All you need is Pacific Coast
Over 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of endless beaches and tropical climate welcome visitors looking for outdoor fun year round.
The Ecuadorian Coast is characterized for its ever changing landscape, from miles of coconut fringed beaches, gigantic cliffs towering over multicolored coves, to green mangrove forests and dry tropical woodlands. Bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and blessed with a warm tropical climate throughout the year this area is popular with nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, in particular surfers, and beachgoers alike.
Further inland lie picturesque towns popular for their local gastronomy and craftsmanship, the bustling city of Guayaquil, historical sites, and miles of cacao, banana, palm and rice plantations.
Over 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of endless beaches and tropical climate welcome visitors looking for outdoor fun year round.
The Ecuadorian Coast is characterized for its ever changing landscape, from miles of coconut fringed beaches, gigantic cliffs towering over multicolored coves, to green mangrove forests and dry tropical woodlands. Bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and blessed with a warm tropical climate throughout the year this area is popular with nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, in particular surfers, and beachgoers alike.
Further inland lie picturesque towns popular for their local gastronomy and craftsmanship, the bustling city of Guayaquil, historical sites, and miles of cacao, banana, palm and rice plantations.
Weather
The beach season (January to May) offers sunny days in the morning with eventually afternoon showers and is the best season to visit the central and southern pacific coast. The dry season (June to December) is cooler and usually overcast, but offers great whale watching opportunities especially along the Machalilla National Park (June to October).
Gastronomy
The coastal gastronomy is characterized by its blend of seafood with coconut, banana and green plantains giving it an original and delicious flavor different to the cuisine in other parts of Ecuador.
Pacific Coast main Adventure activities
Surfing, Bodyboarding, Kitesurfing, Windsurfing, Paddle Boarding, Whale Watching, Kayaking, Hiking, Paragliding.
Whale Watching, Puerto López, Manabí
During the Humpback Whale season (June – October) visitors to the Coast can go on whale watching tours along the coast or a guided visit to “Isla de la Plata” with whale watching opportunities along the way. Isla de la Plata is also known as the mini Galapagos because many of the same species inhabit the island located just 37 km (23 miles) from the coast.
Hang Ten in Montañita
This once sleepy fishing village turned surf capital attracts surfers from around the world year round, thanks to its perfect waves that can reach up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet). One of its most renowned surf spots is La Punta, a coral reef north of the bohemian town famous for its ecological cabins, small beach hotels, casual restaurants, surf shops and fun nightlife.
Guayaquil
This coastal metropolis, home to over 2.5 million inhabitants, serves as Ecuador´s main port and bustling economic center. Although the city boasts a modern architecture and infrastructure, a glimpse into Guayaquil´s colonial time can be seen in the district of Las Peñas. This small neighborhood is a vestige of the colonial city with its wooden houses, narrow cobble stone streets, art shops, boutique hotels, bars and restaurants with open terraces over the Guayas River which offer a fantastic view of the city’s skyline. Also not to be missed is a walk along the Malecon, a 2.5 km (1.5 mile) river front boardwalk which features several historical monuments, museums, gardens, shops, restaurants, bars and an IMAX theater.
Esmeraldas
Located in the northern end of the Pacific Coast, bordering Colombia, Esmeraldas is home to the largest Afro-Ecuadorian community in the country offering a distinctive cuisine and vibrant cultural celebrations.