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Montañita is one of those places that every backpacker in Ecuador makes their way to at some point. During the few times I’ve been to Ecuador over the years, I somehow keep finding my way back to Montañita. It has its way of reeling you in and making you stay with its festive atmosphere mixed with the laid-back beach bum life.
Situated along Ecuador’s Pacific Coast about 3 hours from Guayaquil, this little beach town has built a name for itself as a paradise for surfers, backpackers, and party-goers over the years. It’s the kind of spot where sunrise surf sessions blend into lazy hammock afternoons, and the nights come alive with music.
In this guide, I’m going to tell you about all the best things to do in Montañita, Ecuador. I’ve spent about 2 months there in total in 2017 and 2023, so I can tell you about it.
Is Montañita, Ecuador, Worth Visiting?
So first off, is it worth visiting Montañita? In my opinion, Montañita is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re a solo backpacker who enjoys a good party. This place is packed with hostels and sees travelers from all over the world, making it a great place to meet new people, mingle over a few drinks, and enjoy life to its fullest.
The town has a lazy vibe. People often spend their days chilling at the beach, enjoying the waves, and soaking up the sun. You can spend your days sightseeing, visiting the neighbouring towns such as Olon and Manglaralto, and of course, enjoying the vast nightlife on display, in hostels, bars, and nightclubs throughout the town.
Montañita is also a major surfing destination, which brings in a lot of South American tourists, as well as Western tourists and Ecuadorians from around the country. Because of this, Montanita has become a hotspot for surf schools. I’ve met a lot of people who went specifically to do a surf/yoga immersive, and it seems like a lot of fun.
Even if you’re not big on the party scene, there are plenty of hostels that are a little further out of the chaos where you can just enjoy the beach and wind down. Likewise, Olón is just around the corner, and Ayampe is 30 minutes down the road.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Montañita?
Montañita sees high season from December to April, and low season from April to November. The town completely transforms from high to low season, and has a very different atmosphere.
During high season, expect big crowds! Both international travelers and Ecuadorian tourists flock to the town during these months due to the prime surf, good weather, and hectic party scene. You can expect sunny skies, minimal rain, and at times, uncomfortably hot weather. All the venues open up, and especially around New Year’s and Carnaval, Montañita turns into an all-out beach festival.
This can be a lot of fun, but at the same time, it can be too much. Public holidays such as Carnival are great for meeting people from all over, but they can also bring in the wrong crowds from Guayaquil, too, who come for one reason: To take advantage of unsuspecting foreigners.
During this time, when spending a couple of weeks in Montañita in 2023, I was robbed (very professionally, I may add) by a group of people who coordinated an elaborate pickpocket. During this time, there were also a lot of people sleeping in the street, lots of trash around the town, and it was just too chaotic for my liking.
Not to scare you off or anything, the town is usually great, and festivals are a lot of fun. But you do want to be a bit careful with your stuff, especially when there are drunk people all over the place.
During the low season, Montañita sees a big change. It’s no longer a bustling party city, but more akin to a low-key sleepy town where many of the venues and shops are closed. There are still plenty of people out and about, but the town has a very different ambiance, which can either be a good thing or not. So, I would aim for somewhere between high season and low season if possible, where things are open and there are crowds, but it’s not over the top.
Now… Let’s look at what to do in Montañita
Get On Your Surfboard, or Go to a Surf School
Montañita is the most popular surfing spot in Ecuador. Likely, you’ll meet a ton of foreigners and locals alike who are doing surf camps. You can also rent boards at a good time. When I tried my hand at surfing a couple of times in 2017, it cost $5 to rent a board for 2 hours and $10 for a day. I imagine prices have gotten steeper in recent years, but it’s still relatively affordable.
Surf camps are a big deal in Montañita. The last couple of times I was there, I met quite a lot of people who were spending a couple of weeks to a month living in Montañita at surf schools. They had a strong community, accommodation, lessons, boards, and daily surf routines, daily yoga, and then spent the nights partying.
If this calls to you, I recommend booking a 7-day immersive here. If you really want to do a deep immersion, you can also do a 22-day intensive in Olón, which is a more relaxed beach town just 5 minutes away from Montañita.
Surfing isn’t your thing? No worries.
I’m not a big surfer myself, I’ve only tried a couple of times in my life… in Montañita, and failed miserably. I know, this is a mark of shame to my Australian brethren. But I do love a good swim!
So don’t feel like you must surf to enjoy the beach. It’s extensive enough that you’re not going to clash with the surfers, and in my opinion, the best beaches to swim are a little further South of Montañita. Once you get out of the city, it feels more remote and pristine, even just a 5-minute walk from the center.
Just be aware that the rips can be strong (and I’ve discovered they’re not so much fun to get caught in), so keep an eye out for them and pick your spot wisely.
Soak up the Nightlife
There are three main reasons why people come to Montañita. Party, surf, and find the love of their lives. The latter rarely happens, but for surf and party, all systems go! The night scene in Montañita seems to be a changing landscape with new places popping up and taking the storm, while others fade from the spotlight.
During my month volunteering in a hostel in Montañita in 2017, there was a popular salsa club that drew in the masses, which was replaced by a fancy boutique bar that seemed completely dead when I was there in 2023. But new hotspots for parties have risen, and I’ll list the best spots from my last trip to Montañita in 2023.
- The Hidden House: This hostel has built up its reputation as one of the go-to party spots in town. Just a 5-minute walk from the beach, the Hidden House brings in a crowd on Wednesdays and Fridays for their $6 all-you-can-drink cocktail nights. They have a DJ that generally plays electronic music, and this place brings in some serious crowds of mostly foreigners. The venue is my favorite in Montañita because it’s a vibe. It’s like a sandy jungle full of hammocks, beanbags, tables, seats, a slackline, a stage, bars, all sorts of games, etc. The space is huge, and it feels like you’re right on the beach.
- Dharma Beach Hotel’s rooftop terrace: This spot is known for hosting lively weekend events featuring international DJs, a quality sound system, and beautiful ocean views right on the beach. It’s a popular gathering place for both locals and travelers looking to dance in a picturesque setting. Keep in mind that events are typically held on weekends, so it’s a good idea to check their schedule in advance to catch the action.
- Ocaso Bar in Manglaralto: Ocasa Bar is one of those low-key gems that hits the sweet spot between chill and lively. Just a few minutes south of Montañita, it’s a local favorite for sunset drinks and beach vibes without the full-throttle party scene. The place has a front-row seat to the ocean, live music, and a laid-back crowd that’s more into connection than chaos. Ocaso is the perfect middle ground if you want a good local spot to have a drink with a beautiful view of the sunset, if you’re not feeling the full madness of Montañita’s nightlife.
- Caña Grill: A Montañita classic that has always been popular each time I’ve popped back to this town over the years. Part sandy floor, part stage. This hybrid bad boy pops off after dark with live bands, salsa nights, and DJs that keep the crowd moving till late. It’s right in the heart of town, so you’ll naturally find yourself there at some point, as it tends to be the after-party place.
- Cocktail Alley: Cocktail Alley in Montañita is an iconic street that you can’t miss. Literally. The street is bursting with energy, and lined with makeshift cocktail stands that tend to be more popular among the Ecuadorian tourists. You hear a lot of reggaeton and salsa, people are dancing in the street without a care, and everyone’s just vibing.
Walk to Manglaralto From Montañita
Manglaralto is the next town South of Montañita. Considering it only takes about a half-hour walk from Montañita along the beach, I highly recommend checking it out! Otherwise, if you’re staying at Kamala Surf & Backpacker Hostel, it’s just around the corner. Once you’ve passed the river that connects to the beach, you’ve made it!
Although there’s not a lot happening in Manglaralto, but it’s worth checking out for a slower pace. You can’t really go wrong with a nice walk along the beach, so what’s to lose? Manglaralto is a cute little coastal town that’s worth exploring, grabbing a meal, or having a cheeky beer at Ocaso Bar.
Overall, checking out Manglaralto is a nice little day trip that will give you a break from the hustle and bustle of Montañita.
Once You’re There, Go Paragliding
Paragliding is also a popular activity in Montañita, which usually costs $50 – $60 a person. This takes off a little past Manglaralto, and it’s a great place to have this experience with the warm coastal winds and beautiful views of the beaches and surrounding areas. You can book a paragliding experience here.
Do a Yoga Retreat
Montañita isn’t just about the parties and surf, it also has a thriving yoga scene. Many of the hostels, including the popular Kundalini Hostel offers free yoga classes twice a week. There are also various yoga studios scattered around that offer group yoga classes at a good price.
Because Montañita is also a popular spot for yoga, some yoga retreats are also popping up in the traveler’s stratosphere and growing in popularity. Let’s look at my top picks.
Sumpa Wellness offers yoga retreats, which are more on the luxurious side for 7 days, and are highly rated. This yoga retreat also incorporates sound healing sessions, excursions, and other activities to make it a memorable experience. You can look into it more here.
We’ve already mentioned this place in this article as a surf camp, but it deserves another mention. Casa del Sol offers hybrid yoga and surf retreats at a very good price, at a very good place. If you’re looking for a reputable retreat on the coast that won’t break the bank, book it in!
Otherwise, if you’re open to checking out yoga retreats in other places too, I’ve compiled a list of the 5 best yoga retreats in Ecuador, which you can check out here.
Chill on the Beach & Catch the Sunset
Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter. The sunset in Montañita is undoubtedly beautiful, and you can easy spend the evenings sitting on the sand, going for a dip, and watching the sun go down over the Pacific ocean. Tourists and locals often sit on the beach with some friends and drink, or relax at a beach-front hostel or bar while watching the sunset. The sunsets are some of the best I’ve seen, so make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to slow down and watch the show.
Check Out the Rockpools
If you follow the beach North, you’ll run into a rocky outcrop that you can walk around, filled with little rock pools. It’s a nice walk along the beach to get there, and you can also see a lot of marine life, including different fish, crabs, oysters, octopi, and so on.
Here, you can walk around the rocks and enjoy the views of the ocean. If the tide is low, you can walk all the way around to the beach of Olón which takes around 45 minutes or so.
On the other hand, you can walk up the road which will bring you onto the cliff top where there is a nice viewpoint overlooking called Mirador Santuario de Olón. It’s a nice place to get away from the crowds and have some quiet time.
Head to Olón for the Day
One of the nice things about Montañita is being able to get out of Montañita for some time. Not that I don’t love this place, but sometimes it’s nice to get away from the crowds and head to a beach where you can enjoy the peace.
Luckily, Montañita’s little sister, Olón, is just around the corner. Quite literally, too, it’s just on the other side of the cliff. You can either walk along the rockpools if the tide is low, or cross the cliff via the Av. Blanca Estrella de la Mar. Olón’s beach is arguably nicer, definitely more pristine and expansive than Montañita.
It feels more lucsh and more like a typical tropical getaway. Here you can go for a swim, go into town, get some food and just walk around a bit, checking out what this town has to offer.
Check out La Rinconada
La Rinconada is a small town about 15 minutes away from Montañita by bus. This cute little town is tucked away on a cliffside, and it’s a window into the authentic village life that you see along the coast, although it has likely developed since the last time I was there in 2017.
Even so, you can walk along the rocky coastline, get a coffee or some local food, and enjoy this more pristine slice of nature right by the coast. In my opinion, it’s worth a visit, and you can easily get there and back within a few hours. Just wave down the buses that pass you by on the E15 like a mad man, and they will give you a lift for about $1.
Head to Dos Mangas
Dos Mangas is a small community in the tropical forest about an hour’s walk from Manglaralto. The area is known for its eco-tourism initiatives, with locals guiding visitors through well-maintained trails leading to waterfalls and natural pools. It’s a popular hiking spot in the area where you can also see some local villages.
The hikes are generally easy to moderate and suitable for most fitness levels. You also have the opportunity to see some diverse flora and fauna, including howler monkeys and various unique bird species. Some popular tourist activities in the area include:
- Waterfall Trail: A popular route that takes you through the forest to a series of small waterfalls. The hike is approximately 4 kilometers long round trip and includes some stream crossings.
- Natural Pools: Another trail leads to crystal-clear pools that are perfect for a swim. This path is slightly longer but offers a serene setting amidst the jungle.
- Horseback Riding: Some spots in Dos Mangas offer horseback riding. For a different experience, consider a guided horseback tour through the forest, which can be arranged in the village
Do an Ayahuasca Ceremony
About 30 minutes from Montañita, you’ll find Ayampe: A small holistic community on the beach. On the outskirts of the small town, you will find a lodge called Finca Punta.
Finca Punta is a nature lodge that doubles up as a ceremony space. They have a large maloka surrounded by lush jungle, and a Temazcal. The owner, Aldos, runs the Temazcals, which cost $20 to participate in. If you haven’t done a Temazcal before, this is a great opportunity to experience one.
There is another curandero who facilitates the Ayahuasca ceremonies, who is Shuar (a tribe from the Amazonian regions of southeastern Ecuador and northern Peru). I haven’t sat in a ceremony with him, but I used to work at a shamanic healing center with his son, who is a very powerful curandero there. Being his father, who passed down the lineage, I imagine you’re in very good hands.
Likewise, I haven’t stayed there, but it’s a beautiful spot. Ideal if you plan on doing a ceremony. You can book a bed or a room here. Keep in mind that the map doesn’t show the right location for some reason. I’ve marked it down on my Ecuador Best Places map here.
On the other hand, Vikara in Olón also offers 9-day Ayahuasca retreats for a more immersive experience. If that’s more up your alley, book it in here.
Where to stay in Montañita
Hotel La Punta
If you’re not sure whether you want to stay in Montañita or Olón, Hotel La Punta is right in the middle. It’s on the cliff, away from the business of the towns, but within walking distance to both towns: A 10-minute walk to Montañita and a 20-minute walk to Olón. I stayed here for a week, and I loved it! The hostel is charming, well-priced, and you feel like you’re away from it all while listening to the sounds of the waves at night. I highly recommend! Book it here.
Kamala Surf & Backpacker Hostel
I’ve stayed at Karama Surf and Backpacker Hostel twice, and I would stay again. In my eyes, this places ticks all the boxes. It’s a large property that’s right on the beach. The location is closer to Manglaralto than Montañita, which means you’re out of the chaos and can enjoy the quietness of the coast. With that said, it’s a nice 20-minute walk along the beach to Montañita from here, so it’s still accessible. There is a social area, a pool, a bar and restaurant, and fire pits. Strikes a good balance between being a relaxing beach getaway, but with a nice social vibe. Book it here.
Hostel Casa del Sol
This is one of the bigger-name hostels in Montañita, and it has certainly earned its reputation. This is the perfect place to meet other travelers, enjoy the beautiful space, and relax. It’s only 50 meters away from the beach, and still in town, but just far enough outside that you have some quiet. Casa del Sol also doubles up as a surf and yoga school, which happens to be one of the most popular in town. If that calls to you, you can book the surf school program here. Otherwise, you can book accommodation here.
Hotel Cayena Beach
Hotel Cayena Beach is one of the newer spots that popped up, which I stayed at for a few nights in 2023. I really enjoyed it here. You can walk into the town center in about 5 minutes, but it’s far enough outside that it feels peaceful. The hostel is beautiful, modern, and has everything you need… Hammocks, social areas, a kitchen, good amenities, a pool, and even an underwater tunnel connecting the reception and pool (how cool is that!).
There weren’t many people around when I was there, so it didn’t have much of a social buzz. I made friends with the local cat, which sounds depressing but was exactly the R&R I needed. Want a quieter, modern hostel experience? Book here.
Hidden House
Hidden House is the go-to backpackers’ party spot, which has $6 bottomless cocktail nights every Wednesday and Friday. This place certainly brings in a crowd, with a DJ, many games, big open spaces full of tables, hammocks, and all the above.
But Hidden House also doubles up as a hostel. You can get a bed there for an affordable price, although the amenities aren’t the best. Generally, it’s quite chill and a nice relaxing spot to mingle with other travelers. On the party nights, the party died down at 11 pm, when most people make their way to Caña Grill, which is known as the after-party spot. Feeling the social party vibes? Book your stay.
