Ecuador Travel

Overview

Ayangue is a small fishing village north of Punta Blanca on the Ruta del Spondylus. The town is tucked away in a horseshoe shaped bay, hidden several kilometers off of the main highway that connects the towns of Ecuador’s Pacific coast. Fishing boats dot the calm waters of the bay, flanked by high cliffs composing a very picturesque scene. Known for its clear, warm waters, unspoiled coral reef, and small town charm, Ayangue is a hotspot for diving enthusiasts and a calming alternative to the larger cities along the Ruta del Spondylus. It has a number of good hotels considering its small size as well as several impressive ecolodges on the outskirts of town. The seafood restaurants are also quite good, serving the freshest of the day’s catch.

While diving right out of Ayangue is the main attraction, the town also attracts visitors with its proximity to Machalilla National Park, Valdivia, Playa Rosada, and the deep water caves of El Viejo and El Pelado. For those looking to catch a glimpse of the Pacific’s rich underwater kingdom, or simply a tasty bite of fresh seafood, Ayangue rewards those who take the time to get to know it.

History

The proud history of Ayangue and the surrounding region has only recently been discovered. In the last twenty years, historians and archaeologists have determined that communities of craftsmen populated the area as far back as 3000 A.D. These experts concluded that many of the discovered artifacts were more than 1000 years older than the oldest from Peru and Mexico. The archaeological museum in nearby Valdivia documents the history of these maritime nomads.

Attractions

Without question, the main attraction in Ayangue is the opportunities for world-class diving. Ayangue’s uniquely sheltered bay sets it apart from other Ruta del Spondylus locations and gives it very calm waters that make for great underwater exploration. The water is also exceptionally warm, reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit between December and May and remaining at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the rest of the year. Many say Ayangue’s water feels like bathwater.

Local tour operators offer diving tours and retail stores in town sell first-class equipment. Most tours set off right from the beach in Ayangue and head toward the cave-ridden islands of El Viejo and El Pelado. These islands are about 20 minutes by boat from Ayangue and offer great opportunities to see coral reef as well as diverse marine wildlife. Some possible sightings include:

-turtles
-lobsters
-octopuses
-White tipped reef sharks
-Almaco jack
-Yellowtail grunts
-Blue stripped snappers
-dolphins
-angel fish
-surgeon fish
-butterfly fish
-flag fish
-soldier fish
-panamic grysby
-panamic Sargeant major
-Brown Chromis
-Scorpion fish
-Flounder
-Porcupine fish
-Yellow-tailed goatfish
-Reef cornet fish
-Parrot fish
-Creole fish
-Large Banded Blenny
-Frog fish
-Hawk fish
-Mantas
-Rays
-Blue marlin
-Swordfish

Although many of these species can only be seen on deep dives, snorkeling also affords great opportunities to observe Ecuador’s underwater delights. Those without SCUBA certification can easily rent snorkeling equipment and either explore on their own right off the shore or go on a guided tour to one of the nearby islands. Less intense yet rewarding nonetheless, snorkeling is a popular alternative to diving in Ayangue.

Ayangue’s pleasant beach also makes for great fishing trips right out of the bay. Many of the smaller local fishing operations give charter fishing trips on their boats. Try your hand at catching some of Ecuador’s deep sea delights, including the Blue marlin and the swordfish.

The nearby tropical forest of El Suspiro also makes Ayangue a hidden hub for great birdwatching. The tower of El Suspiro has over seventy species of endemic birds. Tours can be arranged through ecolodges and local tour operators, bussing its travelers through Valdivia and into the forest.

While a small town like Ayangue might not seem like a hotspot for shopping, the quality and prominence of its local crafts are actually quite impressive. Many fishing families fashion ornaments, jewelry, and keepsakes from the stones, shells, and bones straight from the waters of the Pacific ocean. These striking souvenirs are a great cultural piece, as their construction is passed down from generation to generation of native Ayangue people.

Last but not least, the seafood in Ayangue is an attraction in itself. Ayangue features a great collection of local, authentic restaurants that serve fresh fish brought in right from the nearby bay. Seafood enthusiasts can watch the day’s catch be shipped in from the water, hauled up the hill, grilled in the kitchen, and served on their plate all in a matter of hours. Try the lobster ceviche.

A trip to the nearby Playa Rosada (Pink Beach) is also a great day trip. This beach is named for its unique pink coral that gives the sand a decidedly pink tinge. This beach also has abundant marine life.

How to get there

The nearest airports to Ayangue are General Ulpiano Paez Airport in Salinas (77km) and Simon Bolivar International in Guayaquil (198 km). From either of these cities, buses can be caught north up toward Manta but travelers should ask to be let off at the stop for Ayangue. This stop should come just before Valdivia.

Though easily accessible from Montanita, Valdivia or Ballenita, Ayangue is more difficult to get to than other Ruta del Spondylus locations. This is because Ayangue does not stem directly from the main highway. Instead, travelers will need to catch a second bus or taxi from the highway exit to the small town. This second bus should cost about $1. Ayangue is worth it.

When to go

Be mindful of the fact that Ayangue fills with Ecuadorian vacationers and foreign travelers on the weekends. Festival times like Carnival and Easter in the spring also draw enormous crowds. For a more relaxing visit, try to avoid these festivals and come midweek, as this is when the local culture can best be enjoyed.

Although the water is warm all year round, it is at its warmest from December to May. Clouds are scarce during these months as well. Although temperatures can drop from July to October, the weather is usually pleasant in Ayangue. Many in-the-know travelers come to Ayangue when other beaches are too cold or cloudy.