Montañita, Ecuador – the place I’ve called home for almost two weeks now. Montañita may be known as a party town, but I’m here for quite the opposite – 200 hour yoga teacher training.
In the one and a half weeks of training, I’ve learned Vedic chants, Sanskrit, yoga sutras, how to sequence a class… oh and I’ve already co-taught TWO classes (practice makes perfect y’all). My days have been filled with nonstop yoga. And when I’m not in class, I’m either planning a class to teach or humming yoga sutras (or let’s be real, eating!). However, I have found time to enjoy more than just the yoga studio (though it is quite lovely)!
Looking for what do in Montañita that doesn’t involve staying up all night partying? These five things should have you covered on how to spend a few days (or even a few weeks!) in this small beach town.
what to do in montanita
learn to surf
Yes Montañita is known for the party scene, but it is also well known for being a surfer’s paradise. I arrived to Montañita on a Tuesday afternoon and by Wednesday I was in the water taking my first ever surf lesson. As yoga training didn’t officially start until that evening, I had the entire day free and figured I’d just relax all day. Next thing I know, I’m agreeing to a surf lesson with another girl in the yoga training for 2 o’clock! Soooo, almost no time for the anxiety to hit realizing I’m actually somewhat scared of the ocean/waves?!
Our instructor, Rugby, was great and we were nonstop attempting to catch waves. It was slightly harder figuring out what waves to go when Rugby wasn’t yelling “paddle hard!” but overall a success (aka able to stand up most of the time) and lots of fun! And noooo clue why this didn’t occur to me, but I was DEAD after two hours (and my knees and ribs hurt for days).
If you’re already a surf pro, there are lots of places along the beach where you can rent a surfboard for about $10-$15 (side note, Ecuador uses the US dollar).
visit cocktail alley
Okay, occasionally we escape yoga world and venture into the town of Montañita. Most of the time it’s just a quick trip for some snacks (gimme alllll da avocados) or dinner, but you can’t deny the cheap drinks. Coming from DC, two cocktails for $6 (WUT) is just a deal you need to take advantage of.
There are lotsssss of places to choose from… which really is just a good excuse to try multiple drinks, right?! If your drink doesn’t seem strong enough, there is also no shame in asking for them to add a bit more! So grab a plastic chair and your cocktail for some people watching and enjoy a quintessential Montañita activity.
enjoy the beach
So far, I wouldn’t say it has been PERFECT beach weather (I guess November brings mostly overcast weather?). Though to be honest, most days, we’re probably happy about this because we’re not daydreaming about being on the beach instead of trapped in the yoga studio. While I’ve always said I much prefer the mountains to the beach… I have to admit this beach is pretty perfect. Relaxing vibes, squishy sand, and ice cold beer or snacks that ya don’t even have to get up for! Also, since Montañita has a party reputation… no screaming kids!
If you’re looking for that perfect weather (and those picture-perfect waves), head here between January and April. But fair warning, this is high season which equals crowds.
walk to la punta
La Punta, or the Point, is located on the north side of Montañita and is the spot known for the best surfing in town. Just a 30 minute walk uphill takes you up to “la Punta” mountain which not only provides great ocean views, but is what separates Montañita from Olon, its neighbor to the north.
take a yoga class (or do yoga teaching training) at casa del sol
The training is at Casa del Sol, near La Punta, located north of town. The setting could not be more gorgeous, and it is in an almost hidden part of Montañita. Even though we joke about being stuck at the hostel all the time, we’re kind of spoiled. The hostel itself is so cute with almost a jungle theme. Then, the yoga studio is so gorgeous! And there is really nothing better than hearing the sounds of the waves during savasana (I think I am now forever spoiled). And to top it all off, the food here is so delicious. The lunch (made by an amazing chef from Canada) is included as part of the yoga teacher training, however if you stay at the hostel, breakfast is included and also feel free to stop by for dinner!
As for the yoga training itself, the amount I’ve learned from our teacher Cheryl in the past week and a half is kind of insane. As Cheryl is an expert in Sanskrit, the thing that stands out of the most is almost all my teachers have either pronounced poses incorrectly orrrrrr called poses the wrong name entirely. So stop by any day for a class taught by one of her students to maybe brush up on your Sanskrit pronunciation.
Two more weeks in Montañita… any other suggestions on what I’ve missed?
