Translated as “Little Hill,” Montañita has long been a hidden gem in South America. Located on the southern coast of Ecuador, the small town slowly developed a name for itself as a surfing destination. By the 1960s, Montañita became linked to the hippie movement, many of whom left America and settled on the coast.
Ecuador’s official currency is the U.S. dollar, but the low cost of living means your $100 will get you far. As you start your day, stop by one of the many fruit stands around town for a classic Ecuadorean breakfast consisting of bananas, papayas and pineapples for just $1.
Now that the sun is out, this would be a great time to head to the beach. Montañita is a popular surfing destination and a great place to learn if you’ve never tried before. There are surf shops that offer lessons for $25, but to save some cash, try finding a local on the beach. Many of them know how to surf and would love to give you a lesson for as low as $10.
Learning to surf can work up an appetite, so when you spot one of the many ceviche carts strolling the beach, be sure to get yourself a mixto bowl. Ceviche is a popular seafood dish in South America where raw seafood is cured in citrus, chili and seasoning. For $5, you get a mixture of fresh fish, octopus, squid and shrimp that will give the best ceviche back home a run for its money.
There are a variety of activities available for adventure seekers, ranging from bird watching to parasailing. The Point is a small mountain to the north separating Montañita from the neighboring beaches of Olon. Hiking the Point is a popular activity, which offers fishing, horseback riding and excellent views of the ocean. Ecuador’s exotic wildlife can also be seen in the nearby Valdivia Aquarium, where the price of entry is $1.
Montañita truly becomes alive once 10 p.m. hits. Ecuador has traditionally been a conservative country, but this small coastal town is famous for its progressive attitude, earning the name “Little Amsterdam.” There are a countless number of bars, clubs and restaurants offering $2 cocktails and $1.50 burgers, but for an unforgettable experience head to one of Montañita’s infamous full moon parties
Read This Next
Adventure in Ecuador on Tren Crucero
Adventure
Oct 16, 2014All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedVolunteer During Spring Break 2021
While spring break might look vastly different this year than anticipated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's not too early to start planning to do some good with your time next spring break. Consider doing volunteer work over spring break 2021.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Experiences in a Fascinating Destination
Oaxaca is, without a doubt, a city so impressive one must experience it firsthand to understand its splendor. It is an incomparable place that will leave you in awe of its cultural wealth, a place that invites you to experience the extraordinary. In this light, Posadas celebrates the opening of Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca, an irresistible option for enjoying this magnificent state in an exclusive and fascinating way.
Trends / Top Trends
Apr 2, 2020San Francisco Cultural Institutions Offer Virtual Experiences
Much like cities around the world, San Francisco closed its museums and performing arts venues temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to technology, those sheltering in place can experience many of these cultural institutions from the comfort of their own homes. Here are the places opening their doors remotely.
Trends
Apr 1, 2020Honeymoon Safari in Namibia
Going on your honeymoon is a milestone in your relationship. There are many ways to enjoy your honeymoon, and a safari in Namibia is definitely a plan to consider.
Sponsored Content
Unique Places to Stay on the Island of Ireland
Whether it’s a friendly B&B, a luxurious castle or a cliff-top lighthouse, accommodation on the island of Ireland is like no other. With a warm welcome guaranteed, enjoy the very best of Irish hospitality.
Trends / Top Trends
Apr 1, 2020Eco-Friendly Methods of Grape Growing
THE LABELS ON SOME OF TODAY’S wine bottles sport a relatively new vocabulary, one that explains how the grapes were grown and made into wine. They include such terms as sustainable, organic and biodynamic, among others, and they warrant some explanation. Were the grapes grown by sustainable farming? Were they sprayed with organic fertilizers? Is the wine biodynamic? A number of the terms are new to many consumers. Some are controlled by the U.S. government; others are not. For simple definitions of this relatively new vocabulary, consider the following.
ShareThis