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Become a member by 10/31 and get 10% OFF at Hostelworld! Create your account How it worksLa Montañita, a community on the west coast of Ecuador, in the province of Santa Elena, about 600 km from Quito. Safety has been increased in the area after a crime committed against british visitors in 2016. Today, Montañita is generally safe. A visitor there should keep the same safety measures as any tourist in South america: beware of pickpockets and spiked drinks, don’t walk alone at night, keep expensive items such as cameras or laptops hidden inside a backpack (never on hand or neck) and don’t abuse recreational drugs. You’ll be fine!
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It definitely is! Most visitors go to Montañita for surfing. The city has been a classical destination for surfers and backpackers due to the nice waves of Playa Montañita. The city has even hosted surf championships. In the last years it has become also a party destination, so it gets full on the weekends and festivals. In this case, Olón is a good place to sleep near Montañita to escape the massive influx of tourists visiting the neighbor town. Manglaralto is another peaceful little town just nearby!
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Hotels are becoming more and more expensive in Montañita due to the increase of tourists in the last years. So if you want to save some money for drinks and trips, you can use Worldpackers to do work exchange in Montañita! It’s easy: build a profile and check our hosts for free. You can help in exchange for accommodation as a painter, cleaner, party promoter and much more! Once you find a place you like, you can schedule a trip by becoming a member of the Worldpackers community.
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