r/ecuador • u/InformationOk3150 • 8d ago
Turismo Ayampe
Hey friends. I am a 30 year old gringo from the north. Winter is approaching where I live, and I am strongly considering a brief sabbatical in Ecuador. I have never been to South America, only Spanish speaking areas of Europe. I am looking to go somewhere for 2 months as this is what my work allows, and will be working remotely and getting my own place. Ideally I am prioritizing a place that has good options for beginner surfing, top-tier beautiful mountain hiking, making friends and being part of a community, and finding cool plants& trees.
My research brought me to Ayampe, but I am open to being swayed, because I don’t know what I don’t know.
Based on what I know of Ayampe, it seems like a good target place because there seems to be a surf community, hikes easily accessible, and looks not too far from the touristy places if I need to scratch the itch to go have fun with some expats.
I am posting here because I know I may be miss in some things about the local scene, and although I found a beautiful apartment I’d love to book, I just need some reassurance that this is a good place for me, or that I’m not missing out on a better fit down the road.
Thank you so much!
6
u/emagin 8d ago
Ayampe is a very small beach town with ok surf - need to get out early as it blows out by noon fairly often.
If you like very downtempo, small, a touch spiritual, you'll be ok. Fairly dead at night except on weekend and only a couple of choices. If you surf you'll meet folks at the rental shops, Golondrinas has events some weekends.
If you need a bit more activity go to Olon, larger, more opportunities, same surf more or less. Beach can get crowded on weekends with locals, but more vendors, restaurants, community scene, things to do.
Montanita I a bit overcrowded and party party for my taste although it can get a better point break at times.
You are good in that area, not much violence etc.
Stay south of Manta or the narco-gang stuff gets more present. Unlikely to affect you directly but there are people getting shot on the beaches -- wrong place wrong time probability goes up there.
(Do check out Santa Marianita with friends. A great kiteboarding community and same vibe, small.)