I loved staying in Mindo. It's perfect for a short jungle visit. Take the little gondola and hike to the waterfalls. It's beautiful.
Montanita is an awesome place with friendly people. This is a little piece of heaven hidden away. The hotels are small but with a charm that will make you wish you could stay there forever. I'm currently stuck in Japan but hoping to make it back again this December.
Montanita … Montañita sucks -- it's like surfing in a lake.
I walked into Montanita and felt like I had stumbled upon paradise - the most beautiful people you've ever seen, amazing vegetarian food, hammocks everywhere, cheap hostels run by easygoing locals - I fell in love and didn't want to leave.
Careful! Overwhelming drug scene attracts a lot of cops. It's no fun to spend a few days in an Ecuadorian jail! Drugs are blatant, obvious, and everywhere. It is a beautiful, amazing place. The cops occasionally show up at those bonfires and cart off all the pot smokers. Eucadorian cops aren't consistent. Just because they haven't been around in six months doesn't mean they're not coming tonight. If you need some convincing that its a bad idea to join in, go visit the women's jail in Quito. You can walk right in with a valid passport and see what happens to those who violate Ecuador's drug laws. If you want to do drugs, do it in a country where you will actually get a trial after you are arrested. Montanita is the most beautiful place in the world. Watch your back, your purse, and your drink.
Sitting in front of this computer makes me want to pack up and head off to Montanita right now. if you haven't been, go! You will not find a closer place to heaven this side of life no matter who you are. Whether making friends with the many street vendors, dancing at the full moon festival up on the mountain, sitting in a hammock sipping a corona and wasting away in the real margaritaville, or just walking along the endless beach you will know that you have found a hidden gem in paradise that very few will get to experience in this lifetime.
Montanita was a very good laugh. Amazing girls from all over South America, good fun, crazy lifestyle. However I would advise against spending more than 4 days (3 nights) there as the crack heads at the Pelicano club can get a bit much! A bit too many drugs for my liking (and I consumed!). But sunset on the beach on New Year's eve followed by a day on the beach with the most beautiful Ecuadorian girl on the 1st of Jan was truly incredible. One tip though, do NOT drink tap water; not even boiled!
Montanita is a highly intoxicating, delicious, and succulent drug. It makes you an addict to her immediately. The vibe, the beautiful people, the energy, the ocean, the calmness -- it is truly a sweet surrender. Go and rejuvenate yourself there. I am going this August for a month. I love it and would recommend it to everyone!
Montanita is heaven in Ecuador. From New York to Montanita is a dream visit. Montanita is charm.
Montanita is the best part in Ecuador. I had the best time ever in paradise.
What a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Guayaquil where I was going to school. If I didnt have so many obligations at home I would still be beach side learning how to surf and meeting amazing people from all walks of life. Ah Montanita.
Hostelz.com is the only hostel guide with complete information and reviews on all youth hostels and backpackers worldwide.
