Salinas - Discovering Ecuador

Travelling to Salinas

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Salinas, a pretty good destination in Ecuador (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Salinas and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Salinas, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Ecuador, here's everything to know about Salinas for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Salinas

Salinas is a coastal town located in the Santa Elena province in southwestern Ecuador. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and warm climate. Salinas is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world, particularly during the summer months. The town is well developed with a variety of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options. It is also a great place for water sports such as surfing, jet skiing, and snorkeling. Salinas is easy to reach by road, air or sea and is around 140 km from the city of Guayaquil.

What to visit in Salinas

Sure, here are some tourist attractions in and around Salinas, Ecuador along with a brief description: 1. La Chocolatera: It is a beautiful rocky headland located at the westernmost point of the South American continent. It is a great spot for sightseeing, nature walks, surfing and birdwatching.
2. Playa Salinas: It is a pristine white sand beach which is great for swimming, sunbathing and surfing. It is one of the most popular beaches in Ecuador and has many restaurants, bars and cafes.
3. Museo de Ballenas y Delfines: It is a museum dedicated to whales and dolphins, and it has exhibits with interesting information about these wonderful creatures, including a life-size replica of a blue whale.
4. El Paseo Shopping: It is a modern shopping mall that offers a wide range of shops, restaurants and entertainment options, including cinemas, bowling and arcades.
5. La Casa Museo de Panchito: It is a museum dedicated to the life and work of one of Ecuador's most famous artists, Panchito. The museum displays many of his colorful and vibrant paintings, sculptures and other works of art.
6. Malecon de Salinas: It is a waterfront boardwalk that stretches along the bay of Salinas. It provides a great view of the beachfront, the yacht club and many restaurants, cafes and bars.
7. Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes: It is a beautiful church located in the center of Salinas. It has a grand altar, stained-glass windows and many religious paintings and sculptures.
In addition to these, there are many other places around Salinas which can be of interest to tourists such as Olón, Montañita, Ayangue, Punta Carnero, Playa Chipipe, and more.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Ecuador, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Salinas.

When to go on holiday to Salinas

The best time to visit Salinas is from June to September. During these months, the weather is dry, sunny, and mild with average temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) to 27°C (81°F). It's the perfect time for outdoor activities and water sports as the ocean is warm and clear. However, it's important to note that this is peak season, so expect higher prices and more tourists. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of April to May or October to November when the weather is still pleasant but the tourism is less intense.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Salinas

Salinas is a coastal city located in the province of Santa Elena in Ecuador. Here are some options for getting there: 1. By air: The nearest airport to Salinas is the General Ulpiano Paez Airport in Salinas, which is located about 5 km from the city center. There are several domestic airlines that fly to Salinas from Quito and Guayaquil.
2. By bus: From Guayaquil, you can take a bus from the Terminal Terrestre Bus Station to Salinas. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.
3. By car: You can rent a car in Quito or Guayaquil and drive to Salinas. The journey from Guayaquil takes about 2 hours and from Quito it takes about 8 hours.
4. By private transfer: You can hire a private transfer service from either Quito or Guayaquil to Salinas for comfort and convenience.
Once you arrive in Salinas, you can explore the city and its attractions like the beach, Malecon, La Chocolatera or visit the nearby Punta Carnero beach.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Salinas, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Salinas

Salinas is well-known for its delicious seafood dishes. Here are some typical foods of Salinas with a short description for each of them: 1. Ceviche: Ceviche is a popular seafood dish made with raw fish that is marinated in a mixture of lime juice, onion, cilantro, tomato, and spices.
2. Encebollado: Encebollado is a hearty fish soup with onions, yuca, tomato, and spices. It is often served with popcorn and avocado on top.
3. Arroz con Menestra y Carne Asada: This is a hearty dish consisting of rice with lentil stew and grilled steak. It's a classic Ecuadorian meal that is often served for lunch.
4. Churrasco: Churrasco is a grilled steak dish that is typically served with rice, fried plantains, and potatoes.
5. Empanadas de Verde: Empanadas de Verde are made with a fried dough made from green plantains and filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
6. Bolón de verde: Bolón de Verde is a popular breakfast or snack food made from mashed green plantains with cheese, pork or chorizo inside.
7. Encocado de Camarón: Encocado de Camarón is a shrimp stew made with coconut milk, onions, peppers, and spices.
8. Caldo de Gallina: Caldo de Gallina is a homemade chicken soup that is very popular in Salinas. It is made with chicken, onions, yucca, and spices.
9. Seco de chivo: Seco de chivo is a slow-cooked stew made with goat meat, onions, peppers, and served with rice and avocado.
10. Locro de papas: Locro de papas is a hearty potato soup made with cheese and/or avocado, onions, and spices. It is a classic Ecuadorian dish that is often served during special occasions.
You can find general info about typical foods in Ecuador here.

Is Salinas an expensive destination for tourists?

Salinas (Ecuador) is generally considered to be one of the more expensive destinations in Ecuador for tourists. This is primarily due to its popularity as a beach resort town, which means that many of the accommodation and dining options cater to a higher-end clientele. Additionally, activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing can also be quite costly. However, it is always possible to find more affordable options for lodging, dining, and activities in Salinas if you do your research and plan ahead. One way to save money is by traveling during the off-season, when prices are generally lower. You can also consider staying in a smaller town nearby and taking day trips to visit Salinas.

Where to find accomodation in Salinas

The best areas to find accommodation in Salinas for tourism are typically along the Malecon (boardwalk) or in the Chipipe neighborhood. The Malecon has a variety of hotels and hostels with ocean views and easy access to the beach, restaurants, and nightlife. Chipipe is a quieter residential area with some hotels and vacation rentals that offer more privacy and a more residential experience. Both areas are relatively safe and offer convenient access to popular attractions in Salinas.
You can check hotel prices at Salinas here:
Booking.com

Is Salinas a safe destination for tourists?

Salinas is considered one of the safer places in Ecuador for tourists. However, as with any place, it is always important to take necessary precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night, being aware of your surroundings, not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and following any local rules or customs. It is also a good idea to do some research and speak to local authorities or your accommodation provider to get a better understanding of any concerns or safety issues in the area. Overall, as long as you are vigilant and take safety precautions, you should have a safe and enjoyable trip in Salinas.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Ecuador here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Salinas.

What type of travelers will enjoy Salinas the most?

Salinas, Ecuador is a great travel destination for various groups of travelers. Here are some types of travelers that may enjoy Salinas the most: 1. Beach Lovers: Salinas is a beautiful seaside resort town with stunning beaches, which makes it an ideal vacation spot for those who love the sun, sand, and water.
2. Couples: Salinas is a perfect romantic getaway for couples. Couples can enjoy long walks on the beach, indulge in delicious seafood, and take in stunning sunsets.
3. Families: Salinas is a family-friendly destination, offering a range of activities for both children and adults. Families can enjoy swimming in the calm waters, surfing, and taking the exciting banana boat ride. 4. Young People: Salinas also has an exciting nightlife and is popular with young people who are looking for a fun and adventurous environment. The town offers plenty of opportunity for partying and dancing, making it an ideal spot for younger travelers. Overall, Salinas is a great destination for all types of travelers. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the region's natural beauty, or engage in an array of activities, Salinas has something to offer everyone.

How to get around Salinas

In Salinas, you can move around by taxis, buses, and walking. Taxis are the most convenient and fastest way to move around the city, and they are relatively inexpensive as well. Buses are also widely available and are a great option for those on a tight budget, but they tend to be more crowded and less comfortable. Lastly, walking is a great way to explore the city, especially if you are staying in the central area, where most of the attractions are located.

What to see around Salinas

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Salinas, Ecuador: 1. La Chocolatera: It's the westernmost point of South America and is located about 40 minutes from Salinas. It's a beautiful place where the Pacific Ocean meets with the Tonchigue Bay. You can enjoy a walk along the stunning coastline.
2. Santa Elena Peninsula: Santa Elena is a peninsula on the Ecuadorian coast known for its beaches, seafood, and lively atmosphere. It's a short drive from Salinas and offers several nice beach options such as Punta Blanca, Montañita and Olón.
3. Ballenita: It's a neighboring fishing town of Salinas and is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful stretch of beach that runs along the town. It also has a small market to buy fresh seafood, and some restaurants offer a variety of seafood dishes.
4. Ayangue: A small fishing village located about 25 km north of Salinas, it's a calm and quiet place to spend a day trip. The beach is great for swimming and it's popular with snorkelers and divers.
5. Salinas Whale Museum: It's the only whale museum in Ecuador and offers a fascinating insight into the whales that migrate through the waters off Salinas. The museum offers 3D documentaries about whale watching, children's activities, and a gift shop. I hope you find this helpful. Let me know if you want any more suggestions.
For every travel information about Ecuador you can click here.

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