Ballenita

The first resort on Ecuador's Peninsula of Santa Elena is called Ballenita. Santa Elena, the capital, is only 3 minutes away. From Montanita, Salinas is a 40-minute drive away. The name comes from the observation of whales migrating together for mating. A little over 2,000 people who work in artisanal fishing and tourism reside in Ballenita. Given the low cost of land and real estate, this may be the expat community in Ecuador that is expanding the quickest. Ballenita is also undergoing renovations, with work currently being done on a new malecón and a whale-watching tower.

The weather is dry. Ballenita has a year-round average temperature of 25 °C. With its 1600 meters of beach, warm waters, and fine sand, Ballenita Beach is a great place for families, groups of friends, or just some alone time. An intriguing area is provided by the Ballenita movement for crafts and fishing. This led to the creation of small eateries serving dishes, ceviches, and a variety of fish and seafood prepared with an exotic flavor and skill that was passed down through the generations.

Google rating: 4.2/5.0
Location: Santa Elena, Ecuador