Ecuador Travel

Olon Beach

Overview

Located on the Santa Elena Peninsula in the coastal province of Santa Elena, Olón is a small, sleepy fishing village of about 2000 people; mostly known for its beautiful landscapes.The town is located 195 kilometers from Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, and just a 3-minute drive from the hippie beach town of Montañita but in numerous ways is a world apart, offering a beautiful white sandy beach to relax, catch some rays, and enjoy the surf. Its proximity to Chongon and Colonche allow visitors to enjoy ecotourism excursions.

This small beach town is not nearly as tourism centered as others along the Ruta del Spondylus, as the beaches along Ecuador’s southern coast are known. While Olón may not attract as many tourists as other beach towns, especially nearby Montañita, it still has plenty of facilities for tourists to experience. Since it is not as commonly visited by tourists, Olón offers peace, tranquility, and relaxation away from the other crowded beaches along the Ruta del Spondylus.

The best time to visit the southern coast of Ecuador, including Olón, is from January to July when the sun shines nearly constantly. From August to December, the skies are cloudier and the temperatures are cooler but still warm enough for lying on the beach and swimming in the ocean. However, with the drop in temperature comes a drop in prices, as well, making these months a less expensive time to visit the area.

There are several inexpensive and quality hostels in Olón where visitors can stay. Hostería N&J is conveniently located on the beach and offers a range of services to its guests, such as horseback riding on the beach and guided walking tours of the surrounding areas. Río Olón and Hostería Olón Beach both offer basic accommodations and Hostería Rosa Mistía is family run giving a cozy family feel to your visit.

Highlights

• Beach – The main attraction in Olón, as in any beach town, is the beach itself, and Olón’s beach is one of the best. Known for it’s exceptionally long beach of 7 kilometers and its pristine white sand, the beach at Olón is the perfect place to lie on the sand, swim in the sea, and, ultimately, relax. Its cleanliness and tranquility will make you forget your worries and give you a true vacation from the rigor of everyday life.

• Surfing – Not only can the beach at Olón be enjoyed for its sand, but also for the surf. Olón is one of Ecuador’s places to surf. Nearby Montañita is probably the best-known surfing place in Ecuador, but this can lead to crowded waters. Therefore, when Montañita is too crowded, escape to Olón where you can also catch some waves often without any other surfers at all. The best time to surf at Olón is at 6 am when there is an offshore wind and falling tide. However, waves at Olón are relatively consistent and surfing conditions occur all along its 7-kilometer stretch.

• Santuario Blanca Estrella de Mar – For a spectacular view of Olón’s beautiful beach, make the short walk up to the Virgin Sanctuary (el santuario de la virgen), a small chapel built on a cliff 100 meters high over-looking the beach. The sanctuary is an interesting place in itself with a wooden boat hanging inside and a statue of the Virgin Mary, which is supposed to have cried once in 1990. The sanctuary is also considered special due to its location on the cliff, which has the shape of a candle.

• El Cangrejal de Olón – This is an interested natural site nearby. It is a mangrove, like those that used to line the coast near Olón, and contains many endangered species such as the blue crab. Ask around in the town for someone to take you there and act as guide. The area was declared a protected area in May of 2002.

• Seafood – Another common attraction along Ecuador’s coast is the seafood, and this holds true in Olón as well. Being a fishing village, there are many places that offer extremely fresh and delicious fish and seafood. A few places to try are: Flor de Olón, which offers typical food in the village; Dolphin and Punto de Quiebra, which each offer seafood on weekends only; and Verónica, which serves seafood and is conveniently located near the beach. Be sure to try the ceviche, as it is one of Ecuador’s most famous typical dishes.

• Nature tours – Another option while in Olón is to take a nature walk guided by one of the locals. Ask around for a guide, as many locals would be more than happy to take you. Olón offers interesting flora and fauna to explore just outside the town and there are even a few waterfalls nearby. This may be a good option for a rainy day or to get some exercise before a day of lying leisurely by the ocean. El Bosque protector Chongon Colonche is a forest and it is a protected area. Located only 12 km from Olon, it is an option for those who want to alternate their visit to the beach with a nature walk.

• Spanish classes – Something unique about Olón that not many small beach towns offer is the Spanish classes and lessons that are available.. There is a small Spanish school called ‘Spanish by the Beach’ offering three-week long courses and courses upon demand for any level.

Getting There

From Guayaquil, take a bus from the terminal with the CLP (Cooperativa Libertad Peninsular) bus company, which has frequent direct departures to Montañita. The ride takes about two to three hours. From Montañita inquire about buses running north towards Olón or hire a taxi or motorcycle taxi for the 3-minute ride to Olón.

From Quito, you can take a bus that runs to Jipijapa or Portoviejo and from there take a bus to Montañita and ask to be let off in Olón, which the bus should pass through before arriving in Montañita. There are also buses that run from Quito to Puerto Lopez from where you could get a bus south towards Montañita and again ask to get off in Olón.

Clearly, Olón is a great option if seeking a beach getaway during your time in Ecuador. With its pristine beach, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly people, it makes it the perfect destination for sun, surf, and relaxation.