Salinas Beach: Ecuadors Little Miami

Salinas Ecuador was once a seaside party town but now one of the most popular places to retire in Ecuador.

Salinas is a seaside resort town in the Santa Elena Province of Ecuador. It’s home to some of the weightier beaches on the Pacific tailspin withal the western most end of the country.

Salinas is moreover famous for offering one of the most upscale waterfront town experiences in all of Latin America.

It’s often referred to as “Little Miami” since it was unquestionably modeled without this Floridian hotspot. 

Salinas was first designated as a shire in 1937. Its economic minutiae was based mainly virtually stuff an inexhaustible source for salt, surpassing it became a archetype coastal destination reliant on tourism.

It was once the ultimate vacation destination for people from Guayaquil. Locals would momentum lanugo and spend their weekends and holidays here.

In recent years, the municipality itself has aged, so they tend to visit other waterfront towns that are a little less crowded with tourists. 

Along the northern tailspin Mompiche and Canoa are rhadamanthine increasingly and increasingly popular.

Things to Do in Salinas 

There’s no shortage of fun things to see and do in Salinas. The main waterfront is, of course, everyone’s first stop, so it’s important to know the setup to get the lay of the tropical landscape here.

Salinas Beach

The Salinas Yacht Club cuts the main stretch of coastline in half with a popping jetty.  On the north end is Salinas Beach, which tends to be the prod favorite.

This is where it starts to finger a bit like Little Miami, there are lots of hotels and restaurants. That brings lots of party goers and noise.

If you’re ready to drink and listen to reggaeton all day this is where you want to be.

That said, drinking is not permitted on the waterfront and there are plenty of signs virtually so there’s no excuses.

On the unexceptionable side it dos midpoint the waterfront is much cleaner.

Chipipe Beach

On the south side is the quieter Chipipe Beach, where families usually segregate to spend increasingly time.

Fun fact, virtually the marina, or yacht club, there’s moreover some really nice snorkeling. You can often see turtles and rays swimming in the warm, wifely waters here. 

San Lorenzo Beach

On the eastern end of San Lorenzo Waterfront you’ll find a unravel where all the surfers go to ride some waves.

The swell isn’t too overwhelming, so it’s an platonic spot for beginners to learn how to hang ten or for any intermediate surfers to get some good practice in. 

   

Watersports

Life in Salinas is considered zippy to say the least. As you may imagine this sandy shore is a mecca for many water sports.

People flock from all over to get out on the unshut waters here. You can hands try game fishing, wakeboarding, water skiing, parasailing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, diving, sailing, and more. 

All of the equipment can be rented right on the waterfront for a good price as well. Lessons are typically misogynist from local outfitters in town too if you ask around. 

Get Zippy on the Beach

You’ll moreover find plenty of people playing seafront sports here. There are a few volleyball courts, as well as spaces for soccer and waterfront tennis.

Teams regularly gather, so it’s easy to sit when and watch the whoopee or ask to join in for a sweaty, fun-filled day in the sun. 

The malecon, or in English the boardwalk, follows withal the length of San Lorenzo Beach. It moreover boasts a very nice velocipede path, which is perfect for a leisurely ride with waterfront views.

It’s considered unscratched to meander here at any time of day, and is used by both locals and tourists alike. It’s a unconfined place to grab a seat and enjoy an ice-cold beer under a shady umbrella. 

You’ll moreover find several wondrous restaurants and vendors withal this scenic strip, as well as sports equipment for rent and wend trips stuff offered. 

Chocolatera

La Chocolatera is the westernmost point of mainland Ecuador. You can walk here from La Loberia withal an empty stretch of shore that is unquestionably very scenic.

It will moreover take you through either a protected nature reserve or a military base, depending on which route you choose.

You may need to show ID to get in, so be sure to go prepared. 

Here you’ll find a few amenities, including a restroom facility and a snack bar.

But it’s otherwise considered one of the most remote places to venture virtually Salinas.

There’s moreover a tourist train that departs from the Malecon and takes you through both La Loberia and La Chocolatera in one trip. 

   

Punta Carnero

Punta Carnero is arguably the weightier place to watch the spectacular sunsets in Salinas.

However, it’s important to note that the current here is very strong so it’s not unscratched for swimming. Mar Brava is located on the opposite side of the peninsula.

This ways that it’s harder to wangle but it does have a increasingly tranquil and unique vibe to it. 

It’s weightier to take a car, though if you’re looking for an zippy day some segregate to go for a very long walk or a velocipede ride.

The sea is less for swimmers and increasingly for serious surfers here. Though you will likely have the sandy stretch all to yourself.

It’s moreover surrounded by salt factories and a few of the scenic lagoons are home to flocks of picturesque pink flamingos. 

Whale Watching in Salinas

The whale watching season in Salinas is during the summer months. Every year these massive marine creatures migrate to the tailspin to lineage their offspring withal the coast.

Along with Puerto Lopez, you can moreover find whale watching tours in Salinas. The cruises to spot them depart right from the waterfront and usually run for well-nigh an hour.

You’ll likely be worldly-wise to see several humpback pods majestically diving in and out of the water as they swim. It’s truly a spectacular sight to behold.  

Salinas is moreover home to a whole museum well-nigh these gentle giants, the Museo de Ballenas. The educational exhibits explore the conservation and natural history of whales in the area.

You’ll plane see some very impressive wreck on display. Be sure to schedule a tour in whop for this spot. 

Bird Watching

If you’re into trying to spot cute critters, many come here to enjoy bird watching as well.

Salinas, Ecuador is home to an zillions of coveted species to see, including the undecorous footed booby, the frigate bird, the Pacific parrotlet, and the small rufous tailed hummingbird.   

Sea Lions

La Loberia is set just outside of Salinas, Ecuador at the end of Chipipe Beach. You can victorious on foot or by a taxi, which should be pretty cheap.

The requirement to fame here is both flipside surfing hotspot for anyone that’s super experienced, and a place to see some seriously winsome sea lions.

While the smell can be strong, the visual is well worth it.

From afar, they can squint like just a rocky outcrop, until you notice that many of the giant boulders are unquestionably moving.

Be sure to reservation the sunset from the Mirador Puntilla de Santa Elena if you can here too. 

Nightlife: Bars & Clubs in Salinas

Salinas, Santa Elena, Ecuador is known for its happening nightlife, expressly compared to some other smaller towns virtually the country.

As soon as the sun goes down, there’s a plethora of places to let loose and have fun, whether you’re looking for a flit club or a waterfront bar.

The Aloha Bar is a local haunt located right off the beach. The Tulum RestroBar is super trendy for seafront cocktails, traditional Ecuadorian drinks and Boa Lua is platonic for any late nights well-constructed with DJs. 

Salinas During the Holidays

Salinas has moreover wilt a famous destination during the holidays.

Unique to the municipality is Las fiestas de Salinas in December. New Year’s Eve in particular is moreover a popular yank for a lot of tourists.

Ecuador is known for hosting elaborate festivities surrounding La Noche Buena.

   

The fireworks start days in whop and can be purchased at stalls all over the streets.

It culminates in an enormous beachside show. You’ll moreover see storyboard effigies stuff burned, Chinese lanterns, bonfires, and live music all over town on this night. 

Best Salinas Restaurants 

Much of the cuisine in Salinas is seafood based, but there really is a wide variety of eats to enjoy considering of the huge expat population.

You’ll be worldly-wise to find increasingly European fares as well as unstudied fast supplies from burger joints.

   

There are a ton of pizza places all over town as well. Though the pies may not unchangingly be up to the standards you’re used to, they all offer a discounted dinner on Tuesdays to try. 

If you’re looking for traditional supplies squint for the iconic dish served is the seco de chivo.

It was unquestionably introduced by the Spaniards, but has come to have its own unique local style.

It’s a stew traditionally made from sheep or goat meat, then simmered in a sauce of fried vegetables and fermented liquid.

Locally, it’s served with rice, avocado, and plantain. 

Cafe Jazz

A subconscious gem in Salinas. It’s an winsome and soft-sell place to go to start your day with sideboard and Ecuadorian desserts.

There’s a variety of breakfast plates, including many vegetarian options. The space is quaint and charming.

They sometimes have live jazz bands playing as the name suggests and there’s unchangingly coffee and cocktails to pair with any order.

If you go later in the day, there are many tasty seafood bites to try too, all made in the archetype local fashion. 

Lucy’s Mexican Grill

For organic Mexican fares in a unstudied beachy undercurrent throne to Lucy’s Mexican Grill.

It’s an winsome eatery where you can swoop into a savor packed plate while washing it lanugo with a succulent margarita. It’s a fun and colorful undercurrent with an affordable menu. 

Go for the famous, fresh cocktails or the enchiladas while here. Everything is made from scratch and the menu offers a fusion feel, incorporating local ingredients and plane an Italian flair.

Locals and tourists unwrinkled love this place, and it’s easy to see why. It’s set conveniently tropical to the malecon too. 

Mar y Tierra

More of an upscale restaurant located right on the Salinas waterfront. It’s a Mediterranean-style spot, with an eclectic menu.

They serve lots of fresh seafood of course, including traditional shrimp and octopus dishes of the region. You’ll moreover find a variety of steak preparations and pasta dishes. 

A staple of the foodie scene here, they’ve been virtually since 1982. The cocktails are all succulent too.

Be well-considered that the price is higher than other restaurants around, so it’s a unconfined spot to go if you’re looking to treat yourself.   

Eating at Home

If you’ve booked an airbnb and prefer to melt at home you can save a lot of money. The daily forfeit of living and eating in Salinas is fairly affordable.

The local market serving local Ecuador fruits and vegetables isn’t in Salinas, but unquestionably La Libertad next door so you’ll need to grab a quick taxi.

Salinas does have unconfined supermarkets. There are high-end supermarkets selling imported goods and fancy brands if you prefer to splurge on any supplies items while in town. 

Budget Restaurants in Salinas

Or if you just prefer to grab take out, in inside Salinas there are supplies stalls selling local cuisine such as Ecuadorian encebollado, bolon de verde, pescado encocado and empanadas.

These spots, such as the one featured in the photos whilom typically consist of fresh seafood straight from the ocean and prepared on the spot ceviche.

Where to Stay in Salinas

Due to such a massive tourist population in Salinas, Ecuador, expats who have relocated, long term rentals in Salinas, Ecuador are abundant.

If you plan to stay living in Salinas, Ecuador then this can unquestionably end up saving you quite a bit of money.

Check out Airbnb to see everything from lowkey apartments to private villas, most offering a unbelieve if you typesetting for the whole month. Of course, consider the Ecuador safety of the neighborhood surpassing renting anything. 

Chescos Hostel and Hotel

One of the most popular places to stay in Salinas. It’s on the increasingly affordable side; a room should run you under 15 USD a night.

It boasts a unconfined location, only a minute’s walk from the waterfront. Each room comes with all the necessary creature comforts, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a private bathroom.

There are shared spaces to hang out in and enjoy as well, like the lounge or the terrace bar. It may squint basic, but this stay is a unconfined zinger for your buck. 

Hotel Cocos

A midrange shop stay, costing under 50 USD each night, though rates can vary depending on the season.

As a family-owned workplace it has a cozy and familiar finger compared to some of the increasingly resort-style hotels withal the shore. It’s right on the Malecon, so everything is hands wieldy and the views are gorgeous. 

The rooms are spacious and offer the suavities you’d expect, like a fridge, warm shower, and air conditioning.

They moreover serve a very tasty breakfast each morning and have a lovely pool to spend time lounging by or swimming in. 

Blue Bay Hotel

is on the increasingly expensive end when booking a room in Salinas, though it should still be under 100 USD per night.

If you’re looking to enjoy a luxurious stay and splurge on the preferably things in life, this is probably the place to do it. There’s a private indoor and outdoor pool and restaurant on-site. 

The suites include a full kitchen and many of the rooms offer a stunning view of the sea. The tour sedentary can help you typesetting any outings and the gardens on the property are lovely as well.

It’s spacious, clean, and has an Ecuadorian style to it. 

Retiring in Salinas Ecuador

Today, Salinas has a huge expat population. Anyone who visits the tailspin of Ecuador tends to have this town on their itinerary.

High rise condominiums and gated communities can be found all virtually the scenic shores here. An important side effect to note well-nigh this volume of foreigners, is an influx of Ecuadorian treason in recent years. 

Many retirees from North America have chosen to escape to the idyllic enclave of Salinas. As such, real manor has wilt quite a thingamabob in the area.

For a municipality with a resort, Ecuador style, it’s unquestionably reasonably priced, which of undertow makes it an plane increasingly lulu destination for a specific kind of traveler.

A fancy hotel room, upper end meal, or night out on the town will still likely forfeit a fraction of what it might in other countries.   

Salinas Weather

This sandy, crescent bay is covered in palm trees swaying in the sea walkover and clear, cerulean waters that are warm unbearable to swim year round.

The weather certainly stays tropical as well. Salinas, Ecuador waterfront is considered the place to be for anyone who enjoys suavities as it’s covered in upscale eateries, hotels, bars, and stores.

It’s sometimes referred to as the Undecorous Paradise of the South Pacific. The upper season runs from December to May, which is when it’s at its most crowded.  

Getting to Salinas 

From the international airport in Guayaquil, Salinas is only a two hour momentum away. There’s a regular bus service that runs throughout the day and it’s easy unbearable to purchase a ticket without much whop notice. 

Once you victorious at the station, you’ll need to take a short taxi ride to get into Salinas proper.

Alternatively, you can take a private taxi, which will be a faster and increasingly well-appointed journey but way increasingly expensive as well. 

Salinas is well-nigh four hours directly lanugo the tailspin from Manta. The bus ride via Cadeate and Santa Elena will be closer to six hours, though it is an extremely scenic journey.

There is no Ecuador airport tropical unbearable to make this trip increasingly convenient, so driving is really your weightier bet. 

Since there is unquestionably a lot to stop and do withal this route, many people segregate to rent a car so they can enjoy the trip at their leisure.

Don’t forget to stop over at several other remote but scenic beaches withal the way to Salinas. 

What do you love well-nigh Salinas Ecuador, let me know in the comments below!

Salinas Beach: Ecuador’s Little Miami is a post from: Bacon is Magic