Coastal Region

Travel Guide

Coastal Region
Coastal Region
Coastal Region
Coastal Region
Coastal Region
Lined by rolling hills and steep valleys, Ecuador’s pristine beaches are the place to go for the most laid-back travel in the country.

Far from the high-altitude hikes of the Andes or the humid treks of the Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador’s Coastal Region offers a chance to relax after an adventurous trip across the country. Take a journey down the Ecuadorian shoreline across seven provinces to enjoy the sights, flavors and sounds of Ecuador’s many coastal cultures. Explore tiny fishing villages and watch for whales mating in the offshore waters between June and September.

Many of the nation’s iconic dishes come from this part of the country. Enjoy ceviche, a dish of cured raw seafood popular in the region or feast on shellfish caught in the warm water offshore. Buy seafood straight from the fishermen in the northern province of Esmeraldas or visit Manabi for its late-night culture and the chance to dine with locals at a bar or restaurant.

Following the “Route of the Sun” is the best way to explore the coast of Ecuador. Explore the popular driving route by bus or rent your own car for the chance to stop in the small fishing villages along the way and explore the valleys and mountains that run alongside the coast. Linger in Montañita to surf with locals and enjoy the laid-back beach lifestyle that has made it a popular destination for bohemian travelers crossing the continent.

Visit Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, to experience is enormous harbor and rich culture. Spend a day relaxing in its beautiful parks or wandering its historic centuries-old streets.

Reach Ecuador’s Coastal Region via plane using the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil or by connecting to other Ecuadorian cities by bus, rail or rental car. Accommodations are plentiful on the coast and range from humble bungalow-style rooms to towering hotel complexes with ocean views. Even in the rainy season of December to May, the sun shines often allowing excellent tanning on the beach.

Where to stay in Coastal Region

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Las Vegas

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Las Vegas and surrounding area, you can visit Playita Mía Artisanal Shipyard and Playita Mía Fish Market.

Las Vegas
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Ecuador

Though Ecuador might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like C.C. Riocentro Sur and Mall del Sur.

Ecuador
By the riverside

Downtown Guayaquil

Travelers come to Downtown Guayaquil for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Central Market and Sports Federation of Guayas while you're in town.

Downtown Guayaquil
Just Cacao! The best chocolate is here

Kennedy

4/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Kennedy include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by San Marino Mall or World Trade Center while you're exploring the area.

Kennedy
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Ecuador

General Villamil Beach is one noteworthy place to stop while you're exploring Ecuador and the surrounding area.

Ecuador
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Santa Marianita

While there might not be top attractions in Santa Marianita, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mall del Pacífico and Manta Port.

Santa Marianita
Wyndham Guayaquil Puerto Santa Ana
Wyndham Guayaquil Puerto Santa Ana
4.5 out of 5
Calle Numa Pompilio Llona S N, Ciudad del Rio - Puerto Santa Ana, Guayaquil, Guayas
The price is CA $129 per night from Apr. 6 to Apr. 7
CA $129
CA $145 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Guayaquil. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Comfortable, clean , nice overall"

Reviewed on Mar. 27, 2025

Wyndham Guayaquil Puerto Santa Ana
Holiday Inn Guayaquil Airport by IHG
Holiday Inn Guayaquil Airport by IHG
3.5 out of 5
Av. de Las Américas,junto al Aeropuerto, Intl. Jose Joaquin de Olmedo, Guayaquil, Guayas
The price is CA $109 per night from Apr. 4 to Apr. 5
CA $109
CA $123 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Guayaquil. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
Great place to stay enroute to Galapagos
"A friend and I stayed here as we heading to and coming from the Galapagos Islands. We felt very safe and comfortable. We were met at the airport by a driver both times and were able to get a convenient shuttle to the airport. The restaurant was good and staff was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Mar. 29, 2025

Holiday Inn Guayaquil Airport by IHG
TRYP by Wyndham Guayaquil Airport
TRYP by Wyndham Guayaquil Airport
4.5 out of 5
Av. Joaquín Orrantia y L. Benitez, Guayaquil, Guayas
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $115 per night from Apr. 11 to Apr. 12
CA $115
CA $130 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Guayaquil. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Everything was excellent!"

Reviewed on Mar. 22, 2025

TRYP by Wyndham Guayaquil Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Luxury Suites Riverfront GYE
Luxury Suites Riverfront GYE
3.5 out of 5
Puerto Santa Ana, Guayaquil, Guayas
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Guayaquil. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Santa Ana Hill and Botanical Garden ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (85 reviews)
"Comunicación fue excelente, muy atenta, quizás el único inconveniente es que vinimos en época de lluvia, y como VIP amenities, estábamos supuestos a recibir parqueo, desafortunadamente el parqueo no fue en el edificio, y movernos con tanta lluvia y tantas maletas pues si fue un inconveniente. Aparte ..."

Reviewed on Feb. 11, 2025

Luxury Suites Riverfront GYE
Suitesecu Guayaquil
Suitesecu Guayaquil
4.5 out of 5
Av. Dr. Camilo Nevárez Vásquez, Guayaquil, Guayas
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Guayaquil. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Mall del Sol Shopping ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"I stayed for a night & it was a pleasurable experience! PROS; - free toiletries(soap, shampoo) - Plates, cups, silverware were available to use in the room - Easy communication 4 English speakers(I ordered a shuttle to the airport & spoke with a polite man in English. His responses were very fast ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 16, 2024

Suitesecu Guayaquil
Las Golondrinas Ayampe
Las Golondrinas Ayampe
2.5 out of 5
Calle la Laguna, Salango, Manabí
Stay at this aparthotel in Salango. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attraction Ayampe Beach is located nearby.
5/10 (2 reviews)
"NO A/C, NO WI FI, NO POWER , 1 Million Mosquitos and in the same bedroom slips unknown people with you? Expedia allows this????"

Reviewed on Mar. 3, 2025

Las Golondrinas Ayampe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Coastal Region