Guayaquil, despite the frequent rain showers, the weather remained hot and muggy, and I was ready to hit the beach. The idea of cool sea breezes sounded just perfect. Montanita and Canoa were the two names that kept coming up as I researched Ecuador’s beaches and tried to decide where to go. Both sounded equally appealing, but I ultimately chose Montanita because getting to Canoa seemed quite challenging. The bus ride from Quito to Montanita took nearly nine hours, with a change of buses in between, while the journey from Guayaquil took around six hours. Montanita, on the other hand, was just a three-hour bus ride away from Guayaquil.
In Montanita, I am looking forward to a tranquil and unforgettable vacation, relishing the beautiful beaches, savoring local cuisine, and immersing myself in the rich local culture. While this choice may require some extra travel time, I believe it will undoubtedly be worth it. Sometimes, it’s worth going the extra mile to enjoy some quality time.
Montanita lived up to its reputation. This seaside town is not only Ecuador’s top-ranked surfing destination but also known as one of South America’s major party hubs. People come from as far as Argentina to join the large outdoor parties, with DJs playing music on the beach, and giant speakers blaring music that echoed across the bay. The Montañita beach crowd started arriving on Thursday, gearing up for a four-day party weekend. I could hardly find a room in town and had to settle for a dorm bed, but upon checking in, I realized it wasn’t for me. A DJ was playing house music in the hostel’s backyard, but all I wanted was a few days of tranquil beach time.
Montanita is a true embodiment of its name. This charming coastal town not only serves as Ecuador’s premier surfers’ paradise but also proudly carries the reputation of being one of South America’s most prominent party destinations. Travelers come from near and far, with some journeying all the way from Argentina, to immerse themselves in the grand outdoor festivities. Here, DJs cast their musical spells on the beach, and the rhythms reverberate across the bay through colossal speakers.
The Montanita Beach crowd begins to assemble as early as Thursdays, gearing up for an electrifying four-day party extravaganza. The demand for accommodations is so high that finding a room in town can be a Herculean task, forcing me to settle for a humble hostel bed. However, after completing the check-in process, I swiftly realized that this environment was not in harmony with my desires. A DJ was spinning house tunes in the hostel’s backyard, but my heart yearned for a few days of serene beachside tranquility.
I packed my Kindle and set out to explore the town, hoping to find a cozy little café or a quiet spot on the beach. But as I reached the town center, it was clear that this wasn’t going to happen. Several beachfront bars had set up massive speakers playing loud dance music. Quiet beach reading time? Fuhgeddaboudit. Street art adorned the streets of Montañita, and I decided to pack up and head into town. However, when I reached the town center, it was evident that it wasn’t going to happen. There wasn’t a single coffee shop in Montañita, at least not one that looked like it could provide a decent cup of non-instant coffee. I passed by one travel agency after another, souvenir shops, and numerous travel restaurants. Flea market stalls lined the streets, and dreadlocked hippies sold homemade jewelry and tacky souvenirs.
I prepared my Kindle for some quality time and embarked on a journey to explore the charming town, with high hopes of discovering a cozy coffee shop or a serene beachside hideaway. However, my optimism began to fade as I reached the bustling city center. It was immediately clear that my dream of finding a peaceful spot for beachside reading was a mere fantasy, shattered by the deafening beats emanating from colossal speakers at several seaside bars.
Montanita’s streets were adorned with an array of vibrant street art, lending the small town a unique and artistic ambiance. Determined to find my sanctuary, I packed up my belongings and ventured deeper into the heart of the town. Unfortunately, my quest was met with disappointment once again. It appeared that Montanita lacked a reputable coffee shop, or at least one that exuded the promise of a finely brewed cup of non-instant coffee.
Continuing my exploration, I passed one travel agency after another, perused souvenir shops, and observed the numerous tourist-centric eateries that dotted the streets. As I wandered further, I came across a lively flea market, its stalls overflowing with a mesmerizing array of goods. Here, dreadlocked hippies peddled their homemade jewelry and a dizzying assortment of kitschy souvenirs, while some street vendors pushed carts enthusiastically touting their unique twist on ceviche – a zesty and citrus-infused delicacy.
The town buzzed with an eclectic and vibrant international atmosphere, as if every individual was a traveler on their own quest for adventure, adding to the unique tapestry that was Montanita.
In the midst of all this, there were hundreds of people – backpackers, partygoers, and families. It seemed like everyone had arrived in Montanita just when I did, seeking tranquility and peace.
I walked along the beach for a long stretch, but to be honest, it didn’t leave me in awe. The waves were so high that it was nearly impossible to wade into the water and enjoy the sea. Instead, you had to be careful not to get swept away by the waves. The red flags on the beach signaled that it was dangerous to swim.
Feeling disappointed and unsure of what to do, I went back to the hostel and took out my laptop. Was there anywhere nearby I could go? On Booking.com, all hotels were fully booked except for a few expensive ones. I decided to check Airbnb to see if there were any available rooms, but everything in town was either booked or looked unsatisfactory. Then, I saw a lovely little cabin a bit inland, away from the ocean, and further from Montanita. It was closer to the coastal village of Manglaralto, several miles to the south. The cabin seemed to be in a remote and desolate location, and that’s exactly what I was looking for: peace, serenity, and solitude.
There it was, a delightful little wooden cabin, tucked away inland, far removed from the restless waves of Montanita. It sat closer to the coastal village of Manglaralto, several miles to the south. This cabin seemed to reside in a remote and barren locale, which paradoxically was precisely what I was yearning for: a tranquil haven, far from the madding crowd, offering solitude, serenity, and a chance to escape the bustling streets of Montanita.
Still yearning for some beach time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that joining the weekend parties in Montanita might prove more of a hassle than relaxation. So, I made the decision to stay in the cozy cabin for three nights. The idea was to wait for more accommodating weekend lodging options after the all-night parties had subsided before venturing back into town.
In my little cabin retreat, I envisioned myself recharging, cocooned within the embrace of nature. The peace and quiet, away from the raucous coastal revelry, offered a sanctuary where I could truly unwind. The gentle rustle of the leaves and the distant murmur of the ocean served as my companions, providing the perfect backdrop for my retreat. As I looked forward to the coming days of solitude and self-reflection, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that my decision to escape the bustling Montanita for a while was the right one.
The following morning, I instructed a taxi driver to take me to the cabin according to the directions I had received from the cabin owner. I asked him to drop me off by the roadside, and then I walked up an unpaved road to the cabin. Fortunately, my sense of direction didn’t disappoint, and after a short uphill walk, the cabin came into view.
This is exactly what I hoped for – a small cabin nestled on a grassy hillside, backed by mountains, surrounded by beautiful flowers. The ground is covered with trees and coffee plants. The cabin’s owner led me to my little abode. There are a few other cabins at the hotel, but I am the only guest for the weekend. I don’t mind the solitude; in fact, I am happy to have some alone time. Here’s my continuation:
This place is absolutely stunning, and I have found the tranquil paradise I’ve always dreamed of. The small cabin is perched on the hilltop, embraced by lush green grass, as if the rolling hills are giving it a warm hug. Stepping out into the backyard, I can feel the fresh mountain breeze, the very breath of nature itself.
Behind the cabin stands a majestic mountain peak, silently guarding this place. It’s surrounded by an array of colorful and fragrant flowers that are in full bloom. The ground is covered with various trees, including some coffee plants. I can even catch a whiff of the fresh coffee beans in the air.
The cabin’s owner is incredibly friendly and personally escorted me to my cabin. While there are several other cabins at this hotel, it seems I am the sole guest for this weekend. I don’t feel lonely in the least; in fact, I’m quite delighted to have some quality alone time. It’s exactly what I needed to immerse myself in the beauty of nature, focus on my writing, and explore the depths of my thoughts.
On this serene mountain, I’ve finally found the creative inspiration I’ve longed for. Here, I can freely pen down my stories, immerse myself in the embrace of nature, and savor the beauty of this mountainous landscape. This weekend is destined to be a wonderful and unforgettable part of my life.
Every day, I read and wrote in the cabin – it even had a table, thoughtfully designed by the woman who owned the cabin and her husband. I spent a day hiking into the mountains to visit the village, getting a glimpse of rural life in Ecuador. Every afternoon, I made my way down to the beach, just in time for the sunset. The sunsets in Montanita were consistently beautiful. The colors in the sky were truly spectacular, and I developed a habit of sipping a cocktail while getting lost in my books.
Despite not being a fan ofMontanita, I couldn’t say that I had a terrible time there. Who knows, if I were in the mood to party, dance the night away every night, and stay up until the early hours, I might be raving about Ecuador’s most popular beach town right now.”
