Montañita, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#596
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Montañita is a small coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, surfing, and bohemian lifestyle. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 8,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 20-30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD (US Dollar is the local currency) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are the main mobile providers offering data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; ATMs available but may have withdrawal limits. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to beachfront cabanas; Airbnb is popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is typically preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer various short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Terraza or Hostal El Barbaro – prices around $10-$20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Near the beach and main plaza for easy access to amenities and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Close to the central plaza, with options catering to long-term stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Casa de Los Nomadas – a popular space among remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Sol – offers good Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local expats; check Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community gatherings at local bars and social media groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No local apps; use traditional taxis or negotiate fares. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Montañita offers scooter rentals from various local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Montañita Beach, known for surfing and vibrant atmosphere. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and TAME operate regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and JetBlue offer flights to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible from Highway E28. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no major train services; buses connect to nearby cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses are cheap and frequent; no passes required. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus connections to Salinas and Guayaquil available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospitals such as Hospital de Montañita provide basic medical care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Maha Yoga – classes offered next to the beach. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Barefoot Gym – a small local gym available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; wash and fold services offered. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is a popular choice for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ceviche de mero – a local seafood dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Tazzita offers a range of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Dulce Montañita specializes in desserts and snacks. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets for fresh produce and street food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre Ecuador for local online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local shops may offer delivery; check locally. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The main strip along Montañita Beach – lively nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería 1830 – local craft beers available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine shops offer tastings and selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls along the beach promenade. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sushi, pizza, and Italian cuisine are available in local restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Montañita's beach and the iconic 'pueblo' atmosphere. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local galleries featuring works by regional artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nearby history around Ayangue and its fishing culture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches showcase traditional architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Various surf competitions and cultural festivals held throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The main area around the beach is rich with art and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Outdoor performances and gatherings during peak seasons. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets for crafts and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music in bars and beaches, particularly during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Vibrant murals throughout the town add to its charm. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes on Ecuadorian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small local galleries showcase community artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional buildings reflecting the coastal town’s heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Montañita's traditions in surf culture and art. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby natural reserves like Cuna de Ríos offer trekking options. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Machalilla National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the beach and to nearby towns. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cliffs at the end of the beach offer stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Wildlife trails in nearby national parks for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the beach for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Rapidservice offers local delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide mobile and tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes offer table tennis areas. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Spanish courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited local libraries; cafes are popular study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various local centers host cultural events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes available for leisure. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos in Montañita; nearby cities offer casino options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, exists. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on land value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% of the property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives; residents pay income tax on global income. |