Many individuals who are looking for great places to go on vacation turn to Ecuador. Ecuador is unique in that it the climates of extremely diverse regions. For example, Ecuador has beaches and coasts on the Pacific Ocean, rain forests, mountains, forests and plains. Ecuador is a small country in the northwestern corner of South America.

One place that is popular in Ecuador as a vacation destination is Montañita. This town sits on the Peninsula of Santa Elena, which juts out into the Pacific. The population of Montañita is a mere 1000 people, but it is still coveted for its location on the ocean. Many beach lovers and surfers go there every year. The town became popular in the late 1960s and 70s when the “hippie” movement was in full swing. Although Marijuana is illegal there, it is not uncommon to see or smell the substance on a daily basis. The name Montañita actually means “little hill” in Spanish.

The town is separated into a grid of small streets, which meet up with the beaches. There are many Montañita hotels and restaurants to choose from for tourists and natives alike. The climate in Montañita is tropical. The average temperature is around 81 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some people love Montañita because it is a lazy and relaxed setting, but others covet it for its curiosities. For example, many women go topless on the beaches. Montañita also does not have a lot of cars. Instead, people use bikes and pedicabs to get around for the most part. Pedicabs are cabs or taxis that are “driven” by people on foot. The main source of income for those who are native to Montañita, Ecuador is tourism, so there are many tourist shops, bars, hotels and restaurants who rely on tourists year round for their income.

There are four separate sections of Montañita. There is the point, the beach, the trigrillo neighborhood and Montañita center. There are also two Spanish schools in town. For those individuals looking to visit this area of Ecuador, booking ahead of time is advised. Montañita hotels often fill up fast. Some people do not use hotels in this area, however. It is possible to rent a tent or bring one along and camp out on the beach. Many surfers do this so that they can catch the waves at their best. People going to Montañita do not need to learn Spanish because most of the inhabitants cater to foreigners. English is widely spoken there. It may be advisable to learn a few key Spanish words and phrases, however, as getting to the small town from the airport may prove difficult without it. Overall, this town is an excellent destination for people from all over the world.