Central & South Coast - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 296

Other reportedly good choices in the budget category include El
Gato , Pedro Gual and 9 de Octubre, 3-3636-906, and New York ,

at Olmedo and Moreira, 3-3632-044. $

At the high end is El Ejecutivo , across the street at 18 de Octubre
and 10 de Agosto, 3-3632-105, fax [phone]. It's nice and mod-

ern. $$$

Puerto López
Puerto López is pleasant town, but there aren't a lot of good lodging
choices. One of the best is the inexpensive but nice La Terraza , just
north of the downtown part of the Malecón, and up on the hill over-
looking the port,

5-604-235. There are rewarding views, peaceful
comfort and great meals. $

In the next-to-nothing price range, and very popular among budget
travelers, is Los Islotes , at Malecón and Córdova,

5-604-108.
Choose from private or shared baths in a relatively nice hotel for the
price. Call ahead. $

There are other decent places to stay in Puerto López. Check around
in the main downtown area near the Malecón.

Just south of the village of Ayampe is Hotel Atamari , Ayampe, 4-

2780-430, or in Quito at 2-2228-470, fax [phone], atamari@

goecuador.com. Here you will find all the comforts of a luxury hotel,
complete with spectacular views of the ocean and Ayampe Bay. There
is also an acclaimed restaurant and a nice bar, pool and all of the ex-
tras. If you are traveling here fromPuerto López by bus, keep inmind
that Ayampe is a 15-minute walk from themain highway. Highly rec-
ommended. $$$

Alandaluz Ecocultural Tourist Center and its Hostería
Alandaluz, located between Puerto López and Montañita (just south
of the village of Puerto Rico), 5-604-173, is a world-class ecolodge

right on the beach. Arrangements can be be made in Quito,

2-2543-

042, /fax [phone], [e-mail], or through various lo-

cal travel agencies. Alandaluz, which translates as “winged city of
light,” is built with traditional architecture and sustainable natural
materials to provide a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of comfort.
Rooms and cabins vary in style, size, and amenities, depending on
your interest. Some have ocean views from under a thatched roof on
the second floor and others offer intimate cabaña-style accommoda-
tions. All are rustic and simple, but comfortable. The open-air com-
mon room and bar is conducive to meeting people and making new