Food scene
This is the best Italian restaurant in all of Ayampe (and even better than those in big town neighbor Puerto Lopez), run by an authentic Italian owner. Perfect thin crust pizza & homemade pastas! We recommend the pappardelle al funghi, fresh basil & garlic mozzarella pizza, & the blue cheese speck pizza. Take out for easy comfort at home or eat at the restaurant for a pretty vibe.
Los Orishas
This is the best Italian restaurant in all of Ayampe (and even better than those in big town neighbor Puerto Lopez), run by an authentic Italian owner. Perfect thin crust pizza & homemade pastas! We recommend the pappardelle al funghi, fresh basil & garlic mozzarella pizza, & the blue cheese speck pizza. Take out for easy comfort at home or eat at the restaurant for a pretty vibe.
Best Breakfast in town! We recommend you try the fluffiest pancakes with powdered sugar, cheesy bolon, gritty gluten-free pancakes, traditional French toast, buttery eggs, & fresh fruit juices.
La Buena Vida Hotel
Best Breakfast in town! We recommend you try the fluffiest pancakes with powdered sugar, cheesy bolon, gritty gluten-free pancakes, traditional French toast, buttery eggs, & fresh fruit juices.
The cutest pastry/savory shop in an adorable garden setting! Want to save yourself a night of cooking? Take some of their tomato-cheese or mushrooms-onion tarts to go, and pair it with the prettiest desserts in town. We recommend the carrot pineapple cake, the chocolate caramel tarts, and the fudge brownies. Surprisingly, their fresh fish sandwich on a warm baguette with slaw rivals may be our favorite fish sandwich in town.
The Barn
The cutest pastry/savory shop in an adorable garden setting! Want to save yourself a night of cooking? Take some of their tomato-cheese or mushrooms-onion tarts to go, and pair it with the prettiest desserts in town. We recommend the carrot pineapple cake, the chocolate caramel tarts, and the fudge brownies. Surprisingly, their fresh fish sandwich on a warm baguette with slaw rivals may be our favorite fish sandwich in town.
Challwa House's clean but cool vibe is the perfect place to grab some coffees (or simple breakfast, lunch fare) just a block to the beach. Challwa House sits on one of the main streets of town so you're sure to see all the surfers going to and from the beach. The staff is friendly and young, and expect to see a friendly dog or two camping out.
Challwa house
Calle 3Challwa House's clean but cool vibe is the perfect place to grab some coffees (or simple breakfast, lunch fare) just a block to the beach. Challwa House sits on one of the main streets of town so you're sure to see all the surfers going to and from the beach. The staff is friendly and young, and expect to see a friendly dog or two camping out.
With dining individual cabanas directly on the beach, Restaurante de Jimmy's in Las Tunas not only has the freshest, traditional ceviche but it's also one of the only places in Ayampe or surrounding areas that you get to eat directly on the sand!
We recommend the traditional ceviche with all the toppings, robalo encocado, and the camarones al ajillo. But above all, we definitely love starting the meal with their incredible mojitos.
You can take a quick cab from Ayampe or, if the tide is low, you can get there by a 35 minute walk or a 15 minute brisk jog.
Restaurante Jimmy
E15With dining individual cabanas directly on the beach, Restaurante de Jimmy's in Las Tunas not only has the freshest, traditional ceviche but it's also one of the only places in Ayampe or surrounding areas that you get to eat directly on the sand!
We recommend the traditional ceviche with all the toppings, robalo encocado, and the camarones al ajillo. But above all, we definitely love starting the meal with their incredible mojitos.
You can take a quick cab from Ayampe or, if the tide is low, you can get there by a 35 minute walk or a 15 minute brisk jog.
Fish House's location on the 2nd floor directly across from the main beach guarantees you'll have a seat to the best surfing in town. (Definitely recommend you eat on the balcony!). Try their surprising fish wrap, killer thick French fries, and addictive shrimp poppers.
The Fish House
Fish House's location on the 2nd floor directly across from the main beach guarantees you'll have a seat to the best surfing in town. (Definitely recommend you eat on the balcony!). Try their surprising fish wrap, killer thick French fries, and addictive shrimp poppers.
El Nido's decor will transport you to Cartagena, San Juan, and other picturesque, colonial South American towns. Its tall green doors are so pretty set against the yellow walls, that you'll want to take a picture with them. Located directly on Puerto Lopez's boardwalk, El Nido is a great spot to breakfast fluffy pancakes while enjoying the views and its rooftop terrace is perfect for a drink and sunset.
El Nido Boutique Bed & Breakfast
Maria Immaculada ConcepciónEl Nido's decor will transport you to Cartagena, San Juan, and other picturesque, colonial South American towns. Its tall green doors are so pretty set against the yellow walls, that you'll want to take a picture with them. Located directly on Puerto Lopez's boardwalk, El Nido is a great spot to breakfast fluffy pancakes while enjoying the views and its rooftop terrace is perfect for a drink and sunset.
Cafe Madame is one of our favorite places because of its tranquil location within Puerto Lopez to the right of the beach with its simple, but outdoor chic vibe. There are a handful of outdoor tables, but our favorite one is the blue and white one shaped like a small wooden fishing boat. Although the restaurant is set amidst trees & flowers, it also has convenient power chargers everywhere, which makes it the perfect place to pop open a laptop while you munch away on delicious international/local breakfast, lunch, & coffee.
CAFE MADAME
Vía Julio IzurietaCafe Madame is one of our favorite places because of its tranquil location within Puerto Lopez to the right of the beach with its simple, but outdoor chic vibe. There are a handful of outdoor tables, but our favorite one is the blue and white one shaped like a small wooden fishing boat. Although the restaurant is set amidst trees & flowers, it also has convenient power chargers everywhere, which makes it the perfect place to pop open a laptop while you munch away on delicious international/local breakfast, lunch, & coffee.
This is authentic Indian cuisine except the spiciness level is a mild version of
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
South Indian Restaurant
MaleconThis is authentic Indian cuisine except the spiciness level is a mild version of
La Tortuga has a great food spot, which is surprisingly for Ayampe, directly on the beach (or in the grassy area, just 5 ft. from the beach). It’s got a great vibe, nice rustic chic decor, and it’s all open air, allowing you to enjoy the fresh sea breeze with ocean views. We recommend the fried fish sandwich, the bolon, & the empanadas.
La Tortuga Hostel
La Tortuga has a great food spot, which is surprisingly for Ayampe, directly on the beach (or in the grassy area, just 5 ft. from the beach). It’s got a great vibe, nice rustic chic decor, and it’s all open air, allowing you to enjoy the fresh sea breeze with ocean views. We recommend the fried fish sandwich, the bolon, & the empanadas.
This is the perfect “go to” plaza with a wide variety of good food options including middle eastern, burgers, steak, artisan beers, all kinds of wine, & coffee. (And if you love cappuccinos, you should definitely ask for one “dry” cappuccino at Distinto (@distinto.ayampe) because it’s the perfect combination of deliciously strong, milky, & foamy. They usually have a vegan pastry or fresh bread loaf in case you’re in the mood for an accompanying treat.)
Plaza Madre Tierra is aesthetically pleasing with its open space, plants everywhere, & pretty lighting. It has the low key feeling you get in Ayampe, but it also has a clean, more formal vibe. Dress up or dress down, expect this plaza to get busy on high season weekends. It’s also worth checking out their schedule, & finding out when they have live music nights. Definitely a place worth stopping by!
Plaza Madre Tierra
86 Ruta del SpondylusThis is the perfect “go to” plaza with a wide variety of good food options including middle eastern, burgers, steak, artisan beers, all kinds of wine, & coffee. (And if you love cappuccinos, you should definitely ask for one “dry” cappuccino at Distinto (@distinto.ayampe) because it’s the perfect combination of deliciously strong, milky, & foamy. They usually have a vegan pastry or fresh bread loaf in case you’re in the mood for an accompanying treat.)
Plaza Madre Tierra is aesthetically pleasing with its open space, plants everywhere, & pretty lighting. It has the low key feeling you get in Ayampe, but it also has a clean, more formal vibe. Dress up or dress down, expect this plaza to get busy on high season weekends. It’s also worth checking out their schedule, & finding out when they have live music nights. Definitely a place worth stopping by!
El restaurante "gourmet" mas cerca de Ayampe (aparte del nuevo restaurante Mulata en Ayampe), Momo esta en Olon y tiene comida deliciosa. Muchas veces hemos manejado a Olon solo para comer en Momo (o en el restaurante de South Indian Olon).
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MOMO Restaurante & Deli
303 C. Sta. LuciaEl restaurante "gourmet" mas cerca de Ayampe (aparte del nuevo restaurante Mulata en Ayampe), Momo esta en Olon y tiene comida deliciosa. Muchas veces hemos manejado a Olon solo para comer en Momo (o en el restaurante de South Indian Olon).
Comida de mariscos y hamburguesas no muy caro en una plaza pequenita. Hay pocas mesas pero es un ambiente abierto al aire libre.
El Pacay en ayampe
Calle la LagunaComida de mariscos y hamburguesas no muy caro en una plaza pequenita. Hay pocas mesas pero es un ambiente abierto al aire libre.
Day Trips - Beaches & Sightseeing
Los Frailes Beach will take your breath away, and it's just a quick 25 minute drive from Ayampe. Calm water in the middle of a bay with intricate rock formations to your left and other picturesque rocks to your right. We recommend getting there early to beat the crowds because this serene place can get busy on weekends and afternoons. Food and drinks are not available so pack your own picnic (and be sure to pick up your own trash) but, luckily, some sun umbrellas are available to rent.
On your way back to Ayampe, we recommend you stop in Puerto Lopez for a fresh ceviche or a cool drink.
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Los Frailes
Los Frailes Beach will take your breath away, and it's just a quick 25 minute drive from Ayampe. Calm water in the middle of a bay with intricate rock formations to your left and other picturesque rocks to your right. We recommend getting there early to beat the crowds because this serene place can get busy on weekends and afternoons. Food and drinks are not available so pack your own picnic (and be sure to pick up your own trash) but, luckily, some sun umbrellas are available to rent.
On your way back to Ayampe, we recommend you stop in Puerto Lopez for a fresh ceviche or a cool drink.
A trip to the sulfur springs of Agua Blanca is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Cover yourself in the local, dark mud and then jump into the cloudy, sulfur pond. Locals swear the mud has healing properties, and sunburnt surfers and beachgoers find it may help with sunburn pain.
You'll be charged about a $5 entrance fee per car as well as a $1 per person lagoon fee as the sulfur springs are located within the Agua Blanca indigenous community. Your entrance fee includes access to the local, archaeology museum and a guided walk with a local guide (who you'll be required to tip) of the grounds, including local farmland, an archaeology site, and a native forest.
Definitely recommend bringing flip flops that you can leave at the edge of the water (to avoid walking barefoot from the benches to the edge of the pool as the ground is covered in gravel & uncomfortable), a towel, and a change of clothes. There are bathrooms and changing areas on site for your convenience.
On weekends or high season, (at least before the outbreak of the COVID pandemic), there were lockers you could rent to store valuables and a small cafe to purchase snacks and drinks.
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Agua Blanca
A trip to the sulfur springs of Agua Blanca is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Cover yourself in the local, dark mud and then jump into the cloudy, sulfur pond. Locals swear the mud has healing properties, and sunburnt surfers and beachgoers find it may help with sunburn pain.
You'll be charged about a $5 entrance fee per car as well as a $1 per person lagoon fee as the sulfur springs are located within the Agua Blanca indigenous community. Your entrance fee includes access to the local, archaeology museum and a guided walk with a local guide (who you'll be required to tip) of the grounds, including local farmland, an archaeology site, and a native forest.
Definitely recommend bringing flip flops that you can leave at the edge of the water (to avoid walking barefoot from the benches to the edge of the pool as the ground is covered in gravel & uncomfortable), a towel, and a change of clothes. There are bathrooms and changing areas on site for your convenience.
On weekends or high season, (at least before the outbreak of the COVID pandemic), there were lockers you could rent to store valuables and a small cafe to purchase snacks and drinks.
Within view of Ayampe's beach and just 2 km across from the main beach, "Los Ahorcados" Islet is made up of two small islets.
Aside from being the backdrop to all the most gorgeous sunsets in Ayampe, Los Ahorcados are famous for snorkeling, sport fishing, exploring, and whale and bird watching.
Islas Los Ahorcados
Within view of Ayampe's beach and just 2 km across from the main beach, "Los Ahorcados" Islet is made up of two small islets.
Aside from being the backdrop to all the most gorgeous sunsets in Ayampe, Los Ahorcados are famous for snorkeling, sport fishing, exploring, and whale and bird watching.
Take this Isla Salango boat tour with the full understanding that it is a 3 hour water-based only trip--aside from a 1 hour stop off a beach, where you can swim into shore and relax on a small sliver of sand. Although the reefs have unfortunately been destroyed and there is little colorful coral left, fish are plentiful and you'll encounter a ton of fish including clown fish and surgeon fish. (Take the Isla de Plata tour--instead of this Isla Salango tour--if you have time for a full-day tour, and if you'd like to walk on an island & get a chance to check out the wildlife close by).
After about a 40 minute boat ride, your tour will stop off the island shore. You'll get dropped off for an hour of snorkeling & kayaking. The ocean around Isla Salango is not only a habitat for sea turtles but also a perfect breeding spot for humpback whales. (Expect to encounter more sea turtles in the waters on Isla de la Plata tours).
The Parque Nacional Machalilla has a bunch of islands on its 136,000 acres, including Isla de Plata and Isla Salango.
The tour leaves from Puerto Lopez & its cost is appx. $20, which will likely include snorkeling gear, a water, soda, & small snack. The tour boat departs twice a day--10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.--from the beach near the fish market.
**But if it's any time from June - September, visitors tend to opt for the humpback whale 1/2 day or full-day tours instead (or at least make sure to get in the whale tour as well as the Isla de la Plata).
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Isla Salango
Take this Isla Salango boat tour with the full understanding that it is a 3 hour water-based only trip--aside from a 1 hour stop off a beach, where you can swim into shore and relax on a small sliver of sand. Although the reefs have unfortunately been destroyed and there is little colorful coral left, fish are plentiful and you'll encounter a ton of fish including clown fish and surgeon fish. (Take the Isla de Plata tour--instead of this Isla Salango tour--if you have time for a full-day tour, and if you'd like to walk on an island & get a chance to check out the wildlife close by).
After about a 40 minute boat ride, your tour will stop off the island shore. You'll get dropped off for an hour of snorkeling & kayaking. The ocean around Isla Salango is not only a habitat for sea turtles but also a perfect breeding spot for humpback whales. (Expect to encounter more sea turtles in the waters on Isla de la Plata tours).
The Parque Nacional Machalilla has a bunch of islands on its 136,000 acres, including Isla de Plata and Isla Salango.
The tour leaves from Puerto Lopez & its cost is appx. $20, which will likely include snorkeling gear, a water, soda, & small snack. The tour boat departs twice a day--10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.--from the beach near the fish market.
**But if it's any time from June - September, visitors tend to opt for the humpback whale 1/2 day or full-day tours instead (or at least make sure to get in the whale tour as well as the Isla de la Plata).
If it's between June - September, visitors rarely miss the humpback whale 1/2 day or full-day tours.
Even if it isn't the season for whale watching, if you have time for a full-day tour, visitors like to take the Isla de Plata tour (instead of the 3 hour Isla Salango tour), where you'll get a chance to walk on an island & get a chance to check out the wildlife close up. Expect to encounter a ton of sea turtles in the waters near Isla de Plata.
The Parque Nacional Machalilla has a bunch of islands on its 136,000 acres, including Isla de Plata and Isla Salango.
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Plata Island
If it's between June - September, visitors rarely miss the humpback whale 1/2 day or full-day tours.
Even if it isn't the season for whale watching, if you have time for a full-day tour, visitors like to take the Isla de Plata tour (instead of the 3 hour Isla Salango tour), where you'll get a chance to walk on an island & get a chance to check out the wildlife close up. Expect to encounter a ton of sea turtles in the waters near Isla de Plata.
The Parque Nacional Machalilla has a bunch of islands on its 136,000 acres, including Isla de Plata and Isla Salango.
Yoga, Surf, & Other Activities
If you're in the mood for a whole slew of amazing yoga lessons, Otra Ola is the place in town, providing a variety of popular yoga instructors with near-daily classes.
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Otra Ola
Cdla. 12 de OctubreIf you're in the mood for a whole slew of amazing yoga lessons, Otra Ola is the place in town, providing a variety of popular yoga instructors with near-daily classes.
City/town information
Olon is approximately 35-40 minutes from Ayampe but its worth the drive not just because it's another long, wide beach, but also because it has a few delicious lunch and dinner options not available anywhere else. Two favorites are South Indian Restaurant and Momo Olon___ (each described in a separate section).
Olon is also a practical spot because it contains a medium-sized market (comparable to the one in Puerto Lopez but often with better options for packaged items).
Unlike Ayampe's rugged charm, Olon is much more developed and a popular place for Guayaquil residents. Expect to see tall gates hiding beachfront mansions.
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Olon
Olon is approximately 35-40 minutes from Ayampe but its worth the drive not just because it's another long, wide beach, but also because it has a few delicious lunch and dinner options not available anywhere else. Two favorites are South Indian Restaurant and Momo Olon___ (each described in a separate section).
Olon is also a practical spot because it contains a medium-sized market (comparable to the one in Puerto Lopez but often with better options for packaged items).
Unlike Ayampe's rugged charm, Olon is much more developed and a popular place for Guayaquil residents. Expect to see tall gates hiding beachfront mansions.
This is the closest "big" town to Ayampe, just 15-20 minutes away, where you can watch the fishing boats come and go, choose your fresh seafood catch of the day, walk along the boardwalk, buy some fresh bread, and have a cocktail at sunset.
The fishing boats and fresh seafood stands can be found on the beach as soon as you arrive to Puerto Lopez from Ayampe. Bring your camera & take some nice pictures of the blue wooden fishing boats with the seagulls circling overhead. Choose your fresh seafood and take it to one of the seafood stands, where they can clean it up for you. (Some of our favorites to grill or serve breaded & fried are the "pargo rojo," "camotillo" fish, "corvina de piedra," shrimps, and octopus).
A small seafood shack directly on the beach 100 meters away from the fishing boats is a great casual, delicious stop if you want fresh ceviche (we love the "mani"/peanuts fish/shrimp,) fried fish with chifles and patacones, and an ice cold beer.
Our two favorite places in Puerto Lopez also deserve a mention if you're contemplating food/drinks--El Nido & Cafe Madame (described in a separate section for each). Cafe Madame has a laid-back vibe set amidst trees & flowers, serving good breakfast & lunch. El Nido's front doors are so pretty you'll want to take a picture with them and the cocktails & views will lure you in.
Puerto Lopez also has the closest medium-sized market (like Tia) to Ayampe (though do keep in mind that the closest normal/big size ones are at least 1 1/2 hour away and the closest Super Maxi (largest supermarket) is in Manta (although most people flying into Guayaquil will find it easier to just stop at the Super Maxi in Guayaquil before their drive to Ayampe).
We also recommend stopping for pan de yuca and tortitas de maiz & queso at _____, where it is made fresh daily. Although Naturissimo is unrivaled across Ecuador for its pan de yuca with its mouthwatering yogurt drinks, ______'s pan de yuca are pretty good. The strawberry yogurt drink isn't as good as any of the yogurt drinks at Naturissimo but it's nice to have a nice option for an accompaniment.
Puerto Lopez has all the more practical things you'll need too, like a medium-sized ferreteria, a whole slew of pharmacies, doctors, etc.
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Puerto Lopez
This is the closest "big" town to Ayampe, just 15-20 minutes away, where you can watch the fishing boats come and go, choose your fresh seafood catch of the day, walk along the boardwalk, buy some fresh bread, and have a cocktail at sunset.
The fishing boats and fresh seafood stands can be found on the beach as soon as you arrive to Puerto Lopez from Ayampe. Bring your camera & take some nice pictures of the blue wooden fishing boats with the seagulls circling overhead. Choose your fresh seafood and take it to one of the seafood stands, where they can clean it up for you. (Some of our favorites to grill or serve breaded & fried are the "pargo rojo," "camotillo" fish, "corvina de piedra," shrimps, and octopus).
A small seafood shack directly on the beach 100 meters away from the fishing boats is a great casual, delicious stop if you want fresh ceviche (we love the "mani"/peanuts fish/shrimp,) fried fish with chifles and patacones, and an ice cold beer.
Our two favorite places in Puerto Lopez also deserve a mention if you're contemplating food/drinks--El Nido & Cafe Madame (described in a separate section for each). Cafe Madame has a laid-back vibe set amidst trees & flowers, serving good breakfast & lunch. El Nido's front doors are so pretty you'll want to take a picture with them and the cocktails & views will lure you in.
Puerto Lopez also has the closest medium-sized market (like Tia) to Ayampe (though do keep in mind that the closest normal/big size ones are at least 1 1/2 hour away and the closest Super Maxi (largest supermarket) is in Manta (although most people flying into Guayaquil will find it easier to just stop at the Super Maxi in Guayaquil before their drive to Ayampe).
We also recommend stopping for pan de yuca and tortitas de maiz & queso at _____, where it is made fresh daily. Although Naturissimo is unrivaled across Ecuador for its pan de yuca with its mouthwatering yogurt drinks, ______'s pan de yuca are pretty good. The strawberry yogurt drink isn't as good as any of the yogurt drinks at Naturissimo but it's nice to have a nice option for an accompaniment.
Puerto Lopez has all the more practical things you'll need too, like a medium-sized ferreteria, a whole slew of pharmacies, doctors, etc.
Montanita is a notorious coastal "party" town for locals, ex-pats, and tourists alike, just 30 minutes from Ayampe (between Ayampe and Guayaquil). Clubs and bars blare their music all night long, as this town never sleeps. Naturally, the parties result in some unsavory characters and we advise care and caution with your person and belongings (for example, pickpockets are quite common in the crowds).
Montanita offers more than parties though. It originally gained its popularity due to having some of the best surfing waves on the coast. Montanita has even gotten on the international surfing circuit, and its annual Carnival celebration usually includes a surfing competition as part of the February festivities.
While we're not huge fans of Montanita and much prefer Ayampe's quieter, safer pace, we've enjoyed some fun meals at Montanita's slew of international cuisine, including at Dharma's Beach Restaurant, a restaurant directly on the beach & in the midst of all the crowds.
While people usually head to Montanita for the parties and the surfing, we're usually only tempted to stop there for the ATMs and, more importantly, for "El Pueblo Organic Market"--a small market selling gourmet items that are virtually impossible to find short of going to Guayaquil or Manta, such as gluten-free flours and pastas, Acai, President cheese, gourmet wines, etc. You can check them out on Facebook or Instagram (@elpueblomarket_ec).
To be completely honest, aside from El Pueblo Organic Market, we typically skip over Montanita and visit nearby Olon, just 5 minutes away.
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Montanita
Montanita is a notorious coastal "party" town for locals, ex-pats, and tourists alike, just 30 minutes from Ayampe (between Ayampe and Guayaquil). Clubs and bars blare their music all night long, as this town never sleeps. Naturally, the parties result in some unsavory characters and we advise care and caution with your person and belongings (for example, pickpockets are quite common in the crowds).
Montanita offers more than parties though. It originally gained its popularity due to having some of the best surfing waves on the coast. Montanita has even gotten on the international surfing circuit, and its annual Carnival celebration usually includes a surfing competition as part of the February festivities.
While we're not huge fans of Montanita and much prefer Ayampe's quieter, safer pace, we've enjoyed some fun meals at Montanita's slew of international cuisine, including at Dharma's Beach Restaurant, a restaurant directly on the beach & in the midst of all the crowds.
While people usually head to Montanita for the parties and the surfing, we're usually only tempted to stop there for the ATMs and, more importantly, for "El Pueblo Organic Market"--a small market selling gourmet items that are virtually impossible to find short of going to Guayaquil or Manta, such as gluten-free flours and pastas, Acai, President cheese, gourmet wines, etc. You can check them out on Facebook or Instagram (@elpueblomarket_ec).
To be completely honest, aside from El Pueblo Organic Market, we typically skip over Montanita and visit nearby Olon, just 5 minutes away.
Albeit nowhere near as pretty as Quito, Guayaquil does have its pockets of beauty. That being said, Guayaquil can be a quite dangerous city, so you’d best know your way around. If you visit the popular historic downtown area (and other high crime and pickpocketing areas), be extra vigilant with your surroundings.
Take a stroll on the malecón alongside the river, and go for a ride on the carousel, where you’ll enjoy beautiful views.
Guayaquil has quite a few malls where you can catch a movie or do some shopping. Our favorites are San Marino.
We always stop at a SuperMaxi (huge supermarket) in Guayaquil to load up on unique and more varied groceries before heading to Ayampe. For example, you can find: better, more varied cheese; a range of international, including American Macaroni & Cheese Kraft boxes, Aunt Jemima’s Pancake Mix & Maple Syrup, President butter, great cuts of meat & hams, etc.
Also, it may sound silly but, for us locals, no trip to Guayaquil would be complete without a stop at Naturissimo for pan de yuca, tortillas de maíz, & yogurt. It’s hard to explain the allure of the combination with a yogurt drink (which is also hard to describe but is like a tart-sweet yogurt fruit drink). Our favorite yogurt drinks are: naranjila; maracuya; and mora.
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Guayaquil
Albeit nowhere near as pretty as Quito, Guayaquil does have its pockets of beauty. That being said, Guayaquil can be a quite dangerous city, so you’d best know your way around. If you visit the popular historic downtown area (and other high crime and pickpocketing areas), be extra vigilant with your surroundings.
Take a stroll on the malecón alongside the river, and go for a ride on the carousel, where you’ll enjoy beautiful views.
Guayaquil has quite a few malls where you can catch a movie or do some shopping. Our favorites are San Marino.
We always stop at a SuperMaxi (huge supermarket) in Guayaquil to load up on unique and more varied groceries before heading to Ayampe. For example, you can find: better, more varied cheese; a range of international, including American Macaroni & Cheese Kraft boxes, Aunt Jemima’s Pancake Mix & Maple Syrup, President butter, great cuts of meat & hams, etc.
Also, it may sound silly but, for us locals, no trip to Guayaquil would be complete without a stop at Naturissimo for pan de yuca, tortillas de maíz, & yogurt. It’s hard to explain the allure of the combination with a yogurt drink (which is also hard to describe but is like a tart-sweet yogurt fruit drink). Our favorite yogurt drinks are: naranjila; maracuya; and mora.
Misc. - ATMs, Pharmacies, Markets, Etc.
The closest "medium" supermarket to Ayampe, Tia market in Puerto Lopez is just 15-20 minutes away and should have most of your basic necessities, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, & meats. You can even find less "normal" things like almond milk, coconut milk, etc.
Don't expect much in the way of a wide variety of groceries but you can solve that issue by either driving to a big city like Manta or Guayaquil for a SuperMaxi super market or making do with a selection of gourmet items at "El Pueblo Organic Market"--a small market selling gourmet items such as gluten-free flours and pastas, Acai, President cheese, gourmet wines, etc. You can check them out on Facebook or Instagram (@elpueblomarket_ec).
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Tía Puerto López
The closest "medium" supermarket to Ayampe, Tia market in Puerto Lopez is just 15-20 minutes away and should have most of your basic necessities, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, & meats. You can even find less "normal" things like almond milk, coconut milk, etc.
Don't expect much in the way of a wide variety of groceries but you can solve that issue by either driving to a big city like Manta or Guayaquil for a SuperMaxi super market or making do with a selection of gourmet items at "El Pueblo Organic Market"--a small market selling gourmet items such as gluten-free flours and pastas, Acai, President cheese, gourmet wines, etc. You can check them out on Facebook or Instagram (@elpueblomarket_ec).
Banco Pichincha is the closest bank to Ayampe and, more importantly, has the closest ATM. This is a BIG deal because there are currently no ATMs within Ayampe (and credit cards are rarely accepted). Also, be careful but plan ahead in case the ATM or your bank has a limit on the total amount you can withdraw in a single day!
Banco Pichincha
Banco Pichincha is the closest bank to Ayampe and, more importantly, has the closest ATM. This is a BIG deal because there are currently no ATMs within Ayampe (and credit cards are rarely accepted). Also, be careful but plan ahead in case the ATM or your bank has a limit on the total amount you can withdraw in a single day!
Ayampe's pharmacy (or "botiquin" or "botica") is not 24 hours, is often only open a half day on Sunday, and may even be closed on holidays. Luckily, the Farmacia Cruz Azul in Puerto Lopez is 24 hours (or as good as 24 hours should be in rural Ecuador haha). (And even if the Farmacia Cruz Azul is closed or renamed, there should be at least one other 24-hour pharmacy in Puerto Lopez just a few blocks away.)
Farmacia Cruz Azul
Y AtahualpaAyampe's pharmacy (or "botiquin" or "botica") is not 24 hours, is often only open a half day on Sunday, and may even be closed on holidays. Luckily, the Farmacia Cruz Azul in Puerto Lopez is 24 hours (or as good as 24 hours should be in rural Ecuador haha). (And even if the Farmacia Cruz Azul is closed or renamed, there should be at least one other 24-hour pharmacy in Puerto Lopez just a few blocks away.)
El mercadito perfecto para tus compras gourmet, incluyendo quesos, vinos, & carnes de buena calidad.
Momo tienda gourmet
303 C. Sta. LuciaEl mercadito perfecto para tus compras gourmet, incluyendo quesos, vinos, & carnes de buena calidad.
Payo sa lungsod
Ang dapat iempake
Cash! There are no ATMs! Efectivo porque no hay cajeros!
There are no ATMs in Ayampe. The closest ATMs to Ayampe can be found in Puerto Lopez (20 minute drive away) or Montanita (40 minute drive away). (There is 1 ATM in Olon, which is 5 minutes closer than Montanita, but it does not accept all debit cards).
No hay cajero automaticos en Ayampe. El cajero mas cercano esta situado en Puerto Lopez (20 minutos manejada) o Montanita (40 minutos manejada). (Si hay 1 cajero automatico en Olon, que es 5 minutos mas cerca que Montanita pero no acepta todas tarjetas de debito).
Mga kapaki-pakinabang na parirala
How to say "Where is the bathroom?"
How to say "Where is the bathroom?" = "Adonde esta el bano?"
Ang dapat iempake
Pack sunscreen! Empaca protector solar!
The sun in Ayampe can be unforgiving. We highly recommend you pack sunscreen & a wide-brimmed hat! We have beach towels available for your use.
El sol en Ayampe es muy fuerte! Recomendamos que empaquen su protector solar & un sombrero ancho! Tenemos playas de toallas para prestarles.
Ang dapat iempake
If you're not from Ecuador, pack Pepto Bismol!
If you're not from Ecuador, you may not be used to the local food and the different bacteria in that food & water. We recommend you pack Pepto Bismol (if you're from the USA) or your favorite country's medication for sore tummies, nausea, or diarrhea.
Huwag palampasin
The sunsets in Ayampe are breathtaking
Check online to see what time sunset is at (depends on the time of year) and make sure to catch the sunsets in Ayampe. It's a time where everything slows down & locals gather on the beach to enjoy the last glimmers of sun.
Recomendamos que verifiquen la hora del artaceder (depende de cuando visitan) y no se pierdan los atardecederes de Ayampe! Es un momento cuando la gente se reune en parejas o grupos pequenos para disfrutar la caida del sol.