Exploring the Beautiful Town of Ayampe in Ecuador

There are so many reasons why traveling can uplift your mood and increase your mental well-being. In a nutshell, exploring a new place or revisiting your favorite vacation spot can make you a happier person. It paves the way to new experiences and meeting people from different parts of the globe. Traveling enables you to escape the boring monotony of everyday routines in favor of fun and exciting activities. 

If you’re longing for a rewarding getaway where you can relax, have fun, and leave your worries behind, Ecuador is a great choice. Join our 7-day Ecuador surf camp and we’ll take you to a beautiful town named Ayampe. This ​​coastal town, where the tropical rainforest meets the ocean, is located on the coast of Ecuador, the State of Manabi. Just imagine having the best of both worlds in one amazing location. Its tropical forest climate is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. 

Ayampe radiates a relaxed and contemplative atmosphere. Imagine blue skies, a lot of coconut trees, and stunning landscapes. Sunlight reflects off the deep blue waters as you walk along the pristine beach. The gentle wind brushes across your face and a serene feeling settles inside. The rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves somehow give you a feeling that the waves are calling out to you. This is the point when you realize that the town of Ayampe has captured your heart. 

Surfing paradise

Locals live and breathe surfing so it’s not a surprise that Ayampe folks love to surf at least twice a day. Ayampe has impressive, normal to long beach breaks that go left and right. The town is blessed with year-round consistent waves. The daily average wave size in Ayampe ranges from 3-5 feet with around 1-2 big swells a month. The larger swells can create waves between 6-12 feet with great form. 

It is a surfer’s paradise regardless if you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer. Don’t worry if you’re a newbie because our professional surf instructor will guide you every step of the way. We will take you out in the water when the tide is low in the surf. We’ll start near the shore and gradually boost your confidence and improve your ability. If you’re an advanced surfer, you can catch the big waves with just a short paddle away. 

Iconic rock formations

When you’re at the Ayampe beach, you’ll see two rock island formations in the middle of the ocean. Imagine paddling in the water, waiting for a wave, and seeing this stunning backdrop. These two famous islets called “Islas Los Ahorcados” offer the perfect setting for some of the most astonishing sunsets in the Pacific Ocean. You can reach these islets via kayak. You can explore the area, take photos, or just relax and take advantage of the serenity of the place. If you look around, you might spot some seals and marine birds. It’s also a popular snorkeling and diving spot. The islets are part of the Machalilla National Park, which is one of the largest protected areas (mainland and marine) along the Ecuadorian coast. It incorporates beaches, small islands, two larger islands, fog forests, and dry forests.

Active and healthy living

The town is known for its penchant for active and healthy living. Aside from healthy food and fun physical activities, Ayampe is perfect for yoga. Regardless of your level of yoga expertise, you are welcome to join our yoga sessions. We love doing yoga outdoors under the vivid blue sky and surrounded by lush greenery. The beauty and serenity of nature have their way of nurturing the soul and making each yoga pose more meaningful. Namaste!

Fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and the best corviche 

This small town has amazing restaurants and bars that serve traditional Ecuadorian food and a fusion of local and international dishes. Since Ayampe is a fishing town, you can always enjoy the freshest seafood. You will see fisher folks bringing their daily catch and some fishermen even share their fish with the community. Restaurants serve a variety of seafood dishes such as Ceviche (raw pickled seafood), Viche de Pescado (fish soup), Chicharrón de Pescado (deep-fried fish), Encocado de Pescado (fish in coconut sauce), and many more.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant in the markets. It’s so pleasing to see such a colorful array of fruits and vegetables in market stands. The best thing about fresh produce is that everything is affordable. You can even buy a coconut for a dollar!

The best corviche in Ecuador is found in Ayampe. Corviche is a deep-fried pastry ball stuffed with green plantains, peanut butter, and some sort of seafood (fish or shrimp).  It’s often served with lime and aji (Ecuadorian hot sauce). It’s so delicious and savory. 

Friendly people

Meeting new friends is one of the highlights of traveling. Ayampe is known for its friendly people. The locals are always smiling and very accommodating. When you walk along the street, you’ll encounter folks who will be more than happy to chat with you or give you personal recommendations.