Salinas – A Tropical Paradise

Ecuador is a beautiful country on the northwest coast of South America; but the beauty doesn’t stop there. Being on the equator, the weather is near perfect year-round. The people are warm, welcoming and happy. I love visiting Ecuador and I think you would too.

Salinas seems to be the destination of choice when tourist head to Ecuador. They want a great experience with pristine beaches and awesome waves for surfing!

And did I mention whale watching and fishing? International Fishing Competitions attract fishermen from all over the world who aspire to land that big Marlin, Sword or Sail or any number of other big game fish right off the coast.

Salinas not only has the surf, but a true tropical paradise with almost perfect year-round weather, palm trees, coconuts, thatched huts and wonderful people to make one feel comfortable. Great little restaurants lining the Malecon offers just-caught fish as well as other sumptuous food including an adult beverage if one so desires.

Along the coast of Ecuador, one can find some of the best surfing in the world. Just a short distance away is Montanita, Ecuador’s iconic surf town. As they say, you’re not just traveling to South America; you’re traveling back in time. Streets are lined with artists and artisans, Che Guevara photos and background reggae music indicate that you have reached the 1970s. Hostels, bed and breakfasts and small, family-run hotels are the norm, but oversize luxury hotels are conspicuous by their absence. Montanita lures young surfers from all parts of the globe, who come for the surfing, the surfing culture and the nonstop parties. In February, the town blends surfing competitions with traditional carnival entertainment. Montanita’s constantly breaking waves accommodate all levels of proficiency, but those seeking improvement will easily find professional surfing schools and gear shops.

But there is much more to the Salinas area than fishing and surfing. There is diving off the coast near the city of Ayangue. And… if you get lucky, you may be able to see the seals that hang out there.

Like flying? There’s parasailing? Like whale watching? Salinas has that as well. It’s always amazing to see such massive mammals performing so gracefully in the water.

And of course, if none of that excites you, there’s shopping and people watching on the Malecon. The Malecon is the sea wall and boardwalk right on the beach. And… speaking of the beach, the water is just the right temperature year-round. Even though it’s the Pacific, you do not need a wetsuit to enjoy the water as you might need in Southern California or other surfing beaches bordering the Pacific.

When you decide to visit Salinas, you might want to remember that from November through April can be quite warm and crowded, especially on the weekends. May through October is the best time for North American tourists to enjoy the beach. Not crowded at all. You choose which time, but do choose to visit soon.

A video by one of the expats I met in Salinas. Enjoy.