SALINAS
CITY
The city of Salinas , located in the province of Santa Elena, is considered the main tourist resort in Ecuador, situated 140 km from Guayaquil, where the international airport is located. Facing the Pacific Ocean, it marks the beginning of one of the most impressive coastlines in the country.
Surfing in Salinas has deep roots: as early as the 1980s, it welcomed the first surfers from the city of Playas, pioneering families who introduced the sport to Ecuador. Notable locals include names like Victoriano Posada (considered the first surfer in Ecuador), the brothers Antonio, Francisco, and Juan Carlos, the Salvador family (José Alfredo, Luis Alberto, Jorge Antonio), and the Plaza family, among others. Over the decades, the beaches of Salinas have established themselves as the cradle of Ecuadorian surfing, even before the growth of other areas like Montañita.
The city's main beach, La Fae, is renowned for the consistency of its waves and has hosted important events, including the first national surfing championship in 1984, the 2001 Bolivarian Games, the 2013 Pan American Games, and the 2014 ISA World Championships. It also hosted the ISA Junior World Championships in 2009 and 2011, reinforcing its status as a competitive epicenter.
Besides La Fae, Salinas boasts a wide variety of waves, from beach breaks to point breaks, such as La Chocolatera, Tres Cruces, Dead Point, La Bahía, Punta Carnero, Mar Bravo, La Chueca, Paco Illezcas, Playero Miramar, and La Puntilla. This diversity makes the city an excellent destination for surfers of all levels.
Another highlight is the beach's proximity to a military base and the Remacopse marine reserve, a protected area that receives around 300,000 visitors annually and contributes significantly to the preservation of local flora and fauna.
The large influx of tourists to Salinas has not only established the city as one of the most attractive destinations on the Ecuadorian coast, but has also generated a positive economic impact, creating jobs and boosting sectors such as hotels, restaurants, and local commerce.
