uncommon to encounter scientists and volcanologists from around the world wandering the city streets.

Volcano watchers have found their personal paradise in Baños– you can hike up many of the city’s adjacent foothills and catch a glimpse of the majestic mountain blowing its top. We recommend hiking at night, when the volcano’s hot red lava lights up the mountain top like fireworks.

But volcanoes aren’t the only thing Baños has to offer. The city has also been called the “Gateway to the Amazon”, as it’s only a short distance down the hills before finding yourself surrounded by dense jungle and cloud forest. Jungle excursions are advertised everywhere in the city, making it a destination for thrill-seekers of all varieties.

Though even if you’re not a big adventurer, Baños has plenty of luxury attractions too. Most notably, the city got its name from its soothing hydrothermal springs, rich with minerals. The streets are also filled with charming stores with Andean and Amazonian goods from across the region, including its famous sugarcane-produced taffy. Cafes and restaurants in Baños also offer some scrumptous, creative eats.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a town with this rare combination of landscapes and cultures anywhere in the world. Volcanos & mountains, jungles & sugarcane taffy– oh my!

And yet, it still retains a small town feel which is welcoming and homely.