Things To Do
in Salinas
Salinas is a coastal town in Ecuador known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere. It is a popular tourist destination with a variety of water activities available, such as surfing, fishing, and diving. The town has a lively waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and bars offering fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Visitors can also enjoy stunning sunsets and a relaxed beach town vibe in Salinas.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $0.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a relaxing walk along the beach to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. Grab breakfast at a beachfront café to fuel up for your adventures.
Visit the local markets to explore Ecuadorian culture and pick up some handmade souvenirs. After lunch, spend time at the beach soaking up the sun and trying out water sports.
Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant, sampling fresh ceviche. As the sun sets, take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Start your day with a visit to the Salinas Lighthouse for stunning coastal views. Then, take some time to enjoy local street art and murals around the town.
Explore the city’s historical sites and museums to learn about the region's rich history. Enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch at a local eatery.
Attend a cultural performance showcasing local music and dance. End your day with a visit to lively beach bars for some cocktails and mingling.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and coastal scenery
- Warm climate year-round
- Affordable cost of living
- Vibrant local culture and community
- Access to fresh seafood and local markets
- Limited healthcare facilities compared to larger cities
- Potential safety concerns in certain areas
- Economic opportunities may be less compared to urban centers
- Public transportation options can be limited
- Seasonal tourism can result in crowded areas during peak times
Best Activities in Salinas
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the La Chocolatera, a rugged coastal area known for its scenic views, cliffs, and crashing waves.
Enjoy hiking trails through the diverse ecosystems of the Machalilla National Park, including forests, beaches, and the famous Los Frailes Beach.
Take a whale watching tour to observe humpback whales that visit the area during certain months of the year.
Engage in various water sports activities such as surfing, snorkeling, and jet skiing at the popular Salinas Beach.
Tours
Uncover the best of Salinas with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Salinas
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Salinas and the Pacific Ocean.
A popular spot for observing sea lions and stunning coastal landscapes.
Known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque cliffs, great for photography.
A bustling boardwalk with picturesque views of the ocean and vibrant atmosphere.
Famous for its golden sands and stunning sunsets, a must-visit for photographers.
Food in Salinas
Salinas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Ecuadorian dish, ceviche in Salinas is typically made with marinated shrimp, fish, or a mix of seafood, and served with citrus juices, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Try it at La Playita, a popular beachfront restaurant known for its fresh ceviche.
Must-Try!
A hearty fish stew featuring albacore tuna, yuca, and served with a zesty pickled onion garnish. For an authentic taste, visit Mercado de Mariscos, a bustling seafood market where you can savor freshly prepared encebollado.
A delectable blend of fish and green plantain patties, often filled with peanut sauce and served with aji criollo, a spicy pepper sauce. Look for local vendors along the Malecón to experience this popular snack.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Salinas better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market is a treasure trove of fresh seafood offerings and local delicacies. You can sample an array of ceviche, fried fish, and shellfish dishes from the various food stalls.
Along the Malecón, you'll find an abundance of street food stands offering traditional bites such as bollos de pescado (fish dumplings), empanadas, and patacones (fried plantains).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Salinas, it's important to respect personal space when interacting with others, especially during conversations or greetings.
It's customary to greet others with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, and to use polite language when addressing people, especially elders.
Salinas has a strong connection to nature, so it's important to show respect for the environment and avoid any actions that may harm the local ecosystem.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Salinas with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Salinas
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Salinas, Ecuador, but it is appreciated for good service in restaurants, hotels, and for tour guides. A 10% tip is usually sufficient if the service charge is not already included.
In Salinas, Ecuador, cash is widely used for transactions, especially in smaller establishments. However, credit and debit cards are also accepted in many places, including hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for dry weather and whale watching
Expect warmer temperatures, occasional rain, and lush green landscapes
Salinas at Night
Hiking in Salinas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning natural reserve offering diverse flora and fauna, with various trails for hiking that lead to panoramic views of the surrounding area.
A protected area with trails that pass through mangroves and along the coast, providing a unique hiking experience with opportunities for birdwatching.
Located a bit farther from Salinas, this national park features a variety of hiking trails through high-altitude ecosystems, with lakes and diverse wildlife.
A popular hiking destination near Salinas with multiple routes that offer beautiful views, rocky hills, and a mix of local vegetation.
A nearby hill known for its easy hiking trails that provide scenic views of Salinas and the coastline, perfect for beginners and families.
Aiports
How to reach Salinas by plane.
Located in Guayaquil, this is the nearest major international airport serving Salinas, approximately 120 km away.
Located in Quito, this airport is around 200 km from Salinas and serves as one of the main international gateways in Ecuador.
Situated in Manta, this international airport is approximately 150 km from Salinas, connecting the region with several international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population, Mestizos in Salinas are a mix of Indigenous and European ancestry, constituting the largest demographic group.
A smaller but significant group, Indigenous peoples in Salinas maintain their cultural heritage and languages.
This demographic group includes descendants of African slaves brought to Ecuador; they are an integral part of the cultural tapestry in Salinas.
Salinas attracts a number of expatriates, particularly from the United States and Europe, contributing to its multicultural environment.
This includes immigrants from various countries in Latin America and beyond, adding to the diversity of the population in Salinas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Salinas, with many local teams and a passionate fan base.
Salinas is known for its beaches, making it a great location for both amateur and professional surfers.
Commonly played on the sandy beaches of Salinas, attracting both locals and tourists.
A popular activity among locals, with the port providing access to various fishing opportunities.
Played widely in schools and local communities, with increasing popularity among the youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Salinas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While seafood is predominant in Salinas cuisine, many restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as tropical fruit salads, vegetable stir-fries, and quinoa-based entrees.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy ceviche, grilled fish, and fresh salads. Additionally, several establishments in Salinas cater to gluten-free dietary needs with special menu items.