• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-7363353288
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "ecuador/pacific-coast-and-lowlands/montanita",
  "destination": "Montañita",
  "title": "montanita",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "South-Coast",
  "continent": "South-America",
  "country": "Ecuador",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Montañita

Ecuador

South America Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
montañita ecuador with cross catholic

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Overview

The beachfront village of Montañita is a party place with a surfing problem. There's a steady stream of cosmopolitan backpackers, with as many South Americans as gringos. Cheap digs and a relaxed vibe mean some travelers put down temporary roots, paying their way by hair braiding, jewelry-making or working in guesthouses. Montañita is ideal for the kind of person who, regardless of age, balks at the typical restaurant dress code: bare feet and no shirt is practically de rigueur here.

Take your Ecuador trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Amazon Adventures, Cotopaxi Cowboys, and Quito Culture: Ecuador in 10 Days

highlights

  1. 1Straddling the Middle of the World at the world’s equatorial border of zero degrees
  2. 2Riding a horse in the style of a traditional Cotopaxi Chagra
  3. 3Hiking at the base of volcanoes in Cotopaxi National Park
from $3,400

per person

book this tripsee trip details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-830829399887
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "ecuador/pacific-coast-and-lowlands/montanita",
  "destination": "Montañita",
  "title": "montanita",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "South-Coast",
  "continent": "South-America",
  "country": "Ecuador",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-275690147537
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "ecuador/pacific-coast-and-lowlands/montanita",
  "destination": "Montañita",
  "title": "montanita",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "South-Coast",
  "continent": "South-America",
  "country": "Ecuador",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Montañita

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-816460879114
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "ecuador/pacific-coast-and-lowlands/montanita",
  "destination": "Montañita",
  "title": "montanita",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "South-Coast",
  "continent": "South-America",
  "country": "Ecuador",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}