Surf: Montañita is Ecuador’s most popular surf break and is identified by a phallic shaped rock. It catches most swells, but NW will connect the inside and outside sections, easily holding double overhead on the sets and breaks with power and consistency. Hollower at lower tide or big open carvable faces as it pushes in, Montañita ticks many boxes for experienced surfers. Beginners and improvers should try the adjacent beachbreak where many of the surf schools in town operate and it can get punchy at times. Environment: Montañita has become a bustling, noisy, party town with myriad bars, restaurants and places to stay from cheapest hostels to luxury hotels on the beach. The local pecking order at the point is enforced so be patient and pick off the inbetweeners which are just as fun as the sets without the hassle.