31/01/2023
Things to do in Montañita
Some might think that Montañita is just a small relaxed beach town with not much to offer other than surfing; however, you will find endless actives in and around Montañita that will keep you entertained for hours.
Surfing
Most people come to Montañita to surf as this is the sport that put this small fishing village on the map. Montañita’s surf is some of the best in South America, and the waves are known for being consistent pretty much all year round. The cost of board rental can vary, depending on what you want and your haggling skills. To rent a surfboard for a day generally costs around $8-10 USD. If you are looking for lessons, then Montañita Surf Aloha, Tres Palmas Surf, and Guest House Balsa Surf Camp are the best places for package deals for lessons and boards.
Water Sports
As well as surfing, there is a variety of watersports activities available in Montañita, such as stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and diving. There are many companies located along the seafront offering a variety of lessons, tours, and rental equipment. Not many have functional websites, so it is best to ask around when you get there or see if your accommodation has any deals, partnerships, or recommendations with some of the tour companies. You will find a great selection as this is one of the main forms of tourism in the area.
Souvenir Shopping
Montañita is a great place for someone who loves trinkets and shopping for local handmade crafts. Being a hippy-type town, it is full of quaint souvenir shops selling some beautifully handmade goods, from handmade jewelry, local textiles and wooden crafts. The village of Valdivia has a great selection of pre-Colombian artisanal souvenirs, so this is a great place to visit for authentic and unique gifts.
Valdivia Village
Just south along the coast is the small village of Valdivia. Most visitors go to see the Pre-Columbian history museum and the aquarium: Marino Valdivia Park. However, as mentioned above, it is also popular for local crafts and souvenirs, so if you are looking to get out of Montañita for an afternoon, then this is a cute village to visit.
Beach Sunsets
Montañita is on the west coast of South America, so it gets some of the world’s best sunsets. The golden beaches and blue sea, crossed with the orange and pink sky, make a breathtaking view. Whether you are sipping a cocktail from a bar or simply sitting on the beach, this is a spectacle worth admiring, and it is completely free.
Whale Watching
Just off the coast of Montañita, depending on the time of year you visit, it is possible to whale watch. Between July and November, humpback whales can be seen from about a 10-15 minute boat ride from the coast, and there are many boat trips that take you out to spectate. Tours cost around $15 USD per person, so if you are visiting during this time, it is worth seeing this beautiful act of nature.
Galapagos Islands
When some people visit Montañita, they often book tours to the Galapagos Islands. However, this isn’t within everyone’s budget, and it does require a fair bit of planning beforehand. There are multiple tour companies in Montañita that will organize guided trips for you, but the best thing to do is visit the official Galapagos Islands website here, galapagosislands.com/travel/ to find out more before you go. I personally didn’t take a trip to the Galapagos Islands because it was out of my budget, and I found that there was plenty to do in the area and surrounding villages.
Isla de la Plata
Also known as ‘the poor man Galapagos,’ this is an alternative archipelago of beautiful islands to snorkel and swim around. Isla de la Plata, which translates to ‘Silver Island,’ has become a popular excursion from Montañita as it is affordable and beautiful. Most boat tours and trips go to Isla de la Plata as it is not too far from Montañita. Prices vary depending on the time of year you visit and can be haggled when you are in Montañita.
Los Frailes
If you are looking for a change of beach or for a different scene, then you need to visit Los Frailes beach. Located just a couple of hours north of Montañita, this beach is one of the top-rated beaches in Ecuador, and when you see photos, you will understand why. Surrounded with unique rock formations, the beach is very different from Montañita as the white sand is pleasantly complemented by the high cliffs and natural rock formations that line the beach. This is the place any Instagramer wants to go!
Agua Blanca
Located just over an hour’s drive away from Montañita deep in the Machalillia National Park are the mud baths at Agua Blanca. This community-run project brings tourists from all over Ecuador to hike and eventually bathe in the sulfur mud baths. For around $82 USD, you can take a tour from Montañita via Los Frailes in a day, or you can enjoy an adventurous bike tour to the beautiful mountains too. Have a look on Tripadvisor for different tours that are on offer, and then when you arrive in Montañita, you can visit a local tour guide to book a tour.
Dos Mangas Waterfalls
Only a short ride from Montañita is the secluded waterfalls of Dos Mangas. It is common to take a taxi to the village of Dos Mangas and then trek to the waterfalls by horse or by foot. It is possible to rent a horse for around $10 USD and a local guide for around $20 USD, and you can even book some prepackaged tours that include your transport to the village from Montañita and lunch.
Some might think that Montañita is just a small relaxed beach town with not much to offer other than surfing; however, you will find endless activities in and around Montañita that will keep you entertained for hours.
