Before you go

Your trip to Montañita.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Montañita – Santa Elena Destination Guayaquil and the coast

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional José Joaquín de Olmedo (GYE) Guayaquil · 190 km
Parada de ônibus de Montañita (Ruta del Spondylus) 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before buying. The nearest airport with regular flights is Guayaquil. From there, buses depart the bus terminal to Montañita in about three hours via the coastal road. From Puerto López it's about 50 km.

How many days

Two or three days are enough for the beach, a surf lesson and trips to Olón and Ayangue. Those who come to surf usually stay longer.

When to go

From December to May, the warm season, the sea is usually warmer and with good waves, and the sun appears between showers. From June to November the weather is usually cooler and cloudy, with colder water; the waves continue, with fewer people. At Carnaval and Holy Week the village gets crowded.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The village and the beach are explored on foot, and buses and pickups from the coastal road go to Olón, Ayangue and Puerto López. A car only makes it easier to stop at beaches along the way.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Montañita

Morning
Surf lesson
Take a surf lesson on the beach of Montañita, where the schools provide a board and an instructor.
Afternoon
Olón
Go to Olón, a few minutes away, for its wide beach and the climb to the Santuario Blanca Estrella de la Mar.
Late afternoon
La Punta
Return to the northern tip of Montañita beach to watch the surfers at La Punta at sunset.
Evening
Village
Dine in the village, which has local and international cuisine. Try the shrimp ceviche and the grilled fish.

2 days in Montañita

Day 1

Morning
Surfing
Surf lesson or a swim in the sea at Montañita.
Afternoon
Olón
Olón beach and the sanctuary on the hilltop.
Late afternoon
La Punta
Sunset at the northern tip of the beach.
Evening
Village
Dinner in the village.

Day 2

Morning
Ayangue
Go to Ayangue, about 20 km away, to swim and snorkel in the bay's calm waters.
Afternoon
Boat trip
In Ayangue bay, boats depart to snorkeling and diving spots. Confirm departures beforehand.
Late afternoon
Return along the coast
Return to Montañita via the coastal road, stopping at beaches along the way.
Evening
Montañita
Last night in the village.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is Montañita good for people who have never surfed?

Yes. The surf schools in the village give lessons on the beach, providing board and instructor, in areas with smaller waves. More experienced surfers head to La Punta.

What is the best time to surf in Montañita?

There are waves year-round, but from December to May the water is usually warmer and the swells tend to be better.

How to get to Montañita from Guayaquil?

By bus from Guayaquil's bus terminal, in about three hours.

What is near Montañita?

The beach of Olón to the north, with the sanctuary on the hilltop, and the bay of Ayangue to the south, with calm waters for swimming and snorkeling.

Back to Montañita