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Traveling to Montañita, Ecuador: The Safest Routes, Insider Tips & How to Reach Our Hotel Balsa Surf Camp and Spanish School"
Hola amigos! I’m Gaby, I am not only your Spanish teacher here in Montañita 🌴 but I am also part of the Balsa Surf Camp family, but this blog is not about learning how to roll your Rs, its about how to actually get here without getting totally confused, lost, or stuck at a random bus terminal eating weird empanadas.
So if you’re planning to visit Montañita, this little guide is here to help you arrive safe, stress-free, and smiling—with clear directions and local tips. Oh, and I’ll also show you how to find your way to Balsa Surf Camp and Spanish School, aka your soon-to-be tropical home!
Let’s get started 🌺
Where Is Montañita, Ecuador?
Montañita is a tiny beach town on Ecuador’s Pacific Coast, famous for:
- Waves (perfect for beginners and pro surfers), perfect place to learn how to surf, if you dont know how to do it
- Chill vibes, specially at our 100% relax hotel at La Punta, the nicest area in town
- Sunset mojitos, or coffee
- And spontaneous dancing in the streets, if you like to party or just a yoga lessons, if you feel more like in our vibe.
It’s about 3 hours from Guayaquil, and super close to towns like Olón, Puerto López, and Ayampe. Even though it’s small, Montañita is well connected—but only if you know how to get here.
The Safest Ways to Get to Montañita
From Guayaquil (Most Common Route) because this big city is located near the nearest international airport.
Just in case the name of the airport is: Jose Joaquin de Olmedo
So you’ve landed in Guayaquil (welcome!). From here, you’ve got a few options:
🚌 Option 1: Public Bus (Budget-Friendly) but recommended only by day.
- Go to Terminal Terrestre (the big bus terminal next to the airport). To get there you are going to need to grab a taxi at the terminal, normally there are many options at any door, but I will always suggest checking for a lady that works with the taxis, she will guide you to one of the taxis approved. The price is around $4 to 5$ for the ride and takes less than 15 minutes. To be honest it is just around the corner but the area is not that good for walking, and the weather is extremely hot.
- Look for the CLP bus company (Cooperativa Libertad Peninsular). The office and departure place are on the third floor, the bus station in Guayaquil is big and looks like a shopping mall, has lots of stores, food court and normally is busy, so please pay attention to your belongings all the time. If you feel a bit unsafe, there are many guards around, so reach to them.
- Ask for a ticket to Montañita. There are buses departing every hour but direct buses are not running in the evening, our recommendation is to take the earlier possible.
- Buses leave every 1–2 hours during off season.
- Takes around 3 hours, and costs $6–$7.
- PRO TIP: Sit on the right side of the bus for better coastal views 😎
🚕 Option 2: Private Transfer (Safe & Easy)
- Ask us to book you a trusted driver, we have a responsable, friendly and punctual driver that will wait for you no matter what time is your flight arriving.
- Cost is about $100 for one person, one way.
- Super safe, especially Highly recommended if you’re arriving at night or with lots of luggage or a surfboard.
From Quito
If you’re coming from Quito, you have two choices:
✈️ Fly to Guayaquil, then Bus/Transfer
- Quick flight (~1 hour), then follow the Guayaquil tips above.
- Most recommended if you’re short on time.
🚌 Long-Distance Bus (for Adventurers Only)
- Night buses take 10–12 hours, buses are comfortable but the drivers are normally very fast and I personally, dont love the speed.
- Companies like Reina del Camino or Coop. Trans Esmeraldas are the most direct options, you can get the tickets for this buses at the bus station in Quito.
- Not ideal for first-timers unless you're on a tight budget and like naps in motion.
From Coastal Towns Nearby
- From Olón: 5–10 min taxi ($1,50).
- From Puerto López: ~1 hour by bus ($2–$3).
- Ask for help at any terminal, locals are super friendly.
Travel Safety Tips from a Local Girl Who’s Seen It All
Okay listen, I love Ecuador—but like anywhere in the world, you gotta be smart.
✅ My Top Safety Tips:
- Travel during daylight hours if possible.
- Keep valuables on your lap, not under the seat, not matter what the people around tell you, on your lap, or eyes distance. Even if “someone” from the bus company asked you, your important values need to be near to you.
- Always use official taxis or rides from trusted hotels, ask on the reception, airport or friends to hook you up with a trustworthy driver.
- Bring small bills—$1s and $5s are your best friends. People don't have change around, and if you pay the correct amount, is better. Please remember that we don't print dollars, so change is very limited in the small areas.
- Buy a local SIM card or download an offline map (trust me, Google Maps and I have had fights).
To know more about us:
How to Get to Balsa Surf Camp and La Escuelita Spanish School
You made it to Montañita! High five! Now let’s get you to Balsa Surf Camp, your magical jungle-meets-beach hideaway.
🏖️ Step-by-Step Directions:
- Once you arrive in Montañita, you'll likely be dropped off near the main bus stop or the sign that said “Montañita”.
- From there, you can:
- Walk to us in about 10–12 minutes, on the main road, (north direction and it is not dangerous, you will know, you are in the right direction if after few minutes walking you see the supermarket TIA, at you right side and the ocean to the left) or
- Take a taxi for $1.50, this is highly recommended to not carry a big backpack on your back on our sunny beach hit (taxis are okay in town)
- Walk to us in about 10–12 minutes, on the main road, (north direction and it is not dangerous, you will know, you are in the right direction if after few minutes walking you see the supermarket TIA, at you right side and the ocean to the left) or
- Tell the driver: "Balsa Surf Camp, en la Punta de Montañita"
- We’re located in a quiet, peaceful part of the neighborhood called La Punta—away from the party noise, surrounded by trees, all wooden, you will spot it as soon as you arrive in the area. The nicest place in town!
📍 Bonus:
- Here’s our Google Map location
Why Stay at Balsa Surf Camp? If you have not book yet!
Besides the warm welcome (hi again 👋), we offer:
- Beautiful eco-cabins made of wood and bamboo, but with all the comfort that you need.
- Daily yoga class at 9:00 am
- Surf lessons with amazing instructors, book it directly at the reception desk.
- Fun, practical Spanish classes at La Escuelita Spanish School. Here more information about our programs.
- And the kind of calm that helps you actually relax.
We’re close enough to the town to enjoy it, but far enough to hear the waves instead of late-night music.
Final Tips from Me, your spanish teacher and coordinator
- Best time to visit: December–May (sunny season but really hot), but it’s beautiful all year.
- What to pack: Flip-flops, sunscreen, bug spray, swimsuit, curiosity.
Get Ready for South America
✅ Ready to Take the Next Step?
👉 Download 100 free phrase list for travelers
👉 Join our online or in-person Spanish lessons (we’re in paradise!)
👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily Spanish tips, fun games, and travel inspiration
¡Vamos! Your Spanish journey starts now.
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