THE COASTAL WORLD
SUN, FLAVOR
AND JOY
Ecuador’s Pacific coast welcomes you with sun, flavor and joy: endless beaches, cliffs, mangroves and perfect waves.
Surfing, diving and water sports blend with the warmth of its people, the rhythm of the marimba and a seafood-rich cuisine that wins you over at first bite.
The country’s gateway
Experience
Urban and culinary tourism along the Guayas River, the country’s main gateway.
Activities
Malecón 2000, Las Peñas and Santa Ana hill, the iguana park, food and shopping.
Cuisine
Encebollado, creole crab, rice with menestra.
Tip
Ideal as a hub: it connects with Galápagos and the whole Ecuadorian coast.
The great Pacific route
Experience
A scenic route linking beaches, cliffs and fishing villages.
Activities
Surfing, whale watching, seafood cuisine and a coastal road trip.
Cuisine
Encebollado, ceviche, corviche, seafood.
Tip
Drive it between June and September to add whale watching.
Whales and Isla de la Plata
Experience
Marine and coastal nature tourism in the country’s only coastal national park.
Activities
Humpback whale watching, snorkeling, Isla de la Plata, Los Frailes beach.
Cuisine
Fried fish, ceviches and catch of the day.
Tip
Book ahead in whale season; the ‘mini-Galápagos’ Isla de la Plata is worth it.
Surf and nightlife
Experience
The surf town par excellence, buzzing day and night.
Activities
Surfing, yoga, board lessons, coastal cuisine and entertainment.
Cuisine
Ceviche, encebollado, bolón de verde.
Tip
Great for younger travelers; best during international surf seasons.
Beach resort and water sports
Experience
The country’s best-known beach resort, with a boardwalk, sun and open sea.
Activities
Water sports, whale watching, sport fishing, beach life.
Cuisine
Seafood, ceviche, sailor’s rice.
Tip
Perfect for a beach getaway with every service at hand.
Afro-Ecuadorian culture and marimba
Experience
Beaches, Afro-Ecuadorian culture and the contagious rhythm of the marimba.
Activities
Atacames and Mompiche beaches, Afro music, mangroves and community tourism.
Cuisine
Encocado, tapao, seafood.
Tip
For authentic cultural and culinary tourism; enjoy a night of marimba.
FOR THE TRAVELER
BEFORE YOU GO
When to Go
June to September brings humpback whales and cooler weather; December to May, full sun and warm seas.
What pack
Sunscreen, light clothing and a swimsuit; the Pacific sun is intense year-round.
Getting Around
The Spondylus Route links beaches and fishing villages; best explored as a road trip.
EXPERIENCE TO COAST
Download the Ecuador Travel Guide and discover how to join the rainforest with the other three worlds in a single trip.