No, not all of Ecuador is rapid-riding, peak-bagging, monkey-spotting, or artesanía-buying. Ecuador has beaches, too—with quite the hoppin’ party scene. From Jambelí down south to Atacames way up north, Ecuador has some of the best beaches in the world—and it has enough for everyone. Don’t like beaches crowded with other tourists and bothersome hagglers? Don’t worry. Let’s Go has found some amazingly pristine and quiet sand. Indeed, this edition has added Mompiche, a beach town only recently sprung up within the last two years. For partiers, the beaches at Montañita and Atacames are the best. Be forewarned that those beaches are less than tranquil, but, thankfully, that means they offer a lot of wild times. For those with a little more cash to burn, set up camp at the eco-friendly lodge at Hostería Ecológica Alandaluz and hang out at its nearly virgin beaches or daytrip to Montañita. But fear not, budget travelers! In and around Montañita, inexpensive hotels and hostels abound. True fiesta-fiends should make sure Atacames is at the top of their lists. This town is known throughout Ecuador for throwing the best parties.
On the other hand, for some peace and quiet, Playa Escondida, not too far from Atacames, really is a “hidden beach.” The few who know about it respect it for its tranquility. Get away from it all to rejuvenate here. Or, for a slightly more upbeat time at a place that offers more than just beach, travel to Bahía de Caráquez. At Ecuador’s coastal midpoint, this city on the shore is a great place to set up a base. Stay for a few days and explore daytrips to beach towns up and down the coast.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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