A compact coastal loop from Guayaquil that pairs wildlife viewing at La Chocolatera with surf culture in Montañita and a beach day at Los Frailes — ideal for travelers who want sun, sea lions and surf in three easy days.
A compact coastal loop from Guayaquil that pairs wildlife viewing at La Chocolatera with surf culture in Montañita and a beach day at Los Frailes — ideal for travelers who want sun, sea lions and surf in three easy days.
You step out of a Guayaquil morning into salt air and ocean light — the shuttle eases onto the coastal road and the city’s hum falls away. Within hours the road opens to beaches: Salinas’ broad sands and the rocky headland of La Chocolatera where sea lions bask and seabirds wheel. By afternoon you’ll arrive in Montañita, a compact surf town where board-riders cut through glassy sets and nightlife gathers around palm-thatched bars.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by BM TOURS SA · Montañita, Santa Elena Province
You step out of a Guayaquil morning into salt air and ocean light — the shuttle eases onto the coastal road and the city’s hum falls away. Within hours the road opens to beaches: Salinas’ broad sands and the rocky headland of La Chocolatera where sea lions bask and seabirds wheel. By afternoon you’ll arrive in Montañita, a compact surf town where board-riders cut through glassy sets and nightlife gathers around palm-thatched bars.
This three-day loop blends Ecuador’s maritime culture and coastal geology: Salinas is a long-visited resort with amenities and a prominent point (La Chocolatera) that exposes volcanic and sedimentary rocks to Pacific waves. Montañita grew in the late 20th century into an international surf hub with a distinctly bohemian nightlife and local fishing traditions. Nearby Los Frailes sits inside Machalilla National Park, a protected sandy cove framed by low cliffs and dry tropical forest.
Expect mostly flat, sea-level terrain, sandy beaches, and short coastal walks; driving replaces sustained elevation gain. Wildlife sightings often include sea lions, pelicans and frigatebirds along rocky points.
Practical guidance: pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light daypack, swimwear and a wind layer for evenings. Bring local cash for small vendors; surf lessons and equipment rentals are widely available in Montañita. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included; note the operator requires travelers to be 18+ and bookings are non-refundable. Travel time between stops is measured in 1–3 hour segments — easy to relax into, best timed for morning wildlife viewing and late-afternoon surf sessions.
Expect multiple short drives: roughly 1–3 hours per segment depending on traffic — the tour is designed with manageable travel windows and beach time.
Breakfast is provided each morning; lunches and dinners are usually on your own so plan for local restaurants and beach kiosks.
Yes — Montañita has several surf schools offering lessons and rentals for beginners; instructors provide boards and local safety advice.
This operator lists bookings as non-refundable (all sales final), so confirm dates and traveler details carefully before purchase.
BM TOURS SA operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You step out of a Guayaquil morning into salt air and ocean light — the shuttle eases onto the coastal road and the city’s hum falls away. Within hours the road opens to beaches: Salinas’ broad sands and the rocky headland of La Chocolatera where sea lions bask and seabirds wheel. By afternoon you’ll arrive in Montañita, a compact surf town where board-riders cut through glassy sets and nightlife gathers around palm-thatched bars.
You step out of a Guayaquil morning into salt air and ocean light — the shuttle eases onto the coastal road and the city’s hum falls away. Within hours the road opens to beaches: Salinas’ broad sands and the rocky headland of La Chocolatera where sea lions bask and seabirds wheel. By afternoon you’ll arrive in Montañita, a compact surf town where board-riders cut through glassy sets and nightlife gathers around palm-thatched bars.
This three-day loop blends Ecuador’s maritime culture and coastal geology: Salinas is a long-visited resort with amenities and a prominent point (La Chocolatera) that exposes volcanic and sedimentary rocks to Pacific waves. Montañita grew in the late 20th century into an international surf hub with a distinctly bohemian nightlife and local fishing traditions. Nearby Los Frailes sits inside Machalilla National Park, a protected sandy cove framed by low cliffs and dry tropical forest.
Expect mostly flat, sea-level terrain, sandy beaches, and short coastal walks; driving replaces sustained elevation gain. Wildlife sightings often include sea lions, pelicans and frigatebirds along rocky points.
Practical guidance: pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light daypack, swimwear and a wind layer for evenings. Bring local cash for small vendors; surf lessons and equipment rentals are widely available in Montañita. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included; note the operator requires travelers to be 18+ and bookings are non-refundable. Travel time between stops is measured in 1–3 hour segments — easy to relax into, best timed for morning wildlife viewing and late-afternoon surf sessions.