5 Things You Didn’t Know About Living on the Ecuadorian Coast
Why the Ecuadorian Coast Is More Than Just Beaches
When people picture Ecuador, they often think of the Andes, the Galápagos, or perhaps Quito’s colonial charm. But ask anyone who’s lived on the coast, and they’ll tell you—the Costa has a rhythm, soul, and beauty all its own.
As an expat who’s spent time adjusting to the quirks, surprises, and rewards of life here, I can confidently say that the Ecuadorian coast is not just a postcard of sandy beaches. It’s a lifestyle. One that’s relaxed but colorful, quiet in places but bursting with music in others. It’s a place where natural beauty meets strong cultural traditions, and where expats can find both tranquility and adventure—often on the same day.
If you’re considering a move to Ecuador and the coast is on your radar, here are five things you probably didn’t know—but definitely should—about this underrated slice of paradise.
1. The Climate Isn’t Just Hot—It’s Alive
Yes, it’s warm—and yes, it’s tropical—but “tropical” doesn’t mean uniform. Coastal Ecuador offers a dynamic microclimate, with humidity, sea breezes, and even dry, desert-like pockets depending on where you are.
Most of the coast enjoys year-round temperatures between 24-30°C (75-86°F), making it perfect for beach lovers. But what surprised me was how the weather pulses with the seasons, especially during the rainy months from January to May. Unlike the highlands, rain on the coast is often intense but short-lived—followed by blazing sun, lush greenery, and breathtaking sunsets.
June to October, meanwhile, brings slightly cooler, breezier days and even the opportunity to watch humpback whales migrate right off the shore—a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience that, on the coast, becomes an annual tradition.
Also, don’t underestimate the sun. Even on overcast days, I found myself getting sunburned during a 15-minute walk. Sunscreen and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts quickly became part of my daily routine.
2. Coastal Culture Is Vibrant, Proud, and Full of Soul
Living on the Ecuadorian coast introduces you to a cultural identity that’s lively, musical, and full of deep-rooted traditions. One of the most unforgettable parts of settling in was learning about montubio culture—a proud rural heritage that includes traditions like the rodeo montubio, where local horsemen display their skills in colorful celebrations, and amorfinos, spontaneous poetic verses exchanged in good humor.
Social customs here are more relaxed and more intimate. People greet each other with high-fives, fist bumps, or a friendly shoulder tap, and it’s totally normal to strike up a full conversation with someone in the bakery line. If you’re at a party, be ready for shared drinks from a single cup—a gesture of community that might surprise newcomers, but one that speaks volumes about local warmth and openness.
Music, too, is everywhere. From marimba beats echoing through Afro-Ecuadorian communities in Esmeraldas to salsa in the streets of Guayaquil, the coast doesn’t just sound different—it moves differently. And that joy is contagious.
3. Life in Coastal Towns: From Laid-Back to Lively
Before moving here, I imagined the coast as a string of sleepy fishing villages—and while some places are that relaxed (and beautifully so), the range of towns on the coast is broader than most people realize.
Take Montañita, for example: a bohemian surf town with legendary nightlife, yoga retreats, fire-dancers on the beach, and expats from around the globe. Or Salinas, a more developed beach city with modern amenities, surf-ready waves, and beachfront condos.
Manta feels like a sweet spot—modern infrastructure, growing tourism, a solid expat community, and a booming seafood industry. If you want something calmer, Canoa or Ayampe offer the slow, soulful pace of beach village life, where the sound of waves replaces the need for a schedule.
Meanwhile, larger cities like Guayaquil (particularly neighborhoods like Vía a la Costa) offer a mix of urban convenience, coastal charm, and strong security, with gated communities, international schools, bike paths, and quick access to weekend beach escapes.
The key? Choose your base wisely—because life on the Ecuadorian coast can mean something completely different depending on where you drop your anchor.
4. Food Culture Is Fresh, Affordable, and Deeply Local
One of the absolute joys of coastal living is the food. Period.
On any given day, you can enjoy a full almuerzo (soup, main dish, and drink) for $3–$4. It’s affordable, yes—but also delicious. The food here is rooted in freshness, especially when it comes to seafood. Ceviches, encocado de pescado (fish in coconut sauce), and viche (a hearty peanut-based seafood soup) are coastal staples.
I quickly learned that if you’re a regular at a local spot, you can ask for more salad instead of rice or customize your meal slightly—they remember you. They appreciate you.
Markets are a foodie’s dream: fresh-caught fish, tropical fruits you’ve never heard of, and produce that explodes with flavor. Local water is not always drinkable straight from the tap, so households typically rely on large bidones de agua (water jugs), which are cheap and readily available.
There’s no pretension in coastal food. Just freshness, tradition, and flavors that somehow taste better when you’re barefoot near the sea.
5. Expat Life Here Feels Different—In a Good Way
If you’re coming from the U.S., expect your expat experience on the coast to be full of contradictions and discovery.
Some things will feel incredibly familiar—like grabbing coffee with friends or joining a local yoga class. Others will challenge your habits, like learning to live without an ATM nearby, adjusting to local schedules, or managing utilities that aren’t as reliable as back home.
Still, this is where the adventure lies. Whether it’s navigating local bus stops (pro tip: carry coins for bathroom access), switching to WhatsApp for literally everything, or finding your go-to spot for fresh shrimp ceviche—every small win feels earned and deeply satisfying.
One of the things I noticed early on is how different the expat experience is here versus the Sierra. The coast has a laid-back vibe that attracts adventurers, digital nomads, surfers, and even retirees looking for warmth (literally and figuratively). People tend to be more open, more chill, and honestly… more fun.
It’s not without challenges. But the rewards? Community, nature, sunshine, and the freedom to reinvent your life on your own terms.
Bonus Tips: What I Wish I Knew Before Moving to the Coast
- Always have cash. Not every town or beach has ATM access.
- Don’t underestimate the sun. Even cloudy days require SPF.
- Bilingual schools exist in cities like Guayaquil and Manta, ideal for families.
- Be flexible. You’ll get used to power outages, changing bus routes, and slower service—but you’ll also grow more patient and resourceful.
- Say yes to new things. Try the local dance class. Join a turtle release. Accept the neighbor’s homemade aguardiente (maybe).
Final Thoughts: If You’re Craving Sun, Simplicity, and Soul—Start Here
Living on the Ecuadorian coast is not just a change of address—it’s a shift in perspective. It teaches you to slow down, to adapt, to listen, and to enjoy the richness of life in every simple moment.
Sure, there are challenges. The infrastructure might not always match U.S. standards, and the heat can be relentless. But in exchange, you get community, culture, music, nature, and that indescribable feeling of living close to the ocean’s rhythm.
If you’re looking for authenticity, connection, and the kind of life that feeds your soul instead of your schedule—then the Ecuadorian coast is calling.
Just don’t forget your sunscreen.
