Visit Ayampe to experience a free-spirited surf and yoga paradise. Ayampe is a laid-back, lush, green village located 3 hours north of Guayaquil. During the high season, December - May, you will find many yoga, wellness and musical events.

Visit Mauili Spa Ayampe to experience the pinnacle of relaxation with a 90-minute massage paired with reiki and followed with a jacuzzi session.

Take Surf Lessons (Ayampe.) Catch some waves with your instructor at one of the many surf schools on the coast.

Visit Los Frailes Beach and Machalilla National Park (Puerto Lopez,) known as the most beautiful beach in Ecuador. The calm turquoise waters, pristine light sand and dramatic cliffs make Los Frailes a must-see beach. The beach is part of a protected area in the Machalilla National Park, so there is zero development or trash on the beach. Bonus: there are great hiking trails that end at the beach!

Take a boat tour from Puerto Lopez. Puerto Lopez is hub for exploring Isla de la Plata where you can see blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, sea lions and 32 species of birds. You can also do shorter boat trips to Isla de Salango and June - September, there are many whale watching tours operating out of Puerto Lopez.

Visit San Lorenzo de Manta, another gorgeous beach surrounded by massive rock formations. From the beach you can hike to the lighthouse and will have incredible views of both San Lorenzo and the virgin beach of La Botada. San Lorenzo is located 30 minutes south of Manta.

Try the delicious, traditional foods of Manabi which are famous throughout Ecuador:

Corviche - Deep-fried green plantain stuffed with fish and peanut sauce.

Ceviche - $5 fresh ceviche on the beach, yes please!

Bolon - A traditional breakfast dish made of green plantain, egg and cheese and fried into a ball.

Encebollada - A very Ecuadorian soup of Albacore, yucca and onions, often served with Chifles (thin, crunchy plantain chips.)

Tonga - Rice topped with your choice of protein and plantains, covered in a delicious peanut sauce and wrapped in banana leaf.

All the delicious, fresh fish — my favorites are Robalo, Wahoo and Tuna!

For a Fancy Night Out

Momo (Olon)- Set in the quaint beach town of Olon, Momo never fails to impress with the most varied menu on the entire Ecuadorian coast and it's all delicious! Some of my favorite dishes are the truffle chips with caviar, the meatballs vindaloo, the pancetta and the clam pasta.

Martinica (Manta) - An institution in Manta, this is everyone's go-to for a special dinner. My favorites are the crab ravioli and tuna tartar (fresh tuna is a must-eat in Ecuador. Manta even has a Tuna Monument.)