Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This eco-lodge on the beach seems like it was plucked straight from the jungle and stuck
onto the coast, zoo and all. The bilingual owner owns parrots, cockatiels, peacocks, turtles
and even monkeys. Tropical gardens full of exotic plants and flowers completely envelop
the adobe structures of the hotel, which are painted in warm tones and have elaborate
pebbled paths leading to their entrances.
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Cocos Hostal
On the corner of the Malecón and Fidón Tomalá
$$-$$$
This hotel spells Salinas: airy, even glitzy South Beach vibe with modern rooms (some
with ocean views) in the center of everything. The restaurant/bar here is really popular (as
is the hotel) so book in advance, and if you're here on a weekend, especially during peak
season, get ready for some noise.
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Barcelo Colón Miramar
Malecón between 38th and 40th streets
$$$
It's impossible to miss this 5 star hotel because it's the most imposing structure in all of
Salinas, stretching out over 2 blocks and upward about 20 stories. They have two pools, a
solarium, spa, salon, gym, oceanfront bar and grill, pharmacy, nightclub, buffet restaurant,
lobby bar and any other service or amenity you can imagine. Suites are huge, sunny and
modern, with several sitting areas and patios that afford guests views of the Pacific.
Montañita
Almost every country with a coast has at least one carefree, hippy beach town, and as
Ecuador's no exception, La Montañita takes the cake as far as sun and fun goes. Located
on the southern Pacific coast about 3 hours north of Guayaquil, expect dreadlocked
surfers from around the world, nomadic Argentinians giving you a hard sell for their
handmade jewelry and young snowbirds from the sierras partying non-stop.
Surfers will feel right at home with the number of camps, hostels and shops that serve as
hubs to network with the multicultural surfing community, or can take part in the Latin
American Surf Tour which famously stops in Montañita. The town is also home to surf
camp-yoga retreat-Spanish school hybrids, but if you're just looking to relax, enjoy your
siesta in a shaded hammock to the tunes of Bob Marley sounding from the nearest bam-
