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5 beach towns you absolutely have to check out in Ecuador

By Ian Goodwillie

ESMERLADAS, ECUADOR - AUGUST 08: A general view of the beaches of Atacames on August 8, 2020 in Atacames, Ecuador. Authorities approved the reopening of 40 beaches in Ecuador after 140 of Lockdown while in Guayllabamba, the local zoo was opened to be visited by tourists. Ecuador has more than 93,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and over 5,500 deceases. (Photo by Juan Ramirez/Agencia Press South/Getty Images)
ESMERLADAS, ECUADOR - AUGUST 08: A general view of the beaches of Atacames on August 8, 2020 in Atacames, Ecuador. Authorities approved the reopening of 40 beaches in Ecuador after 140 of Lockdown while in Guayllabamba, the local zoo was opened to be visited by tourists. Ecuador has more than 93,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and over 5,500 deceases. (Photo by Juan Ramirez/Agencia Press South/Getty Images) /
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While a lot of people travel to South America for the food or to spend time reconnecting with nature, some people just go to enjoy the beach life. And there are several great places to do that, particularly in Ecuador.

Resting on the West Coast of South America, the Equator runs right through Ecuador. As such, it has an amazing climate and some absolutely stunning beaches to choose from, not to mention a great selection of seaside towns.

Salinas, Ecuador

On the western tip of the Santa Elena province is the resort city of Salinas. It’s a bit more than a beach town as it has a metropolitan population of approximately of 200,000 people. But that hasn’t killed the beach town vibe at all.

Salinas is home to some of the most popular beaches in the entirety of Ecuador, including San Lorenzo and Chipipe. The Malecón Promenade guides you around them, as well as to several other major attractions in the city.

Manta, Ecuador

Ecuador
ESMERALDAS, ECUADOR – APRIL 02: A child walks on the beach of Tonsupa on April 2, 2021 in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. President of Ecuador Lenín Moreno declared a state of exception “alert for public calamity” in the provinces of Ecuador: Azuay, Guayas, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Manabí, Pichincha, Loja and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas that will last for 30 days. (Photo by Franklin Jacome/Agencia Press South/Getty Images) /

Known to many as San Pablo de Manta, this is the largest city in this region of Ecuador. But despite it’s size and an economy largely rooted in tuna fishing, Manta is still a beach town at heart. That shows throughout it.

Murciélago Beach is a popular spot to relax, though Tarqui Beach doesn’t quite get the same crowds. Plus, it has an excellent fish market nearby. And there are seemingly endless bars and restaurants lining the Malecón Escénico promenade to check out.

Montanita, Ecuador

Hidden away on the Santa Elena Peninsula, visitors to Ecuador will find a beach town with a much different vibe to Manta or Salinas. Montanita is a village of about a thousand people, which gives the region a much more laid back vibe.

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It has several exceptional beaches, including Montanita Beach, for visitors to chill out on end enjoy. On top of that, there are strong surf breaks, some of the best around. If that’s not enough, there are an impressive array restaurants, bars and nightclubs to check out.

Playas, Ecuador

Ecuador
An artisan works in the manufacture and reconstruction of fishing vessels in Manta, Ecuador, on August 29, 2014. AFP PHOTO / RODRIGO BUENDIA — MORE PICTURES IN IMAGE FORUM (Photo credit should read RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP via Getty Images) /

A relatively short trip for Guayaquil, visitors to Ecuador will find the costal city of Playas. At approximately 25,000 people, it’s a big enough community to have a nice variety of amenities and attractions, yet still small enough to maintain a beach town feel.

Playas is well known for having great access to sun and surf, not to mention a great selection of incredible dining options. It’s also worth noting that when you’re in Playas, you’re relatively close to Puná Island, which offers its own options.

Tonsupa, Ecuador

Getting into the northern coast of Ecuador, Tonsupa is a small but stunning community with a lot to offer visitors from around the world. And a big part of what this community has to offer is beautiful hotels overlooking spectacular beaches.

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Keeping in mind that the nearby Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve is more than worth a visit, the draw here is food, drinks and sun. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting a trip to be just that. This is the spot to take a step back and stare out at the ocean.

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