The 11 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 7 guides that rank for "best beaches in ecuador"
Named by 5 of 71. Los FrailesManabí, EcuadorA 3 km beach inside Machalilla National Park with no town, white sand and cliffs on both sides.Kept natural and clean by its place in the park; won a cleanest beach award in 2015.
Named by 5 of 72. AyampeManabí, EcuadorA quieter retreat known for yoga and surfing.A 3 km beach that draws surfers and mostly foreign visitors.
Named by 3 of 73. MompicheEsmeraldas, EcuadorA sleepy fishing village on the northern coast with an easy left surf break for beginners.Underdeveloped and unspoiled, with dolphin watching and mangrove visits possible.
Named by 3 of 7
4. Montañita
Santa Elena, Ecuador
Nationally recognised as the best party town in Ecuador.
Good surf all year; low season waves suit beginners.
Named by 3 of 75. OlónSanta Elena, EcuadorA relaxed town a few km north of Montañita, with good surf for beginners and no all-night parties.Reached from Montañita in about 15 minutes by bus.
Named by 3 of 76. Puerto LópezManabí, EcuadorA fishing and tourism village, more laid back than Montañita, with humpback whale watching from June to September.A good base for Los Frailes and Isla de la Plata.
Named by 3 of 77. Isla de la PlataManabí, EcuadorOften called the Poor Man's Galapagos for its birdlife.Day trips can show blue-footed boobies and whales.
Named by 2 of 78. SalinasSanta Elena, EcuadorThe southern end of La Ruta del Sol, the Route of the Sun, which starts in Manta.A family itinerary includes a whale museum and beaches here.
Named by 2 of 79. CanoaManabí, EcuadorBusier than Mompiche, a chilled beach with some night life, plus surf lessons and yoga.
10. AtacamesEsmeraldas, EcuadorA busy beach town on the northern coast with plenty of night life.
11. Playa San LorenzoManta, EcuadorA quiet 3 km beach and sea turtle nesting ground, not great for swimming.
Fares from your city
Pick a place for live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
When to go
Travel guides most often name June to September as the best time to visit Ecuador.
Named by 5 of 71. Los FrailesA 3 km beach inside Machalilla National Park with no town, white sand and cliffs on both sides.Kept natural and clean by its place in the park; won a cleanest beach award in 2015.
Named by 5 of 72. AyampeA quieter retreat known for yoga and surfing.A 3 km beach that draws surfers and mostly foreign visitors.
Named by 3 of 73. MompicheA sleepy fishing village on the northern coast with an easy left surf break for beginners.Underdeveloped and unspoiled, with dolphin watching and mangrove visits possible.
