Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Upon entering the modern-day village of Valdivia (a 15 minute drive south of Montañita)
visitors are greeted by a red clay statue of Venus, the sacred symbol of Valdivian culture.
Some smaller-scale figures can still be seen at the MET in New York and other museums
throughout the world. The town has a museum with an aquarium, some remnants of Valdi-
via culture and artisans who create replicas of the Venus statues. From Montañita you can
also head north to Olón, a small fishing village that's way less touristy and which enjoys a
long, peaceful stretch of Atlantic coastline. A basic sanctuary with a huge cross on it over-
looks the town from a cliff.
Food
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Ceviche Carts
Everywhere
$
Though there are a ton of international food options in town catering to travelers, please
don't leave Montañita without trying some traditional Ecuadorian coastal food, and some-
times that means getting your lunch from a cart. Wherever you are in town, you'll prob-
ably hear men screaming “Ceviche!” while they push their carts along the dirt road. These
men whip up some of the best ceviche in the country, fresh from the morning's catch.
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Marea Pizzería Bar
Las Palmeras street across from Hotel Montañita
$$
This airy restaurant has outdoor seating which is essential unless you want to bake inside
along with the pizza. Marea has the only brick-oven in town and thus, probably the best
pizza, which comes in 15 different varieties. Other international options are on the menu
too, but besides the pizza, pasta is the best.
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Kapadokia
Corner of Segunda street and 15 de Mayo
$$$
Kapadokia is a cozy Mediterranean grill serving exotic takes on fresh seafood dishes. This
is where you have to go to eat lobster in Montañita. The arched brick facades and blue-
and-white tones dominate the corner of Mayo and Segunda, with second-floor terraces
overlooking town. The Turkish salads with hummus are also amazing, but taste even bet-
ter with a pitcher of homemade Sangria.
