The Coastal Beaches of Ecuador

Playa Rosada

This beautiful beach spot for a vacation that is under an hour away from Salinas.  Like its name, "Pink Beach," this beach has a pink tinted color to its sand.  A much more calmer choice than Chipipe, Playa Rosada will leave a wonderful memory to any vacation.  

How to get here: If coming from Guayaquil, you can take a bus to Santa Elena terminal.  From here, you can take a bus that will take you to Montanita.  Let them know you are going to Playa Rosada.  Additionally, you can take a taxi from Ayange and ask for them to come back and pick you up in a 2-3 hours depending on your time allotment. 

Isla de la Plata

This is the famous island that many tourists from all over the world flock to even if they are not able to make it the Galapagos Islands. The island is home to many bird species and usually you can grab a day trip tour for only $35 that includes snorkeling and lunch! 

How to get here: The island is accessible from Puerto Lopez.  I recommend staying overnight in the town, Marianella B&B was excellent and only cost us $20 per person. Please see her listing on Airbnb.   From the bus terminal in Guayaquil, you can take a bus to Puerto Lopez directly or transfer in Santa Elena.   

Tours: My mom and I used a company called Aventuras La Plata and paid only $35. This included transportation, lunch, a tour of the island, and snorkeling with snorkel gear included.  If you have a smaller frame on your face, I recommend buying and bringing your own snorkel mask.  I have found on this tour and on similar tours in the Galapagos, the masks tend to fill with water making it hard to see the marine life.  

Blue-Footed Booby Bird, Isla de la Plata

Ayampe Beach

This is a surfer's dream beach.  The waves are perfect for experienced surfers and have a few hostels that are perfect for a quiet getaway.

How to get there:  From Puerto Lopez, you can easily take the local bus that will drop you on a very, narrow small street off the side of the road.  There is a small store at the corner, the man is very friendly.  From you just walk down the road, passing hostels, a school that is unfortunately closing down, until you arrive to the beach.  I saw very few people here so it is great if you want something low-key. 

Los Frailes National Park

This is one of the few beaches in Ecuador that is part of a protected area.  It is a crescent shape-beach with white sands overlooking the blue water.  Locals and tourists both visit this beach to gain one of the best views Ecuador's coast has to offer. 

How to get here: Los Frailes is a 15-minute bus ride from the Puerto Lopez terminal.  Once you get off the bus, you just walk up to the park entrance guides and provide your information.  From there, you can either take a moto taxi for $1 or you can walk around 25-30 minutes to the park.  This is a no food and no beverage beach and they do check! So make sure you're just carrying what you need.  

Salinas Boardwalk

Salinas is one the most populated towns on Ecuador's coast. Here you will find nightlife and condominiums along its boardwalk. It is a good place to come if you  would like to have a beer, mojito, or just lay on the sand.  There is also a military base nearby where you can see sea lions.

How to get here: From the bus terminal in Guayaquil, you can take a bus that takes you to Santa Elena terminal.  From there Salinas is a 30-minute drive more or less or you can take a bus.  Once there, there are several places to stay along with boardwalk including fancy hotels with all you can eat buffet.  

Estero del Platano, Esmeraldas

This beach is a little tough to get to, but definitely worth it.  A tiny village off the north coast, this beach is crescent shape with beautiful blue water. The waves are strong so be cautious if entering. This is a good spot for a day trip or a visit up the North Coast of Ecuador.  

How to get here: From the terminal in Esmeraldas, you can take a bus that veers south and asked to be dropped off at Estero del Platano.  They will drop you off at a town in Galera.  From there, you can either take a bus that will drive down to the small sea village or you will have to ask for a ride.  There are farm workers there that offered me and my friend a ride.  On a side note, it was sad to hear these workers only earn $10 a day for their manual labor, which is less than half the minimum wage. 

Same Beach, Esmeraladas

Same is another beach you can visit when on the North Coast of Ecuador.  It is a much more low-key beach than Atacames, which is much like the Montanita of the North.  Here you can rent a boogie board for under $5.  I went there near sunset and got a spectacular view!

How to get here: From the bus terminal in Esmeraldas, you can easily find buses with signs for Same beach.  Once on the bus, you will pass by Atacames and SUA beaches until you arrive to Same. It’s an easy walk from where the bus leaves you to the beach where there are plenty of ceviche stands and beautiful white sand.