On the way to the Punta of the Montañita comuna, the Monumento al Surfista stands beside the main road, the Ruta del Spondylus, in a small plaza established in 2013. The monument is 6.50 meters high; the figure measures 4.20 meters. The monument makes a distinct contribution to the town’s surf profile.

Beach and Surf Culture in Montañita

Montañita Beach is located in the Manglaralto parish within the Montañita comuna. It is characterized by fine beige sand and blue water. In the Montañita comuna, surf schools teach beginners from the ground up, with instruction provided by specialized teachers. Numerous beach breaks are located nearby. Tourists and residents play beach volleyball in a designated area of sand.

Tours and Activities in the Surrounding Area

Montañita is also a starting point for fishing and diving tours. South of Montañita, horseback rides are offered in the Dos Mangas comuna. Dos Mangas is also known as a destination for jungle hikes and natural swimming pools. North of Montañita, cycling and hiking are offered in the Olón comuna. Further afield in the region, visits to chocolate factories offer insights into artisanal cocoa processing. The southern and northern destinations offer different activity highlights: Dos Mangas is known for horseback rides, hikes, and swimming pools, while Olón is known for cycling and hiking.

A Typical Dish from Montañita

A typical dish from Montañita’s cuisine consists of fried fish, patacones, arroz con moro, and salad. This specific combination adds a culinary aspect of the town to its coastal and surf activities.

Santa Elena as the Broader Setting

The broader destination of Santa Elena offers more than Montañita. Ecuador’s first national surfing championship was held at La Fae in 1984. From June to September each year, humpback whales use the warm waters off Salinas to mate and give birth. La Chocolatera is the westernmost point of the Ecuadorian coast and the second-farthest-reaching headland in South America; five viewpoints are connected by self-guided trails with information panels. More than 100 species of seabirds and shorebirds live in the Humedal Ecuasal wetland.

Other regional destinations have their own highlights: The Las Cascadas hiking trail in Dos Mangas passes through the humid forests of the Cordillera Chongón-Colonche and by several waterfalls. During the rainy season, the main waterfall can reach up to 20 meters in height. Ancón is considered Ecuador’s first oil town and a historical and cultural heritage site; the town was founded by the Anglo Ecuadorian Oilfields Company. The Circuito de la Paja Toquilla leads to places in Santa Elena where the raw material for woven hats is grown and processed. These hats are considered an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Discover more destinations: Punta Blanca, Ayangue, La Rinconada, Anconcito, La Libertad, Ayampe, Santa Elena, Ballenita.

Go to the broader travel overview: Santa Elena.