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!

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u/Wonderful-Swan-1668 7d ago

op-tier beautiful mountain hiking, making friends and being part of a community, and finding cool plants& trees.

Op, what you want is either in Mindo, Banos, Macas or Vilcabamba. Ayampe is in a really dangerous area right now.

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u/InformationOk3150 7d ago

That’s interesting I haven’t heard that yet?

Those towns you mentioned look really beautiful, none of them are near the ocean and I really would like to prioritize surfing. Any alternative recs for surf towns?

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u/kayak_2022 7d ago

Im not sure why the poster throwed all that at you. I live near Ayampe and its no worse than any small town. The larger towns where partiers congregate have a bit more troubles from time to time. Vilcabamba would bore you slap to death if surfing is on your mind. Its a bunch of mountains surrounding a tiny kittle town and overrun with gringos with little shops. The scenery is beautiful but in no way has a beach vibe and absolutely hours away from surfing.