The gorgeous beaches are a huge pull here, and the laidback beach vibe makes it easy to spend days chilling by the ocean. It's sensible to start with Montañita beach (15 minutes’ drive), perhaps combining lazy days with the lively nightlife here. Montañita is also a good pick for catching some waves, and you don’t need to be a surfing pro – there are surf schools to help get novices upright on the water. If that sounds like slightly too much effort, seek out one of the local yoga centres for some calm time instead. For a bit of wildlife spotting, a day trip to Isla de la Plata is a fine choice; you’re in with a chance of seeing unusual blue-footed birds and whales out here. Catch a boat here from Puerto López, an hour's drive away. Just outside of Puerto López is Los Frailes Beach – this place is known for being one of Ecuador’s best beaches, so it’s surely worth a look. There’s plenty more to explore in the Machalilla National Park, too, including Agua Blanca (an hour and 15 minutes), where folk head for a healing dip in the natural sulphur lagoon.