Montañita, is a small colorful rustic village situated approximately 4 km north of Manglaralto, known throughout Ecuador as the best beach for surfing, very popular with international and local surfers. It has a population of around 1,000 inhabitants. Water temperatures range from 56-68 degrees. The place holds surfing competitions the whole year round especially in the high season (December through April), when lots of people from Guayaquil and foreigners arrive to the village.
The sea in Montañita is OK (big waves though) 4 to 5 meters. But, always beware of stingrays close to the water's edge. If you get stung, there is a small hospital in Manglaralto that will treat you immediately. North to the main village is Baja Montañita in which most of the main surfing competitions take place.
Tourist information is available opposite the park in the Oficina de Reservaciones e Información Turística, run by PMRC, they also make reservations for lodging in private homes (See Manglaralto). For if you're interested on learning how to surf, there is a small surfing school, away from the ocean on the highway.
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