Montanita

Montanita, a small town on Ecuador's South Coast, is a favorite destination for backpackers and surfers. Because of the milder temperatures and better waves, surfing is excellent from December to May. However, beginners should exercise caution when riding the long, powerful waves, and everyone should pay close attention to the riptides.

Throughout the season, Montanita is the site of a few professional surf competitions. The people are tolerant and open-minded, and the town is very laid back. The town is filled with young people, or what some might refer to as hippies, so overall the atmosphere is very lively. Some can be seen along the street corridors working as fabric and jewelry vendors. In Montanita, there are numerous nightclubs and beach bars, and weekends are frequently jam-packed with loud parties, especially during the high season. Fresh seafood, vegetarian restaurants, and internet access are all readily available. The months of January and February are the busiest and most crowded in the town. It's not that hard to get there. Buses into the town are available from Manta or Guayaquil.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0

Location: Santa Elena province, Ecuador