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Salinas

Ecuador · Peninsula · USD · -2.210000, -80.980000
Family friendly 8.3/10 · Rank 49 of 2 709
Best season: June-September

Best for

Suitable for beach holidays, families and quiet relaxation.

Best season

June-September

Daily budget
$80.00 (≈ 6 714 ₽)
For 7 days
$560.00 (≈ 46 995 ₽)
Salinas is the most prestigious and developed beach resort in Ecuador, located on the western tip of the Santa Elena Peninsula, washed by the Pacific Ocean. Often compared to Miami due to its skyscrapers and modern infrastructure, it nevertheless maintains a relaxed Latin American resort atmosphere. White-sand beaches, excellent conditions for surfing and windsurfing, and numerous seafood restaurants make Salinas a popular getaway. It is the perfect destination for those seeking a combination of comfort and seaside entertainment.
Summer
32.0°C
Winter
20.0°C
Sea
27.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Hospitable, traditional, working in tourism.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Warm ocean
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Affordable prices
  • Quiet atmosphere

Cons

  • Limited nightlife
  • Distance from major cities
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.5°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
30.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
32.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
22.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
25.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
20.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
25.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
27.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
January-April
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
golden sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Chipipe Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Safe on the beach

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins in the coastal waters of Salinas inhabit rocky bottoms and algal beds. They are part of the region's marine ecosystem
  • Sea urchin stings are painful, special swimming shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs inhabit the waters off Salinas in Ecuador, represented by coral gardens and sponges. Coral reefs and tropical fish can be seen around La Chocolatera and El Pelado Islet
  • Cold-water corals and sponges inhabit Salinas waters at depths from 8 to 25 metres. Reef systems attract pelagic species during certain months

Jellyfish — details

  • Various jellyfish species inhabit the waters off Salinas, characteristic of the eastern Pacific Ocean. Jellyfish appear during the warm season
  • Stings from these jellyfish are usually mild but can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Caution is recommended when swimming

Sharks — details

  • Various shark species inhabit the waters off Salinas, including hammerhead sharks, found in the Galapagos area and Ecuadorian waters. Whale shark encounters are also possible
  • Sharks do not pose a serious danger to swimmers in the coastal zone, but divers should exercise caution
Attractions

Salinas Promenade

Main walking area with ocean views.

Salinas Lighthouse

Historic lighthouse on the cape.

Ocean Museum

Aquarium and marine fauna museum.

Chipipe Beach

Salinas' most popular beach with white sand.

Central Park

Park with monuments and fountains.

Best areas

Salinas Centre

Main area with shops and restaurants.

Chipipe Beach Zone

Coastal area with hotels and beaches.

Must-try food

Ceviche

Raw fish marinated in lime juice with onion and pepper.

Encebollado

Fish soup with cassava and onion.

Grilled Fish

Grilled fish with a side dish.

Where to go next

Guayaquil

Largest city in Ecuador, ~150 km.

Manta

Port city with beaches, ~100 km.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт имени генерала Ульпиано Паэса (SNC).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
June-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$95.00
≈ 7 972 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Salinas Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Salinas: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is June-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Salinas: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +32.0°C, during the day — up to +30.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Salinas: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +20.0°C, during the day — up to +25.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Salinas: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +27.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Salinas: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on January-April. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Salinas: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "golden sand" surface, golden sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Chipipe Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Salinas: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Salinas: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $80.00 (≈ 6 714 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Salinas: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $18.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $55.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $95.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Salinas: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $8.00, dinner at a restaurant — $15.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $3.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Salinas: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $30.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Salinas: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Salinas Promenade — Main walking area with ocean views.; Salinas Lighthouse — Historic lighthouse on the cape.; Ocean Museum — Aquarium and marine fauna museum.; Chipipe Beach — Salinas' most popular beach with white sand.; Central Park — Park with monuments and fountains.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Salinas: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Ceviche — Raw fish marinated in lime juice with onion and pepper.; Encebollado — Fish soup with cassava and onion.; Grilled Fish — Grilled fish with a side dish.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Salinas: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Salinas Centre — Main area with shops and restaurants.; Chipipe Beach Zone — Coastal area with hotels and beaches.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Salinas: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Salinas: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт имени генерала Ульпиано Паэса (code SNC). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Salinas: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — USD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $80.00 (≈ 6 714 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Salinas: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Salinas: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Salinas: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Guayaquil — Largest city in Ecuador, ~150 km.; Manta — Port city with beaches, ~100 km.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

8.3/10
Overall rank: 49 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 19

Best season

June-September

Useful information

Currency: USD
Coordinates: -2.210000, -80.980000