Ecuador - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 624

EATING
There are scores of good restaurants in the centre of
town. Montañita throws quite a party at weekends,
particularly in high season (Dec-April). Most bars on the
main street, Guido Chiriboga, offer two-for-one happy
hours on cocktails ($3), but take it slow until things get
going towards midnight.
Cañagrill Av Costanera. Round the corner from the main
street Guido Chiriboga, this is the town's busiest disco,
with two dancefloors playing a mix of electronic and Latin
music. It gets packed in the early hours and the partying
continues until after dawn. From 10pm at weekends;
entrance $5.
Ì Hola Ola 10 de Agosto. Two blocks inland, Hola Ola
is turning into the centre of the town's social scene. Big
breakfasts in the morning, a wide range of cocktails in the
evening, parties at weekends and great international food
in between. Mains $5-10.
Karukera Guido Chiriboga. A great choice for breakfast,
this place specializes in crêpes and also serves up Caribbean
cuisine such as fish in orange sauce. Mains $4-8.
Papìllon Guido Chiriboga, at Rocafuerte, on the corner of
the main street. Indulge in a range of sweet and savoury
pancakes or relax with an ice-cream sundae. Mains $4-8.
Tiki Limbo Guido Chiriboga. This backpackers' favourite
takes pride in its food ($6-9) and you´re bound to find
something tantalizing on its imaginative, eclectic menu.
Asian and vegetarian dishes are particular specialities.
The brightly coloured rooms in the hostel upstairs are very
popular ($20).

ACCOMMODATION
Hostería N&J T 04 239 0643. This friendly place is on the
beachfront. Breakfast included. $25
Quimbita T 04 278 0204. The most interesting accommo-
dation option is this c harm ing, colourful hotel with a
permanent art exhibition. $20

6

MONTAÑITA TO PUERTO LÓPEZ
Head north from Montañita and cross
into the province of Manabí . This is
probably the most beautiful stretch of
Ecuador's coastline - so if you prefer peace
to partying and watching wildlife rather
than people this is the place to come. On
the road to Parque Nacional Machalilla,
you pass a succession of fishing villages
- Ayampe , Las Tunas , Puerto Rico and
Salango . Tourist facilities are still
underdeveloped, but the area does contain
some good-quality accommodation and
the beaches are often deserted.
ACCOMMODATION
Between Montañita and Puerto Lopez there are several
highly recommended hosterías .
Hostería Alandaluz T 04 278 0690. Near Puerto Rico
this award-winning eco-resort has a great location in front
of the beach, enclosed by a garden, orchard and bam bo o
forest. T hose on a budget can camp. Camping/person $7 ,
doubles $40
Ì La Barquita T 04 278 0051, W hosterialabarquita
.com. Near the tiny village of Puerto Rico. The main attraction
is the wooden, boat-shaped restaurant, worth a visit even
if you don't stay. The rooms are set in idyllic gar dens with
a small adventure playground and swimming pool. $20
Cabañas La Tortuga T 04 278 0613, W latortuga.com
.ec. These comfortable cabins are the only beachfront
accommodation in Ayampe. For those on a budget there
are bu nk be ds wit h sha red bath and camping. Camping/
person $10 , dorms $10 , doubles $30

DOS MANGAS
DOS MANGAS is the best base to explore
the tropical dry forest of the Cordillera
Chongón. This community of 950 people
makes a living from crafts and
agriculture. It has a small information
centre, and two paths through the forest
to waterfalls and natural pools. Trucks
from the main coast road head to Dos
Mangas every hour and you can hire
guides and horses (around $10 per
person). The park entrance fee is $1.
Alternatively, book a tour in Montañita.

PUERTO LÓPEZ
PUERTO LÓPEZ is the tourism hub for
the Machalilla area and the best base to
explore Parque Nacional Machalilla and
Isla de la Plata . The town boasts one of
the most attractive locations on the coast,
set in a wide bay surrounded by the green
hills of Ecuador's largest protected coastal
forest. The dusty Malecón has a certain
beaten-down charm, and in the morning
the sight of fishermen heading out from

OLÓN
This tranquil village on the other side
of the point is developing as a quiet
alternative to Montañita; it has a long
beach and a few good hotels and
restaurants. The sea isn't suitable for surfing
but you could just about swim in it.