Long beaches under green headlands, surf towns and ceviche with your feet in the sand: the Santa Elena coast, planned as a day out from Guayaquil or a few slow days.
The story
West of Guayaquil the land dries out, the road meets the Pacific and the coast runs north through fishing villages and surf towns. Allyson brings guests here for beach days like the one in her pinned reel at Olón, and one family’s custom trip took in Salinas. Tell us what kind of sea you like; we plan the rest.
Leave Guayaquil early and the city gives way to dry forest, then the long flat road towards Santa Elena. Your guide plans the stops you care about: a fruit stand, a viewpoint, a proper coffee. By mid-morning the Pacific fills the window on your left, and the coast road starts its slow way north through fishing villages and beach towns.
Olón’s beach is broad and unhurried, backed by green hills that catch the morning mist. Fishing boats rest on the sand, surfers paddle out where the waves line up, and the water is warm enough to stay in for a long time. Walk it end to end, swim, or take a lesson and stand up on your first wave.
Lunch at a beach restaurant: shrimp ceviche, fried fish, patacones, a cold coconut with a straw. Your guide knows which kitchens care. Afternoons are for the hammock, a walk into the surf-town buzz of Montañita down the road, or simply watching pelicans fold their wings and drop into the swell.
The light goes long and gold over the bay, the last surfers ride in, and the clouds turn pink above the headland. Then the drive back to Guayaquil, or, better, a night or two on the coast: Salinas, Ayangue when the whales are in, and more beaches north and south for those who stay.
Your day
Every experience is shaped around your group, so we talk first and then send you a proposal made for you. No fixed packages.
Real reviews
3 reviews mention this experience; all are quoted as written, from the platform where they were left.
Allyson drove me from Guayaquil to Montañita and arranged a taxi back for me. She is really friendly and knowledgeable about Ecuador and had great recommendations. She made sure I was safe at my destination. Highly recommend!
Meg Knister
Gracias a las recomendaciones de Ally, tuvimos un fin de semana espectacular en Montañita y Pto. López!! Desde el hospedaje, lugares a visitar y actividades ya que viajamos con un niño y el enfoque era para que él disfrute. En nuestro siguiente viaje acudiremos directamente a ella para una nueva experiencia!! :)
Soledad Arrobo Asanza
We had such a great experience with Allison from Local Friend Tours. She took care of everything and provided us with such care in the planning. The excursions were wonderful! We started with our grandson’s wedding- a love story in itself and then on to our tour of 5 days Guayaquil, Salinas, Banos and so much more! Plan your tour with Allison and know you will be well taken care of and given the best tour from a local who now feels like family to us! Thanks for a great experience in. Ecuador ❤️ 🦜
Renae R
On time pick up from our hotel. Tour around the highlights of the city. Guide was very knowledgeable and personable but the city itself is just not that scenic.
Trevor R. · United States
Wir hatten einen sehr schönen Tag mit Allyson. Bereits im Vorfeld war Allyson sehr kommunikativ und der Ausflug selbst war bestens organisiert. Vielen Dank Allyson gerne wieder.
Klaus W. · Germany
This was a great day! I was the only one on the tour and my guide Alison, and her friend Mikela, did a superb job. For the dry forest we visited the Cerro Blanco private reserve where Alison had engaged a wonderful local guide who's knowledge of all things was exceptional. Later a visit to various parts of Guayaquil gave me a good incite into this city's "vibe". A truly enjoyable day with two charming and knowledgeable young ladies. Highly recommended!
Roger · Australia
Alyson is an excellent guide. Her English is top notch & knowledge of the city & the country’s history is masterful. In addition she is a very nice person that we enjoyed interacting with.
Stephen E. · United States
We really enjoyed the food and city walk tour presented by Allyson. Her passion for the local product is first class. The market experience was genuine as this is the market where she normally shops. We would highly recommend this tour.
David S. · United States
Mix and match
A combination
Her home coast in four days: hat weavers and potters, a sulphur-mud bath, then the ‘mini Galápagos’ and, in season, humpback whales.
A combination
Dolphins in the mangroves, humpbacks off Ayangue in season, and the 'mini Galápagos' of Isla de la Plata, with nights by the sea.
Tell Allyson your dates and who’s coming. She replies personally, usually the same day, with ideas and questions; the proposal comes after.