Surfing Guide to Montañita, Ecuador

Summary

Montañita is Ecuador’s most famous surfing destination and this little town has some of the most consistent in South America. In Montañita, you will find waves on almost any given day, giving you the chance to score on your surf trip without experiencing too many lay days.

When people think of surfing destinations in South America, Ecuador usually isn’t the first place that comes up. However, over the last decade, this country has been gaining a lot of popularity in the surfing community.

With a coastline that is yet to be fully discovered by surfers, you can still find some spots with barely anyone out. Swells are also very consistent throughout the year without ever getting too big like they would a bit further south, in Chile, for example.

Within Ecuador, if you are gonna chose one place to go, Montañita might very well be the one. It is very hard not to fall in love with this Ecuadorian beach town known as the surfing mecca of the country. Montañita has good restaurants and bars providing a decent social life and making it very easy to meet fellow travelers.

Sun, warm water, nightlife and fairly cheap accommodation will all make this trip even more enjoyable. While Montañita has this little buzz that makes you want to stay forever, make sure to also check the rest of the coast for emptier line-ups and amazing surfing opportunities. For even more adventure, go further inland to discover an amazing country.

When to go

The best time to surf Montañita, Ecuador is pretty much all year long. Waves are very consistent both in summer and winter. However, from December to April, conditions will be slightly bigger with the arrival of some north swells.

Where to stay in Montañita

Hotel Kunalini is a great affordable place to stay near Montañita Beach and ME Hotel is a little more expensive but still has a great reputation.

Getting there

The quickest and best way to get to Montañita is to fly to Guayaquil and then use public transportation to Montañita.

Surf spots in Montañita

Montañita point

At the very end of the beach, a classic right-hand point break holding nicely a sizable swell producing a long and nice wave. Can get hollow on the low tide, but most of the time it is a fairly mellow peeler.

• Wave direction : Right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Mid to low
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : E

Montañita beach

Very consistent beach break working on most days. Perfect for beginners or advanced with several peaks.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : N or S
• Optimal wind direction : E