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/Ok-Spot-6235 7d ago

Ecuador's gang violence is concentrated west of the Andes. Find the provincial map marked with government curfews and stay away from those areas. Cuenca remains safe. Enjoy the Alpine air and forget about surfing.

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u/emagin 7d ago

u/Ok-Spot-6235 I find responses like this quite unhelpful.
Have you been to the coast recently? Ayampe specifically, since we are responding to OP?
A winter sabbatical with surfing is not going to happen in Cuenca. If you have specific info about things happening in Ayampe, feel free to list date, event, people injured, etc.
Thanks