Vistamar Guest House (Ayampe, Ecuador)

ABOUT THE SURF CAMP

Vistamar is located in Ayampe, Manabi, Ecuador.  While the water is warm all year round, we have two distinct seasons.  Sunny (December- May), and misty (June - November).  You can expect waves year round and different types of breaks and set ups within a half hour drive of your home break.  Ayampe is a very consistent and dynamic beach break.  You can expect waves all year round and conditions to change quickly as tides change through out the day.

Vistamar and Ayampe is a place to relax.  That being said, if you want a wild night, a trip can be made to the nearby town of Montañita.  Our surf camp focuses on being flexible and offering lessons and rentals to all levels and options such as yoga, hikes, horseback riding, diving and biking when you feel like it.

You´re experience will be curated by the builder and operator, Matteo, who sees to it that every detail of your trip is cared for.  Matteo and the Vistamar team built the camp from the ground up (litteraly) after years of traveling the world, picking up and incorporating the best things of all the places he stayed.

ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING

Vistamar is nestled between the ocean & the reserve; & less than a 2 minuet walk to the sand. Vistamar features a cross between rustic yet comfortable amenities, ocean & jungle views, furnished balcony space, a garden patio with a BBQ pit, private bathrooms with hot water, daily cleaning service, wifi (~8meg upload) & a fully stocked kitchen.  Our rooms boast incredible ocean views from the beds and thoughtful decor. 

At no additional cost you are welcome to use the fully stocked Vistamar kitchen.

+$20 a day for unlimited beer, rum and caña (local rum) and bar supplies (Citrus, and herbs for mixing)

*For $29 a day we offer the Vistamar Dinning Experience:

While we offer an array of menu options, we are flexible and are happy to alter the menu to your guests wishes.  Typically our aim is to provide a culinary experience geared towards what is most fresh and abundant here, which is great seafood; Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, Macral, grouper, wild caught shrimp, calamari and fresh produce.  The menu often consists of a plant-based breakfast, and either a sea food based or plant based lunch and or dinner, always with plenty of veggie sides (also, a vegan option is desirable depending on guests desires).  We can arrange details when you are ready.

SURF COURSE AND ACTIVITIES

We offer surf lessons for beginner and intermediate surfers in English and Spanish.  We also offer surf trips and local knowledge for intermediate and advanced surfers to nearby breaks.  To provide you a quality class, we cap our groups at 3 people.

We provide everything but the sunscreen!  That means all you have to do is show up ready to surf.  Our private classes are $30 for one person, $50 for two persons and $65 for 3 persons.

Surf board rental: $15 per day, $60 per week
Bike rental: $15 per day

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Includes: Guide, horses, boots and lunch.

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Playa Galapagos  

A 40 minuet scenic drive up a stunning section of the costal road takes us to a seldom visited beach.  From there we take a 3 hour hike along the shoreline exploring unique and beautiful tidal pools and rock structures for which the beach takes its namesake, ending at golden sand beach apply named Playa Dorado.

2 persons minimum: $40pp, 3 people $30pp,

4+ people: $25pp.

Includes an English speaking guide, transportation, and snacks.

*The time of departure depends on the tide, the tour lasts about 6 hours.

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Guided Tours to Colibri Reserve  

Explore the Colibri Reserve, a beautiful, lush humid forest starting just a few blocks from the front door with a local and English speaking guide if you like.  It’s a great chance to see wildlife, and exotic and unique plants in this tropical coastal rainforest.

The tour takes 2-5 hours depending on how far you want to go, $20 per person, minimum 3 people. Group rates available for any size more than 3 people.

Includes, guides, boots and binoculares.

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Waterfall and 4x4 Jungle Tour

Cascadas de Gomez

Day trip: $75 pp, minimum 2 people, $50pp for groups of 3+ people, maximum 4 people.

This is a very unique trip that involves taking a 4 wheel drive vehicle 3 hours up the Ayampe river, crossing through small communities seldom visited by foreigners. The waterfalls themselves are spectacular; three, 60 foot (sometimes one big waterfall!), have pools to swim in, trails to hike, rocks to jump off of, free solo climbing if you like to climb!

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Guided snorkel trip from the Frailes National Park beach

The turtle sanctuary and Los Friales national park tour starts with a trip to the turtle rescue center and reserve followed by a guided tour and nature hike/walk through the park and snorkeling from the beach where turltes, rays, tropical fish and even sea horses can be spotted.

9am-2pm, 1-2 people: $40pp,

3 people and up : $30pp, .

Includes a guide, snorkeling gear, transportation and snacks and water.


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Isla de la Plata or Isla Salango

Snorkel trips from a boat to the Isla de la Plata OR Isla de Salango, from Puerto Lopez:

*Isla de Salango: $30pp

*Isla de la Plata: $45pp

Includes snacks and snorkeling gear.  

Does Not include transportation to and from Puerto Lopez (~$10)

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Cooking Classes  

Chef Flor´s culinary prowess speaks for itself. She will teach you to cook traditional coastal Ecuadorian dishes, ceviche, corviche, viches, and more, with fresh local ingredients. This also is a great way to work on your Spanish.

·

-Includes all ingredients.

$20 per person

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Agua Blanca Archaeological Site  

A 20 minuet scenic drive through to the community of Agua Blanca reveals a subtle and beautiful village nestled in a desert micro climate just off the coast.  A local guide takes you through the museum, archaeological site and then for a short hike through the dry forest that ends with a swim at spring fed sulfur pools, with medicinal clay.

·

-Includes transport, entrance to the park, guide and translator.

9am-2pm, 1-2 people: $40pp,

3 people and + : $30pp, 

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Custom boat trips and wale watching:

Inquire directly for prices and info

MORE INFO, HOW TO GET THERE & FAQ

Ayampe is an extremely consistent and dynamic beach break.  It is suseptable to wind June - November and can be too big, for which we can take trips to nearby reefs for which there are quite a few options.

Seasonal conditions

December - May is generally sunny and warm, with no need at all for any neopreme.  Although the water is still warm (75f +) Some people choose to use a neopreme top, or spring suit June -November, for which we can get plenty of cool and misty days.

Crowd factor and local people

In Ayampe there are zero crowds as long as you are willing to walk an extra 30 seconds down the beach to your own sand bar, and the locals are quite friendly.

Characterization of surroundings/region

Ecuador is on the USD and is one of the safiest and most relaxed countries I have ever been to.  After traveling for several years overland from Alaska to Chile, I was pulled back to Ecuador because of the weather, waves and very relaxed atmosphere.

Ayampe is a 3 hours drive from Guayaquil, the biggest city in the country.  Its distance from any big city is what gives it its charm and has largly left its natural beauties untouched.

Activities and facilities

SURF COURSE DETAILS

We offer surf lessons for beginner and intermediate surfers in English and Spanish.  We also offer surf trips and local knowledge for intermediate and advanced surfers to nearby breaks.  To provide you a quality class, we cap our groups at 3 people.

SURF MATERIALS

We provide everything but the sunscreen!  That means all you have to do is show up ready to surf.  Our private classes are $30 for one person, $50 for two persons and $65 for 3 persons.

OTHER ACTIVITIES<

Surf board rental: $15 per day, $60 per week
Bike rental: $15 per day

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Horse back riding:

Travel through four types of forest, reach the highest peak in the area, find monkeys and be treated to lunch with ingredients from the gardens of the village of Rio Blanco. 8:30am – 3:30pm: $35 per person + $20 transport round trip.

Includes: Guide, horses, boots and lunch.

----

Playa Galapagos  

A 40 minuet scenic drive up a stunning section of the costal road takes us to a seldom visited beach.  From there we take a 3 hour hike along the shoreline exploring unique and beautiful tidal pools and rock structures for which the beach takes its namesake, ending at golden sand beach apply named Playa Dorado.

2 persons minimum: $40pp, 3 people $30pp,

4+ people: $25pp.

Includes an English speaking guide, transportation, and snacks.

*The time of departure depends on the tide, the tour lasts about 6 hours.

----

Guided Tours to Colibri Reserve  

Explore the Colibri Reserve, a beautiful, lush humid forest starting just a few blocks from the front door with a local and English speaking guide if you like.  It’s a great chance to see wildlife, and exotic and unique plants in this tropical coastal rainforest.

The tour takes 2-5 hours depending on how far you want to go, $20 per person, minimum 3 people. Group rates available for any size more than 3 people.

Includes, guides, boots and binoculares.

------

Waterfall and 4x4 Jungle Tour

Cascadas de Gomez

Day trip: $75 pp, minimum 2 people, $50pp for groups of 3+ people, maximum 4 people.

This is a very unique trip that involves taking a 4 wheel drive vehicle 3 hours up the Ayampe river, crossing through small communities seldom visited by foreigners. The waterfalls themselves are spectacular; three, 60 foot (sometimes one big waterfall!), have pools to swim in, trails to hike, rocks to jump off of, free solo climbing if you like to climb!

-----

Guided snorkel trip from the Frailes National Park beach

The turtle sanctuary and Los Friales national park tour starts with a trip to the turtle rescue center and reserve followed by a guided tour and nature hike/walk through the park and snorkeling from the beach where turltes, rays, tropical fish and even sea horses can be spotted.

9am-2pm, 1-2 people: $40pp,

3 people and up : $30pp, .

Includes a guide, snorkeling gear, transportation and snacks and water.


------

Isla de la Plata or Isla Salango

Snorkel trips from a boat to the Isla de la Plata OR Isla de Salango, from Puerto Lopez:

*Isla de Salango: $30pp

*Isla de la Plata: $45pp

Includes snacks and snorkeling gear.  

Does Not include transportation to and from Puerto Lopez (~$10)

------

Cooking Classes  

Chef Flor´s culinary prowess speaks for itself. She will teach you to cook traditional coastal Ecuadorian dishes, ceviche, corviche, viches, and more, with fresh local ingredients. This also is a great way to work on your Spanish.

·

-Includes all ingredients.

$20 per person

-----

Agua Blanca Archaeological Site  

A 20 minuet scenic drive through to the community of Agua Blanca reveals a subtle and beautiful village nestled in a desert micro climate just off the coast.  A local guide takes you through the museum, archaeological site and then for a short hike through the dry forest that ends with a swim at spring fed sulfur pools, with medicinal clay.

·

-Includes transport, entrance to the park, guide and translator.

9am-2pm, 1-2 people: $40pp,

3 people and + : $30pp, 

-----

Custom boat trips and wale watching:

Inquire directly for prices and info

Ways to get to the camp

When you book or when you are booking we will be happy to provide you with directions and options for public transit.  If you are not sure about easiest flight options please ask and we'll be happy to help!

PACKAGES & PRICES

4 day/5 night custom all inclusive: $599 per person, $999 for two people and group discounts for 3 or more.

This package includes:

EVERYTHING EXCEPT TRANSPORTATION AND ALCOHOL (for an additional $20 per person per day receive unlimited beer, rum and caña)

If you are looking for a vacation that is tailored exactly to your desires from private surf lessons and surf trips to local breaks, to small personalized yoga classes at the hour of your choosing, to personalized dinning options, to the option of going on a dozen tour options if you want a break from the waves, this surf camp will be the perfect choice! Enjoy the scenic view of the ocean and jungle from the balcony space to the beds. Come and experience the natural, rustic beauty of Ayampe in complete comfort!

Includes:

Daily surf classes for beginners

Daily wave searching in the pickup truck for advanced surfers or for those who want to travel

Daily yoga session, with the schedule determined by the guests

A surfboard, leash, and wax

A day trip to the jungle or to a hidden cove

Barbecue party on last night

Daily cleaning service

Laundry service

Alternative activities will be provided if the surf is down such as (depending on the season): snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking, waterfall tour, tubing down the river, etc.

3 meals a day and snacks

5 nights' accommodation

*a few excursions have an extra cost.

This package includes:

EVERYTHING EXCEPT TRANSPORTATION AND ALCOHOL (for an additional $20 per person per day receive unlimited beer, rum and caña)

If you are looking for a vacation that is tailored exactly to your desires from private surf lessons and surf trips to local breaks, to small personalized yoga classes at the hour of your choosing, to personalized dinning options, to the option of going on a dozen tour options if you want a break from the waves, this surf camp will be the perfect choice! Enjoy the scenic view of the ocean and jungle from the balcony space to the beds. Come and experience the natural, rustic beauty of Ayampe in complete comfort!

Includes:

Daily surf classes for beginners

Daily wave searching in the pickup truck for advanced surfers or for those who want to travel

Daily yoga session, with the schedule determined by the guests

A surfboard, leash, and wax

A day trip to the jungle or to a hidden cove

Barbecue party on last night

Daily cleaning service

Laundry service

Alternative activities will be provided if the surf is down such as (depending on the season): snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking, waterfall tour, tubing down the river, etc.

3 meals a day and snacks

5 nights' accommodation

*a few excursions have an extra cost.

This package includes:

EVERYTHING EXCEPT TRANSPORTATION AND ALCOHOL (for an additional $20 per person per day receive unlimited beer, rum and caña)

If you are looking for a vacation that is tailored exactly to your desires from private surf lessons and surf trips to local breaks, to small personalized yoga classes at the hour of your choosing, to personalized dinning options, to the option of going on a dozen tour options if you want a break from the waves, this surf camp will be the perfect choice! Enjoy the scenic view of the ocean and jungle from the balcony space to the beds. Come and experience the natural, rustic beauty of Ayampe in complete comfort!

Includes:

Daily surf classes for beginners

Daily wave searching in the pickup truck for advanced surfers or for those who want to travel

Daily yoga session, with the schedule determined by the guests

A surfboard, leash, and wax

A day trip to the jungle or to a hidden cove

Barbecue party on last night

Daily cleaning service

Laundry service

Alternative activities will be provided if the surf is down such as (depending on the season): snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking, waterfall tour, tubing down the river, etc.

3 meals a day and snacks

5 nights' accommodation

*a few excursions have an extra cost.