On the coast of Manabí there's a town where green hills run straight down to the ocean, where there are no nightclubs or tall buildings, and where the unwritten rule is simple: you come here to slow down. That's Ayampe — and this is the guide to making the most of it.

Where is Ayampe?

Ayampe sits on the Ruta del Spondylus, Ecuador's scenic coastal highway, at the southern edge of Manabí: 17 km from Puerto López, 25 km from Montañita, and about 3 hours by road from Guayaquil. Its position beside Machalilla National Park and the Ayampe river valley gives it a biodiversity few beach towns can claim.

Things to do in Ayampe

  • Surf: the beach break works all year. Here's the full surf guide.
  • Birdwatching: the Ayampe river valley is one of the coast's best-loved birding spots — home to hummingbirds like the Esmeraldas woodstar, the area's tiny emblem.
  • River and rainforest walks, minutes from the ocean.
  • Yoga and wellness: the town's vibe has drawn studios and retreats that are now part of its identity.
  • Sunsets on the beach — the plan that never fails.
  • Day trips: Los Frailes 20 minutes away, and from June to September humpback whales from Puerto López.

A town that protects itself

Ayampe's community bet on sustainable tourism: low-rise construction, local businesses run on ecological principles, and a beach that serves as a sea-turtle nesting site in certain months. That's why the town feels the way it does — and why visitors end up protecting it like their own.

What to eat

Coastal cooking built on fresh catch: ceviches, grilled fish of the day, coconut encocados and the ever-present patacones. You'll find everything from family-run comedores to specialty coffee and vegetarian options — a legacy of the international community that fell in love with the town.

When to visit

Ayampe is a year-round destination. From December to May, the sunny season: clear days, warm ocean and the best waves. From June to September, skies are greyer but the sea fills with humpback whales and rates drop. October and November are the secret months: an empty town and clean sunsets.

Where to stay in Ayampe

Options range from surf hostels to eco-cabins. If you're traveling as a family or group and want a whole house steps from the beach, we're finishing two 4-bedroom villas inside a private community at Sandpiper Villas — opening November 2026, with founding guests booking before anyone else.