Santa Elena, estimated as the coastal demarcation of the Guayaquil area, Ecuador, has its riverbanks as its main attractions, of course. It has so many different beaches to enjoy; It is characterized by having a large tourist infrastructure, an oil refinery, a seaport and an airport. In addition, there are internationally renowned beaches such as Salinas, Montañita and Santa Elena itself. All of them live from Ecuadorian and foreign tourism thanks to the fact that they have: five-star hotels, bars, nightclubs, autodrome, racetrack, places to practice diving, swimming, sport fishing and surfing. Today we will bring you a top 10 hidden paradises of Ecuador located in Santa Elena:
1. Montañita
Montañita is perhaps one of the most famous beaches in Ecuador and recognized worldwide by foreign tourists since, despite being small, it has a happy and fun atmosphere that is said to be a party not for any day. There are several ways to get to Montañita from the nearby beaches, but the best known is by taking a bus from the Terminal Terrestre de Guayaquil. There is only one bus line that goes directly to this beach and it is called “Libertad Peninsular” with a ticket that costs around 6.25 dollars. The issue of lodging is simple because there are countless hotels at different prices. Obviously during the holiday season you have to call to reserve a room and not find any surprises. Regarding gastronomy, Montañita offers tourists various food options from street carts to restaurants with prices from 2 to 15 dollars.
2. Salinas
It is an important tourist center due to its beautiful and welcoming beaches. It is known for being one of the main spas in Ecuador visited every year by national and international tourists. Salinas is ideal for practicing water sports such as diving, surfing, sailing, beach volleyball, jet skiing and deep-sea fishing. The beach is 15 kilometers long and the water temperature is warm. This resort is located 150 kilometers from Guayaquil and is the entertainment center par excellence in the country as it has fabulous restaurants, hotels and modern nightclubs to enjoy all year round.
3. Ayangue
Ayangue is a small town located on the Santa Elena peninsula. Its beaches are known for having clear and warm waters, which is why they are nicknamed “Pools of the Pacific”. Ayangue, despite not being huge, receives thousands of visitors from all parts of Ecuador. In addition, it is an excellent place for diving lovers who want to dive underwater. There are also boats where tourists can enter the sea in order to observe the majesty of the giant whales that live near this beach. The hotel infrastructure is good and the site has many restaurants serving fresh and delicious seafood.
4. Ballenita Beach
Ballenita Beach has countless natural benefits that have made it a nationally and internationally recognized tourist destination. Likewise, it offers a wide range of services and attractions for the whole family such as: ecotourism, gastronomic tourism and water sports tourism. One of the advantages of this beautiful fishing town is that it has a pleasant climate all year round with very few variations and it is the epicenter from which humpback whales can be observed. Ballenita has it all: friendly people, unforgettable landscapes and above all a lot of peace.
5. La Libertad
La Libertad beach is one of the spas full of beauty that the Ecuadorian coast has. With several kilometers in length, its waters are ideal for children and adults due to its welcoming climate. This has encouraged tourists from all corners of the province of Santa Elena and the entire country to visit the place. It also has a charming boardwalk for the whole family to walk, get distracted and find healthy recreation.
6. Anconcito
The strong fishing tradition of the people of Santa Elena
means that there are paradisiacal sites such as Anconcito Beach where the most usual image is of people diving and fishing boats that are lost on the horizon. In addition, it has avenues with restaurants where you can try the delicacies fresh from the sea. Anconcito is a place to get lost and be in contact with nature.
7. San Pablo
San Pablo beach is the best place to swim with friends or family. It has a seabed of incredible biodiversity and beauty for those who wish to dive into the depths. On the other hand, outside you can easily see a wide variety of waterfowl and an important nautical leisure center where you can practice sports such as rowing, sailing and surfing.
8. Ancon
In Ecuador there is a paradisiacal place, a tourist destination that presents the province of Santa Elena: Ancón. This parish offers national and foreign tourists an alternative to live unforgettable experiences by visiting its tropical dry forests to feel direct contact with nature. These forests have beautiful endemic and migratory birds that people can photograph. Ancón is also known for having the first oil well in Ecuador. Likewise, there is a beautiful and exotic beach surrounded by cliffs where you can do many sports and adventure activities.
9. Chanduy
It is one of the most popular beach destinations for nationals and foreigners. It is a true paradise that combines incredible landscapes and warm waters practically all year round, which makes any visitor happy. Therefore, it is best to take advantage of this beach without haste.
10. Punta blanca
Punta Blanca is a small beach located in the province of Santa Elena, about 10 kilometers from Salinas. It is a beautiful and paradisiacal spa located on the Ecuadorian coast. Punta Blanca offers its visitors a lot of sun, a wide beach and a calm sea of incredible blue waters.
If you visit any of these places, you will surely keep incredible memories and live a wonderful experience, visit also: Hidden paradise in Montañita Ecuador
