Welcome to Montañita, Ecuador! This charming beach town located on the Pacific coast has become a popular destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, surf, adventure, and nightlife.

Planning your trip to Montañita?

Check out some of the best of this beautiful beach town.

Best tours and activities in Montañita:

1. Take a surf lesson on different beaches
2. Paragliding flight in Montañita
3. Learn how to paraglide by yourself
4. Isla de la Plata and Whale Watching Tour
5. Diving trip in Machalilla National Park
6. Go snorkeling
7. Bike tour to Los Frailes beach and Agua Blanca

Best hotels in Montañita:

1. Nativa Bambu Ecolodge (High-end. At the beach.)
2. Hotel Kundalini (Mid-range. At the beach.)
3. Hostal SoleMare (Budget/Mid-range. At the beach.)
4. Casa del Sol (Budget/Mid-rage)

What to do in Montañita, Ecuador

I’ve been to Montañita a couple of times while traveling in Ecuador and I love it.

The town has a relaxed vibe, with lots of restaurants and bars. The beaches are beautiful and the water is warm. And even though I don’t surf, I did actually take a surfing class in Montañita and had a great time.

Here I’ll be sharing some of my favorite and best things to do in Montañita, as well as tips on where to stay and how to get there.

1. The beach

One of the main draws of Montañita is its beautiful beaches. The soft, golden sand and warm waters make it the perfect place to swim, sunbathe, or simply take a long walk along the shore. With the beach being the center of town, you’ll find plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants offering cold drinks and delicious food to enjoy as you watch the waves.

2. Surf

Montañita is famous for its waves, making it a top destination for surfers from around the world. It is actually the Surf Capital of Ecuador.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a wave in Montañita. You can rent a surfboard, take a lesson from a surf school, or simply watch the experts show off their skills from the shore.

If you are already an experienced surfer, head to the area called La Punta, where you will find the best waves. They waves can reach up to 3 meters high (~10 feet) over there at times.

Book a surf lesson and go on a surf trip here.

3. Paragliding

For those seeking a thrilling adventure in Montañita, paragliding is a must-do activity. This is actually one of the best things to do in Montañita. Imagine soaring high above the picturesque coastline, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. It’s an unforgettable experience, and one that shouldn’t be missed.

There are several companies in Montañita that offer paragliding experiences, including transportation to and from your hotel. The tours typically last around 20 minutes, during which time you’ll fly tandem with a trained professional who will guide you through the experience and ensure your safety at all times. You’ll take off from a hilltop and glide over the beach, enjoying stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding area. You can book a paragliding experience in Montañita here.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can also book a paragliding course. There, you can learn to install and control the wing on the ground, as well as have your first solo flight experience. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn a new skill and experience the thrill of flying on your own.

4. Visit Isla de la Plata

Isla de la Plata is a beautiful and unique island off the coast of Ecuador that offers visitors a chance to experience the region’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty. It’s a great day trip from Montañita.

First you will have to head to Puerto Lopez, which is a 50-minute bus ride away. From there, boat tours depart towards Isla de la Plata.

One of the main reasons people visit Isla de la Plata is for the incredible wildlife that inhabits the area. The island is home to a variety of bird species, including the famous blue-footed booby. These beautiful birds have bright blue feet that they use to attract mates, and they can be seen performing their courtship dances on the island’s rocky shores.

In addition to the blue-footed boobies, visitors to Isla de la Plata may also spot frigatebirds, pelicans, and sea lions. The area is known for its sea turtles, often the focus of global conservation efforts.

Humpback whales are another popular sight, with migration season typically occurring from June to September. During this time, visitors can take a whale watching tour and see these magnificent creatures breaching and playing in the water.

Book a tour to Isla de la Plata plus whale watching here.

5. Go diving or snorkeling at Machalilla National Park

Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular activities that you can do in day trips from Montañita.

You will have to head to Puerto Lopez, from where tours depart.

The waters are home to a variety of corals, colorful fish, sea turtles, and even giant manta rays.

There are companies that offer full-day diving trips and they are a great activity to do while in Montañita.

Snorkeling tours usually include all the necessary equipment, as well as a guide who can help you identify the different species you’ll encounter.

The tours typically include transportation to and from the island, as well as a guide who can help you spot the different wildlife species and provide information about the island’s history and ecology.

If you go during between June and October, if you are lucky you will able to see the whales courtship dance!

Book a diving tour here, or book a snorkeling tour here.

5. Bike to Los Frailes Beach and Agua Blanca Community

If you would like to discover the area by bike, not so far from Montañita there are a couple of great places to explore. Again, you will have to head to Puerto Lopez to start your excursion.

Your first stop will be Playa de Los Frailes (Los Frailes Beach), one of the most beautiful and isolated beaches in Ecuador.

This beach is part of a protected area, and visits are only allowed between 8am and 4pm. You might even be the only person when you visit, and you might have the turquoise crystal-clear sea all for yourself.

Afterwards, you can head to Agua Blanca. Agua Blanca is a small village located within the Machalilla National Park. This is a popular destination is perfect for visitors interested in learning about the area’s history and culture, as well as enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

One of the main attractions of Agua Blanca is the village’s sulfur pool. Visitors can apply the mud provided to their skin and let it dry in the sun before washing it off in the nearby river. It will leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed.

In addition to the sulfur pool, Agua Blanca is home to an archaeological site that dates back to the Manteño civilization, which flourished in the area from around 800 AD to 1532 AD.

Book a bike tour to Los Frailes and Beach and Agua Blanca here.

6. Party

Montañita is famous for its nightlife and is often referred to as the “party capital” of Ecuador. The town has a wide variety of bars and clubs that cater to all tastes, from relaxed beachfront bars to all-night dance parties.

One of the most popular events in Montañita is the Full Moon Party, which takes place once a month. It attracts large crowds of visitors and locals alike.

During the party, the beach is lit up with bonfires, and DJs play music late into the night. The Full Moon Party is a great opportunity to meet new people and experience the vibrant party scene in Montañita.

In addition to the Full Moon Party, there are numerous other bars and clubs in the town that offer a great party experience. Many of these establishments have outdoor seating areas that overlook the beach, providing the perfect setting to enjoy a drink and watch the waves roll in.

For a lot of people, partying will be the best thing to do in Montañita!

Best hotels in Montañita-Ecuador

If you’re planning a trip to Montañita-Ecuador and looking for a place to stay, you might want to consider one of these hotel options. Unlike some of the more party-centric and loud hotels in town (like Selina Montañita), these accommodations provide a more tranquil environment where you can get a good night’s sleep.

You can still go out partying but you will be able to sleep when you get back to your hotel!

• High-end: Nativa Bambu Ecolodge: A 4-star hotel with a swimming pool, this hotel is in front of the sea and offers rooms with balconies, TV, and AC. Enjoy a comfortable stay with a beautiful view.
• Mid-range: Hotel Kundalini: A great choice in Montañita. Located just in front of the beach but away from the noisy nightlife. This hotel is a short walking distance from the town center. It offers 6 options for breakfast, free yoga classes, Netflix, and strong wifi. Some rooms have a terrace and sea view, those are much better than the other ones.
• Budget/Mid-range: Hostal SoleMare: This hotel is right on the beach, offering the chance to sleep to the sound of the ocean. It is at the end of the beach, a 10-minute walk to the main center. It’s in a good location for surfing.
• Budget/Mid-range: Casa del Sol: Located on a quiet street close to the beach. This hostel offers different types of rooms and prices to fit every budget, including private rooms and dorms. Enjoy billiards and a relaxed atmosphere.

How to get to Montañita from Guayaquil

Getting to Montañita from Guayaquil is relatively easy, and there are several transportation options available.

1. By Bus

One of the most popular ways to travel to Montañita is by bus. Buses depart from the Terminal Terrestre in Guayaquil and make the approximately 2.5-hour journey to Montañita. The buses are comfortable and affordable, and there are several different companies to choose from.

2. By Private Shuttle

Another option is to book a private shuttle from Guayaquil. Private shuttles are a convenient and comfortable option, plus they have AC. They will pick you up from your hotel or the airport in Guayaquil and drop you off at your destination in Montañita. Or you can book it to from Montañita to Guayaquil as well.

3. By Full Day Tour

If you prefer a more guided and structured experience, you can also book a full-day tour from Guayaquil to Montañita. These tours typically include transportation, a visit to nearby attractions, and a stop in Montañita for lunch or dinner.

When to visit Montañita?

Montañita has a warm and humid tropical climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 75-90°F (24-32°C). The ideal time to visit Montañita depends on your preferences.

The high season is from December to April, with the driest and sunniest weather. It can be more crowded and expensive during this time.

The low season is from May to November. It is quieter and prices are lower.

Waves are very consistent both in summer and winter. However, from December to April, conditions will be slightly bigger with the arrival of some north swells.

For whale watching, visit from June to September when humpback whales migrate to the area to mate and give birth.

No matter when you visit, pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and light clothing to stay comfortable in the warm weather.

How long to stay in Montañita?

The length of your stay in Montañita-Ecuador will depend on your interests and travel style.

If you’re looking to experience the town’s vibrant nightlife and party scene, a weekend or a few days might be enough. On the other hand, if you’re interested in exploring the surrounding natural beauty and taking part in outdoor activities like surfing and paragliding, you may want to stay for a week or longer.

Montañita is a great place to relax and take in the beach scene. So if you’re looking for a more laid-back vacation, consider staying for a longer period of time to fully unwind and enjoy the area.

Is Montañita safe?

Montañita, while popular for its lively beaches and nightlife is generally considered safe. During my two visits, I have always felt very secure.

Still, the area does have aspects travelers should be cautious of. For example, be careful when leaving nightclubs late at night, as there can be pickpockets and petty thieves in the surroundings.

A safety precaution especially for solo female travelers is to avoid walking alone on the beach after dark.

Also, it’s a good idea to keep your belongings secure and close to you, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and stay aware of your surroundings.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Montañita is a paradise on the Ecuadorian coast that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to just relax at the beach, surf, party, or enjoy nature, you will find what you are looking for here.

With a variety of activities like paragliding, whale watching, and hiking to sulfur baths, you will never run out of things to do.

I hope that this guide of the best things to do in Montañita-Ecuador, and its best hotels will be useful for you.

If you would like to visit the Ecuadorian highlands after your relaxing beach days, I highly recommend you visiting Cuenca.