Montañita
As a rowdy backpacker hub, Montañita offers travelers a lively scene alongside white sand beaches and world-renowned surfing.
The thatched roof hotels and busy street corridors of Montañita make this one of the liveliest places on Ecuador’s Pacific coast. A popular destination among backpackers and surfers, the town is mostly comprised of young faces. A colorful cast of hippies make up the resident population, and sell a variety of textiles and jewelry along the streets. Be prepared to join, or avoid, the loud parties during the weekends.
The many hotels, restaurants and bars are open year round, but expect the town to be packed during the high season from January–February. Internet is readily available, as is fresh seafood and vegetarian food.
The long beach break that extends along Montañita’s coastline makes this a popular destination among surfers. From December–April, consistent swells and a variety of different breaks create optimal conditions for beginner and expert surfers alike. Montañita also hosts a handful of professional surf contests throughout the surf season.
Montañita itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Montañita itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Besties Explore The Amazons Better
Go on a trip with your friends that isn’t the usual travel cliche. Enjoy adventure, nature, and the chance to get unplugged. Take pictures, but live in the moment!
Experiences in Montañita
Explore hand-picked Montañita tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Montañita-Puerto Lopez Sport Fishing
Plata Island Full Day Tour
Machalilla National Park Whale Watching Tour
Where to stay in Montañita
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Montañita accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Montanita Estates
Montañita Estates puts you a short distance from the sun and the surf that have made Montañita one of Ecuador’s most popular beach towns. This hotel will cater to the beach bum and the gourmand – there’s something here for every type of hedonist.
Hostal Kundalini
When we used to enjoy what was once our family vacations house, we didn’t know that our destiny was the magic of hospitality. Today we have 20 rooms that have evolved since 2007 when our life as a hotel started, reaching standards in service and expertise that guarantee a super and friendly stay.
Insider-led Ecuador Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Ecuador Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
