Salinas vs. Montañita: Choosing Your Ideal Expat Beach Town in Ecuador

Ecuador’s Pacific coastline, known as the Ruta del Spondylus, offers a captivating allure for those seeking a life by the sea. For North American expats, two names consistently rise to the surface: Salinas and Montañita. While both are celebrated beach towns separated by less than an hour's drive, they offer distinctly different worlds, catering to varied lifestyles and priorities.

Choosing between them requires a deep dive into what truly matters to you—whether it's a sophisticated, amenity-rich environment or a bohemian, surf-centric haven. This guide unpacks the unique charms and practical realities of Salinas and Montañita, providing the granular details you need to make an informed decision for your expat journey.

Salinas: The Sophisticated Seashore

Located on the Santa Elena peninsula, Salinas is Ecuador’s premier beach resort. Its long-standing reputation as a vacation spot for affluent Ecuadorians has cultivated a robust infrastructure and a distinctly developed atmosphere. For expats, Salinas appeals to those who desire convenience, a familiar level of amenities, and a structured, socially active lifestyle.

Lifestyle and Atmosphere

Salinas is characterized by its wide, palm-lined Malecón bordering two main beaches: San Lorenzo, known for its bustling activity and restaurants, and Chipipe, a calmer, more family-oriented bay. The vibe is polished and urban compared to other coastal towns, often earning it the nickname the "Little Miami of Ecuador." High-rise condos define the skyline, offering sweeping ocean views.

Daily life is convenient. You’ll find modern supermarkets like Supermaxi and Mi Comisariato, alongside the vibrant Mercado Central for fresh, inexpensive produce and seafood. Life here feels organized, safe, and comfortable.

Community and Social Scene

The expat community in Salinas is well-established and skews toward retirees from North America and Europe. They are drawn by the town's security, walkability, and affordability compared to Western beach destinations. The social scene is active and organized, with informal groups meeting for card games, book clubs, and beach walks. While formal clubs have shifted online, active expat Facebook groups are the central hubs for organizing events, sharing advice, and networking. The significant foreign population means you can easily find English-speaking real estate agents, lawyers, and doctors.

Cost of Living

While affordable by North American standards, Salinas is one of the pricier coastal towns in Ecuador due to its popularity.

• Rent: A modern, one-bedroom ocean-view apartment typically ranges from $600 to $950 per month. Larger, luxury units can exceed $1,500, especially during the high season (December to April). These prices often include the building's maintenance fee (alícuota).
• Groceries: A single person can budget around $250-$350 per month, depending on the mix of local market goods and imported items from the larger supermarkets.
• Dining Out: A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs between $12-$25 per person. However, you can find excellent set lunches (almuerzos) for $3-$5 at smaller, local spots.
• Utilities: Monthly costs for electricity, water, gas, and high-speed internet typically fall between $80-$160, with electricity bills rising in the hot months due to air conditioning use.

Real Estate

Salinas offers a mature real estate market dominated by oceanfront condos in the high-rises along the Malecón, often featuring pools, gyms, and 24-hour security. Quieter residential areas just inland offer single-family homes with yards. A smaller condo can be found starting around $85,000, while prime oceanfront properties often range from $150,000 to over $300,000. Working with a reputable, bilingual agent is essential to navigate the notaría (notary) and municipal registration process.

Healthcare

Salinas has several private clinics for routine care. The Hospital Clínica Pitiú is a well-regarded private facility for more comprehensive services. For specialized or emergency care, most expats travel to Guayaquil (a 2-hour drive), which is home to top-tier hospitals like Clínica Kennedy and Hospital Luis Vernaza. Many expats maintain private health insurance, with plans from providers like Salud S.A. or Confiamed costing a fraction of US policies. Residents can also join Ecuador's public IESS healthcare system.

Activities and Amenities

Salinas is a hub for water sports. The calm waters of Chipipe beach are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, while the Salinas Yacht Club is a center for sailing and sport fishing. A must-see local attraction is La Chocolatera, a stunning viewpoint at the westernmost tip of mainland Ecuador, located within a naval base. Whale watching tours are extremely popular during the season from June to October.

Montañita: The Bohemian Surf Haven

Just 70 kilometers north of Salinas along the coast, Montañita feels like another planet. This small village, famous for its consistent surf break, is a magnet for a younger, more bohemian crowd of surfers, backpackers, and digital nomads.

Lifestyle and Atmosphere

Montañita is raw, energetic, and unapologetically casual. Its sandy, unpaved streets are lined with bamboo-clad hostels, surf schools, yoga studios, and open-air bars. The lifestyle is dictated by the tides. Days are for surfing at "The Point," relaxing on the beach, or practicing yoga. As the sun sets, the town transforms, with the famous "Cocktail Alley" and countless bars coming alive with music and a vibrant party scene that often lasts until dawn. The vibe is spontaneous, free-spirited, and deeply connected to surf culture.

Community and Social Scene

Montañita has a core group of long-term expats who run businesses or have fully embraced the laid-back lifestyle. However, the community is largely transient and international, with a constant flow of travelers creating a dynamic social environment. Connections are made organically at surf schools, over bonfires on the beach, or in the town's many communal spaces. This is a place for those who are independent and thrive in an unstructured social setting. For a slightly quieter but still connected experience, many expats choose to live in the neighboring villages of Olón or Manglaralto and dip into Montañita for the social buzz.

Cost of Living

Montañita is generally more affordable than Salinas, particularly for rent and dining.

• Rent: A simple one-bedroom apartment or cabaña can be found for $350-$550 per month. More comfortable options with better amenities might range from $600-$900.
• Groceries: A grocery budget of $200-$300 is realistic, with most shopping done at local markets and tiendas.
• Dining Out: Montañita is a haven for cheap eats. You can get a filling meal for $5-$10 at countless small restaurants and food stalls. Even a nice dinner rarely tops $20 per person.
• Utilities: Costs are typically lower, around $70-$130 per month, as many accommodations are designed for natural ventilation, reducing the need for constant air conditioning.

Real Estate

The real estate market here is less formal than in Salinas. It consists mainly of small homes, guesthouses, and land parcels. Many expats opt for long-term rentals. Those who buy are often purchasing a small plot of land to build a custom home or investing in a small business like a café or hostel. Prices can start as low as $60,000 for a simple home, but beachfront properties command a premium. Due diligence is critical, as property titles (escrituras) and coastal land regulations can be complex.

Healthcare

Montañita has a basic public health clinic (centro de salud) for minor issues. For anything more serious, residents travel to the hospital in nearby Manglaralto or Santa Elena (about a 1-hour drive). For emergencies or specialized care, Guayaquil (a 2.5 to 3-hour drive) is the necessary destination. Most expats here rely on comprehensive travel or international health insurance.

Activities and Amenities

Surfing is king. Numerous schools offer lessons for all levels. Beyond the waves, the area is a hub for yoga retreats and Spanish language schools. You can hike in the lush hills, explore nearby secluded beaches, or take a day trip to the Agua Blanca community in Machalilla National Park. The nightlife is a major attraction, with world-renowned DJs often visiting during the high season (December to April).

Salinas vs. Montañita: Which Is Right for You?

Choose Salinas if:

• You want a developed town with modern supermarkets, banking, and paved roads.
• You prioritize a structured, safe environment with an established, older expat community.
• You prefer condo living with amenities like pools, gyms, and 24/7 security.
• You value convenient access to quality healthcare facilities.
• You enjoy an organized social scene with clubs and regular community events.

Choose Montañita if:

• You are drawn to a bohemian, free-spirited surf culture.
• You prioritize a deep connection with nature and an active, outdoor lifestyle.
• You are comfortable with a more rustic, less-developed environment.
• You seek a younger, international, and more spontaneous social scene.
• You are on a tighter budget and prefer more affordable, basic living options.

Bridging the Gap: Living Between Two Worlds

The beauty of this coast is its accessibility. The CLP and Manglaralto bus cooperatives run frequently along the Ruta del Spondylus highway, making the 45-minute trip between the two towns easy and costing only a few dollars. Many expats strategically settle in Salinas for its comfort and amenities, taking weekend trips to Montañita for its vibrant energy and surf. Conversely, some live in quieter towns near Montañita, like Olón, and drive to Salinas for major shopping or specialized appointments.

Conclusion

Salinas and Montañita both offer compelling versions of life on the Ecuadorian coast. Salinas provides a comfortable, secure, and socially active retirement haven with all the conveniences of a modern resort. Montañita beckons with its intoxicating blend of surf, youthful energy, and natural beauty, attracting the adventurous and free-spirited. By understanding their distinct identities, you can align your choice with your personal vision for life as an expat. The wisest next step is always to visit in person—rent for a few months, experience both the high and low seasons, and talk to the people who already call this beautiful coastline home.