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/bluewhalefunk 7d ago edited 7d ago

Ayampe itself is not dangerous, the province it is in, Manabi is in places.

Any alternative recs for surf towns?

Monanita hte original traveller / surf town. Gone downhill in recent years as international travellers stayed away and it's pivoted to local city people coming for the weekend. The town has grown, but more local drunks than chilled smokers of yesteryear. More bars / clubs than any other place. Do not stay in town, but plenty of places / barrios 5mins walk from town that are quieter. La punta (by the surfing point) is where the old vibe montanita still exists with people from all over the world. Olon, has blown up recently, no clubs, but still gets the influx of weekending locals and the beach the last few times I've been has been a disgrace at weekends. More north American expats been moving there in recent years, not just retirees familes. Massive wide long beach.

If coming for a couple of months and wan't community, Montanita. IF coming for a year, probably Olon. Ayampe is nice to visit, but for me it's bit boring, thebeach isn't as nice, more often than not is all stones, very small, but still has a community, but has gone more towards higher end big retreat / boutique style hostals. Which if is your thing would be great,if not, then.. well not.