Coastal Ecuador (la costa, as it's known among natives) offers several opportunities for adventure travelers and families alike. When planning Ecuador vacations on the coast, of course, it's necessary to choose from several destinations that the guides and brochures list as worthy of the traveler's time and hard-earned cash. While many Ecuador tour itineraries focus exclusively upon the Galapagos Islands, there are several mainland locations offering a little something for everyone.
Coastal Ecuador Vacations – Where to Go First
Leaving Guayaquil by bus, la peninsula Santa Elena (the Santa Elena Peninsula) is one of the first places that all buses will stop on their way up the coast. While most travelers get off here only to change buses or catch a taxi to their next destination, there are several attractions on la peninsula worth checking out for anyone with an afternoon or even a few hours to spare.
- Museo CasaLeon: This museum/bed-and-breakfast offers travelers access to the works of renowned Ecuadorian visual artist, Leon Ricaurte. A two-story art gallery displays magnificent paintings that are part of the private collection of the late artist's wife, who also runs the bed-and-breakfast. Also housed in the museum are artifacts from Ecuador's ancient coastal civilizations.
- Salinas Malecón: Located near the tip of the peninsula, the beach at Salinas is a very busy place during the high season (November – April), and so many hotels line its malecón (waterfront or boardwalk), the area has earned the nickname "Little Miami." In the shadow of large high-rise hotels, travelers can catch a bite to eat or engage locals in a game of volleyball.
- Chipipe: Just at the end of the malecón, this quiet beach boasts waters calm enough for year-round swimming. It's a great place to spend a few hours in the sun before heading further up the coast.
Ecuador Vacations Along La Ruta del Sol
After enjoying la peninsula Santa Elena, heading up la Ruta del Sol (Route of the Sun) by bus or taxi is the best way to continue exploring the coast. There are, of course, several activities an Ecuador trip up La Ruta del Sol just cannot neglect
- Surf Lesson in Montañita: This small, former fishing village has become an Ecuador tour hot spot due to the excellent waves it provides surfers. For the able, a surf lesson in Montañita is a must, and several surf schools in town will cater to English-speaking clientele. For the more risk-averse, the beach here is a great place to relax. During the high-season, Montañita is full of tourists from all corners of the globe who crave great waves, a surf lesson, or just a good party in a tropical paradise.
- Ecuadorian Seafood: In Salango, a sleepy town located several kilometers north of Monañita up La Ruta del Sol, one finds a gem of a restaurant – El Delfín Mágico (The Magic Dolphin). Locally famous, this little spot provides an excellent sampling of Ecuadorian mariscos (seafood).
- Whale Watching Tour in Puerto Lopez: If the surf lesson in Montañita was just too intense or Salango was too sleepy for an extended stay, many pursuing an Ecuador tour up the coast stop in Puerto Lopez for a whale watching tour. Additional activities in Puerto Lopez include snorkeling off of nearby Isla de la Plata – an island accessed by boat from Puerto Lopez – and sunbathing.
- Pristine Tropical Beaches: Just north of Puerto Lopez, one comes across Parque Nacional Machalilla, a national park showcasing several pristine beaches. The land within is completely undeveloped, and it remains virtually untouched by large-scale tourism. Spend an afternoon here after a morning whale watching tour. Taxis from Puerto Lopez provide access to the park.
Esmeraldas, Ecuador Trip
If anyone isn't tired after the surf lesson and the whale watching tour, another Ecuador coast destination that tourists are checking out is Esmeraldas. The Esmeraldas experience exposes travelers to Marimba music, a style unique to the region.
Located not far from the Colombian border, adding in Esmeraldas, Ecuador to an Ecuador tour is a good idea for those willing to travel off the beaten path (many never go north of Puerto Lopez). Anyone who thought Salsa and Merengue were the only styles of dance in Ecuador will be intrigued by Marimba, which counts African musical traditions among its influences.
Ecuador Coast as Part of Longer Vacations
Whether a jaunt up the coast is the highlight of one's experience in Ecuador or just a small part of a larger Ecuador tour, all of these spots provide recreation (and a little education) for travelers with varied interests. Time spent in these coastal destinations can range from a few days to many months for some travelers.
Of course, one must decide the best time to visit these areas on la costa whether it's La Ruta del Sol or Esmeraldas, Ecuador. The high season (when the weather is hot and desirable for beach activities) begins in November and ends in late April. Travelers should plan accordingly to take advantage of the best weather.
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