One of my favourite parts of driving through Ecuador was seeing just how dramatically the landscape changes in a single road trip. In just two days, we went from the lush Amazon rainforest to Ecuador’s largest city before ending up on the country’s laid-back Pacific coast.
It’s a long drive, but if you break it up with a night in Guayaquil, it’s a rewarding journey.
Puyo to Guayaquil (Approx. 8 Hours)
This is one of the longest driving days of the trip, so I’d recommend getting on the road as early as possible. Make sure you have gas and snacks, although there are places to stop along the way, there are large stretches where you won’t find anywhere to stop. The drive winds through the Andes before descending toward the coast, with the scenery changing constantly along the way.
While the drive is long, the roads are generally in good condition. Stick to major highways as google maps will try to take you the ‘fastest’ way which isn’t always the safest. We ended up driving on some mountain roads before turning back for the highways. That detour cost us about an hour and some stress.
Exploring Guayaquil
Guayaquil often gets overlooked by travellers heading straight to the Galápagos or Ecuador’s beaches, but it’s well worth spending a night here.
Malecón 2000
Every visit to Guayaquil should include a walk along Malecón 2000, Guayaquil’s beautiful waterfront boardwalk. Stretching along the Guayas River, it’s filled with gardens, monuments, restaurants, playgrounds, and great sunset views. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a full day of driving.
Las Peñas & Santa Ana Hill
Next, head to Las Peñas, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, known for its colourful colonial buildings, art galleries, and cafés.
The highlight is climbing Las Escaleras 444, the famous 444 colourful steps leading to the top of Santa Ana Hill. It sounds intimidating, but the climb is manageable if you take your time, and the panoramic views over Guayaquil are absolutely worth it.
At the top you’ll find restaurants, lookout points, and a small lighthouse that makes for fantastic photos.
Dinner at Ganchos
After exploring the city, we had dinner at Ganchos, a great local restaurant that was the perfect way to end the day before another early start.
Guayaquil to Ayampe (Approx. 6 Hours)
Another early morning is recommended for this drive. While still several hours long, this stretch is much more relaxed and incredibly scenic as you make your way along Ecuador’s Pacific coastline.
Rather than driving straight through, take your time and enjoy a few stops along the way.
Stop in Olón and Curía
Olón is a charming beach town that’s quieter than nearby Montañita. It’s a great place to grab a coffee, stretch your legs, or enjoy a walk along the beach before continuing south. Just a few minutes from Olón is the tiny coastal village of Curía. This peaceful beach is often overlooked, making it a great spot if you’re looking for a stretch of sand and beautiful ocean views.
Arriving in Ayampe
Ayampe quickly became one of our favourite places in Ecuador. This small surf town has a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, excellent cafés, and some incredible day trips nearby. Some of our favourite spots to eat were: 🍣 Selvamar (sushi), 🌮Ayampe Tacos, and 🍹Mali Thai & Beach Food
Whether you’re looking to surf, relax, or explore nature, Ayampe makes an excellent base for several days.
Day Trip: Machalilla National Park
One of the must-do activities from Ayampe is visiting Machalilla National Park.
We headed straight to Los Frailes Beach, one of Ecuador’s most beautiful beaches. Before reaching the beach, there’s a short hike that takes you to several scenic viewpoints overlooking the coastline.
The park opens in the morning and closes at 4:00 p.m., so it’s worth arriving early to enjoy the hike before spending the afternoon relaxing on the beach.
The combination of rugged cliffs, turquoise water, and nearly untouched beaches makes this one of the highlights of Ecuador’s coast.
As it is a National park, permits are required and there are restrictions on items you can bring (no alcohol for example!).
Day Trip: Isla de la Plata
If you’ve always wanted to visit the Galápagos but don’t have the time or budget, Isla de la Plata is an incredible alternative.
Often called the “Mini Galápagos,” the island is home to an abundance of wildlife, including:
- Blue-footed boobies
- Frigate birds
- Sea turtles
- Dolphins (often spotted during the boat ride)
- Seasonal humpback whales (June to September)
We booked our tour through GetYourGuide, which included the boat ride, guided hike on the island, wildlife viewing, lunch, and time for snorkeling. Seeing blue-footed boobies in the wild without having to travel all the way to the Galápagos was definitely one of the highlights of our Ecuador adventure.
We visited Puerto López during Carnival, one of Ecuador’s biggest holiday celebrations, and the town was buzzing with energy. The waterfront was filled with families, live music, food vendors, and festive celebrations, making it a fun place to spend some time after our boat tour. If you’re travelling during Carnival, expect larger crowds and a lively atmosphere, but it’s also a great opportunity to experience Ecuadorian culture firsthand.
Tips for This Road Trip
- Leave early on both driving days to avoid arriving after dark.
- Fuel up before leaving larger cities, especially before reaching smaller coastal towns.
- Bring cash for smaller restaurants and roadside stops.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks for the longer drives.
- Visit Machalilla National Park early, as access closes at 4:00 p.m. and there is often a lineup to get in
- Book your Isla de la Plata tour in advance, especially during whale season.
- Always trust your instincts while driving. If something feels off it probably is!
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