Main beach

Montañita, Ecuador

Offers gentler waves perfect for beginner surfers.

Places in Main beach

Shanka Sushi & Thai A beachfront restaurant offering Asian fusion dishes.
Hostel on-site restaurants Most hostels have restaurants on-site with free breakfast.
Bamboo yoga studio cafes Cafes near the hostels' bamboo yoga studios, embracing the village's philosophy.
Hidden House Hostel bar A well-renowned surf hostel offering great surf lessons and cheap beers.
Montañita's surfing capital reputation Ecuador's surfing capital with consistent waves year-round, from beginner-friendly main beach to the challenging La Punta breaks.

Best time to visit: December to April offers the warmest water and most consistent surf conditions.
Getting around: The village centre and beachfront cluster hostels, restaurants, and Cocktail Alley, with the main beach ideal for beginners and 'La Punta' to the north offering challenging breaks for experienced surfers.
Currency: US Dollar ($)
Language: Spanish. English is common in surf tourism.
Timezone: ECT (UTC-5)
Current trends: Montañita's hospitality scene continues to embrace its hippie-surf identity, with Hidden House Hostel's $5 dorms and surf lessons and Cocktail Alley's fiesta reputation reflecting a village built entirely around its consistent year-round waves, while day trips to Isla de la Plata's blue-footed boobies extend the appeal beyond the beach itself.

Cocktail Alley district — Fills with revellers at sunset, drawn by Montañita's reputation for fiestas.
La Punta — The northern point delivering challenging breaks for experienced surfers.