In the echoing words of Anthony Bourdain, travel isn’t always pretty. Sometimes, it’s wild, intoxicating, and challenges you in ways you never imagined. And in the heart of Ecuador, Montañita stands as a testament to this ethos.
Ah, Montañita! Those two wild months I spent in town could very well be turned into chapters of an unwritten book. But a forewarning to the ambitious: if your sights are set on launching startups from a beach bar, this town may just sweep you off that course. Fast internet? Well, my Airbnb did boast speeds over 100mbps, but that’s a diamond in the rough.
When the weekend rolls in, Montañita becomes synonymous with the pulsating beats of its nightlife. The revelry seems to pour from every street corner, reminding you every moment that this is Ecuador’s party haven. In the midst of it all, it’s nearly impossible to resist the siren call of dance and drink. And honestly, why should you? Coming to Montañita and not partying is like visiting Rome and skipping the Colosseum.
You won’t find co-working spaces or groups of nomads (there is a Selina but it may be one of the worst rated I have seen). What you’ll find is party people, streets packed full of drinkers, loud music, hippies and surfers well past sunrise.
What fascinates is how Montañita, originally a tranquil fishing village, transformed into this melting pot of cultures and vibes. The ’60s brought with it surfers and the hippie movement, turning this town into a magnet for both local and international wave riders. Its charm? Despite its burgeoning popularity, Montañita has stayed largely off the mainstream tourist radar. Instead, it has been the retreat for South Americans, allowing it to retain its essence as a hidden jewel.
Nightlife
With nightlife that could have its own novel, Montañita is the place where memories are made (and sometimes forgotten). The beachfront is a tapestry of nightclubs and bars, and then there’s “Calle de los Cockteles” or Cocktail Alley, a nocturnal paradise that comes alive as the sun sets.
I don’t have any footage from Cocktail Street unfortunately, so I included a video by another Youtuber, Andrew Kardas which starts with a day and night comparison of cocktail street starting from the beach side.
Come here to people watch or for a cheap cocktail with your newly met Ecuadorian friends!
Lost
And let’s talk about Lost Beach Club. This isn’t just a club. It’s an experience. Ranked 25th globally, the music, the ambiance, the proximity to the beach—it’s all something of a dream. DJs from around the world grace this place, and the energy? It’s palpable.
It also has the Cueva, the Cave, the afterhours room. Both rooms boast their own Funktion-one system, an audio nerd’s dream.
They attract some of the best DJs in the world (I saw Rafa Barrios, Carlo Lio, Technasia, Stefano Noferini and others in my 2 months stay). And don’t forget to check out the local residents. The staff is top class, the bartenders are friendly (and some speak English) and the prices are reasonable.
Now, as with any world-class club, there’s a cover charge, usually hovering between $20 and $40. But when you weigh in the international DJs and the ambiance of a top-tier establishment, it feels like a steal. To put it in perspective, a similar night in Canada with these kinds of beats would set you back between $50 and $80.
The beach club wasn’t just kind to the ears, but to the pockets too. Beers ran for about $4 when I was soaking up the vibes, and the patrons? Simply put, they were the salt of the earth. Every weekend, armed with my somewhat fractured Spanish, I’d find myself amidst new friends and old, laughing, dancing, and immersing in the infectious energy of Montañita. And yes, I confess: this weekly rendezvous with the beats and the beach became something of a ritual for me.
Left to right: Main room, La Cueva – the afterhours room, Claptone at Lost Beach with VIP space behind, and oh, yeah – did I mention Lost was directly on the beach??!
If you don’t fancy electronic music and are more of the latin music, reggaeton and hip-hop type, you’d do well to visit my second favorite club in the city…
… Alcatraz!
There’s an audacious charm to this place that nudges it from the absurd straight into the realm of pure, unadulterated awesomeness. One glance from the street outside, and the establishment’s name gives you a clear hint of its theme. Spanning multiple levels and mezzanines, the expanse of this joint is only rivaled by its wild energy. And, just in case you’re wondering, yes, nestled at the ground floor is a restaurant, perfectly juxtaposed with the mayhem above.
Honestly, there are tons of options and you won’t get bored in this city. Beyond the clubs, the city is littered with hostels which sometimes host their own parties (check out Hidden House on Wednesdays). Make some friends and you’ll get invited to cool events all the time!
Nomad Community
Ironically, in this bustling town, a strong digital nomad community is somewhat absent. You’ll find travelers, adventurers, and seekers, but don’t expect weekly e-commerce seminars.
In terms of tourism, the city attracts mostly people from South America, as this is a little-known spot to North Americans or European tourists.
This is highlighted by the fact that only one co-working space exists here, and it is part of what’s been dubbed the worst Selina hostel in the world. It’s a party spot, and not ideal for work at all.
Beaches
Montañita’s beach is a tale in itself. With golden sands stretching endlessly and the Pacific waves singing their lullaby, it’s a paradise for both the relaxed sunbathers and enthusiastic surfers. Moreover, the city serves as a hub for several surfing championships, a testament to its world-class waves.
The weather? It’s like the town itself—unpredictable but inviting. With temperatures averaging around 28C (82F), it’s a comfortable tropical haven.
The beach area has great vibes, lots of action, and a couple of beach clubs (especially in the central and north part of the beach, after the malecon).
The water here is clean, but don’t expect Caribbean water temperatures. As with most beaches on the pacific, the water can get chilly, averaging between 12C (54F) and 20C (68F).
If you’re familiar with beaches on the pacific coast, you’ll know that this is as good as it gets.
In terms of activities on the beach, you can get massages and buy food or drinks, as well as souvenirs and trinkets from vendors on the beach. They aren’t too aggressive here, which is great – you won’t get mobbed by them as you would in a place like Cartagena for example.
I personally did not even use the AC, as the temperatures were always pretty comfortable, but I was there from mid June to mid August, so your mileage may vary.
Day trips & Transport
While Montañita often basks in the limelight for its electrifying nightlife and surf allure, the region is more than just a haven for party enthusiasts and wave catchers.
Venture out and you’ll find local tour operators ready to whisk you off to nearby islands like Isla de la Plata – a natural treasure trove echoing the uniqueness of the Galapagos. Or perhaps the thrill of an ATV ride through the undulating hills and verdant forests is more your style? Just take a leisurely saunter around town and you’ll stumble upon a myriad of such touristic gems.
Shift your gaze slightly north, and Olon beckons with its understated charm. Here, the pace is mellower, the beaches inviting, and eateries aplenty. While it’s a walkable distance, unless you fancy a dance with speeding cars sans sidewalks, I’d recommend that few-dollar taxi journey.
Navigating Montañita itself? Ditch the wheels. The town’s quaint size allows you to traverse its entirety on foot, with most streets reserved for pedestrians. Taxis? Head eastward to the main artery or pop into local agencies like Montanisol – my ride back to Guayaquil, about 3 hours, set me back a neat $100.
Buses are an option too, with tickets rumored under $10. But brace yourself for a 5-hour jaunt, peppered with stops and the occasional Guayaquil bus station – not the coziest spot after sundown.
And if Montañita’s verve gets too heady, consider Manta and Salinas. Both beachfront towns, bigger yet more subdued, offer a different slice of Ecuador’s coastal vibe. Especially Salinas, its beaches are whispered to be the finest the nation offers.
Safety
Surprisingly, for all its wild reputation, Montañita stands as a safe haven. Yes, the country grapples with its challenges, but Montañita seems to be cocooned away. My nights, often stretching into early mornings, were filled with wanderings, and never once did the shadows seem threatening.
Overall, Montanita is a great spot for nomads looking to party and live the laid back beach life on a budget. Between the food options, great clubs, reasonable lodging costs and climate, I wholly recommend making it a stop on your nomad journey! To find out more, check out our Montanita, Ecuador article collection.
