Ecuador Travel

Salinas beach

Salinas beach

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If you ask someone from southern Ecuador where you should go for some fun in the sun, chances are he or she will tell you to head to Salinas. The resort has long been a favorite of Guayaquileños and other Ecuadorians, but it is now emerging as an internationally-famous destination. Whether you are looking for an active beach vacation or to just relax and soak up some rays, Salinas should fit the bill.

Salinas has a population of roughly 40,000 people, and is a quickly-growing community. It is located in Santa Elena province, which was separated from Guayas province in 2007. The province of Santa Elena sits on the peninsula of the same name. The environment here is semi-arid, and while that has prevented the development of widespread agriculture in the area, it does ensure the consistently sunny days that attract visitors.

Before the tourists arrived on Salinas's shores, the town was busy with other economic endeavors. Salinas was named after the salt mines located at the peninsula's tip, from which the precious seasoning and preservative was extracted. The productive waters off the town's shore also supported a community of fishermen for many years. Nowadays, however, the major economic activity in town is tourism.

Salinas Attractions

• Deep-sea Fishing

Salinas is one of the best spots on the Ecuadorian coast to try your hand at fishing. The continental shelf here is very thin, so by traveling just a short distance off-shore, you will be surrounded by deep-sea fish species. This is also one of the northernmost termini of the Humboldt Current, so many large fish end up in these waters. Anglers have hooked marlin, tuna, sailfish, swordfish and dorado. Many of the boat operators will be happy to take you out on the water for some fishing. Charters usually cost $200-600 per day for a 4-seater. Be sure to bring along sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.

• Surfing

The surf breaks at Montañita and Mompiche may be more famous, but there are few better urban surfing locales than Salinas. The long beach has consistently good breaks everywhere, but surfing is best on the western half of the beach, which tends to have fewer boats to interfere with surfers. If you keep heading west, you will reach property belonging to the Navy so take care to not pick up a military patrol to escort you. Surfers are usually given permission to surf the excellent breaks there. Board rentals are easy to find in town, and cost about $5 per hour. The surf breaks at Salinas are appropriate for beginners, and lessons are available for $10-15 per hour.

• Whale Watching

Every year, from June to September, visitors to Salinas are treated to a special treat: the chance to see humpback whales. The massive mammals migrate past the shores of Salinas every year, and many pause to mate in the cool waters, too. Visitors have the chance to see the humpbacks rise, spout and frolic in the water. Such behavior is actually part of their mating rituals. July and August are usually the safest bets for spotting whales. Many tour operators in town arrange whale-watching trips, and most cost $30-40 for half-a-day. The boats tend to be small and uncovered, so bring some sea-sickness pills, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, though the weather is usually a bit cloudy in July and August.

• Salinas Siglo XXI Museum

The long history of the Santa Elena peninsula is engagingly explained in this museum. In one of its exhibition room, the museum displays ceramics and other artifacts from the pre-Columbian peoples that populated the region. There are even artifacts from the Valdivia culture, one of the very first to form on Ecuadorian soil. The museum's other permanent exhibit tells the story of Salinas's naval history. There are reproductions of a raft made by the Manteño-Guancavilca people before the arrival of the Spanish. There are also models of Spanish galleons, and other displays of nautical accoutrements from various periods of time. There is also room for temporary exhibits, which have covered a variety of topics.

• Los Amantes de Sumpa Museum

Located between the towns of Santa Elena and La Libertad, this museum is recommended for anyone whose curiosity was piqued by the archaeological exhibits at the Salinas Siglo XXI Museum. The museum is named after two ancient skeletons, found in an embrace, and dating back several thousand years. The museum has displays on the ancient Valdivia and Manteño cultures. There is also a model of an early 1900s campesino house, where demonstrations of traditional homemaking tasks and crafts are presented.

• Baños de San Vicente

One of the few hot spring complexes on the coast, Baños de San Vicente is a great place to unwind. For bruised surfers or tired hikers, there are hot pools, massage tables and a sauna. The site is located just outside of La Libertad; admission is $1, but extra treatments cost a few dollars more.

How to Get to Salinas

Salinas is easy to reach. It is located about 150 kilometers (100 miles) west northwest of Guayaquil, along a well-maintained highway. The trip takes about two hours by bus or car. There are a number of companies that make the trip to Salinas from Guayaquil's modern bus station, but to explore the area around Salinas, it might prove easier to rent a car from one of the car rental agencies in Guayaquil. From Quito, many travelers fly to Guayaquil, and then arrange transportation, but there are also nightly buses on TransEsmeraldas. These take 11-12 hours, and tickets cost $10.

When to Go

The surf is always up, so surfers can visit Salinas at any time. High season runs from December to April, when the weather is sunniest and prices are highest. During July and August, the clouds are somewhat overcast, but the whale-watching is at its best.

Salinas Budgets

In contrast to other coastal resorts, Salinas is geared more towards well-heeled travelers than backpackers. That said, budget travelers can still find hostel and simple restaurants, and should get by on $35-45 per day. Travelers willing to spend $70-100 per day will find more luxurious accommodations and some truly note-worthy seafood.