You’re recording a really fun podcast with Foil Life Podcast and, talking about camps, they ask you the question: would you like to do a foil camp/retreat in Ecuador?
And if we hit the “forward x8” button, a tall, long-haired man with a big smile picks you up at the airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador. On the two-hour drive to the hotel he explains everything about the country, the waves, its history and takes you to the Hotel Montañita Estates, which will be your home for the next 2 weeks. The jetlag hits hard, you are tired so you decide to spend the afternoon in the jacuzzi of your room observing the jungle.
The next day, Henri, who everyone calls Menthol (to find out why, you’re going to have to come and let him tell you), takes you to your first foiling session. You drive along the most beautiful road you have ever seen, through the virgin jungle to a very unique fishing village.
“The waves are not so good today”
And all you get to see are perfect, crystalline series of the ideal size, one after the other without stopping.
While you’re surfing, you stop to sit for a moment on your board to see what’s around you: pelicans pass by you, surfing the waves, Menthol is pumping from wave to wave, it makes it look easy, behind you is a green mountain where the picturesque fishing village is located… You look at the new control, you still have about 76% battery left and you have already caught like 20 waves, that’s what traveling with Foil Drive has 😉
How to get there
Flying direct from Madrid to Guayaquil with Iberia is about 12 hours of flight (it is not public but I love traveling with this company sincerely). From Guayaquil airport, Montañita is approximately a two-hour transfer depending on traffic. The good news? Ecuador Foil organizes hassle-free transfers, so you can forget about logistics and focus on preparing your sessions.
The spots and the waves
I went in May, and it practically never went above 3 knots, being glassy every day. My favorite spot was undoubtedly “The Laboratory”. To find out where it is, you will have to contact your friends of Ecuador Foil. They will be your best guides during your stay in the country.
I spent most of my time catching waves with my Foil Drive around the peaks of Montañita, all within 30-40 minutes of the hotel. The catch? It is difficult to calculate the timing due to the tides, so it is essential to connect with local guides. I also took advantage of two days in Santa Marianita (near Manta) for wingfoiling.
Temperature, weather in Montañita
The water temperature is what I can only describe as soup—so warm that the wetsuit is best left at home. I only wore a lycra for sun protection and my new anti-cut pants from ION, which surprised me for being incredibly breathable despite being thick and black. Air temperatures hover around 28-32°C during the humid day, so expect to sweat. Nights cool down to what I consider perfect temperatures—still warm but wonderfully comfortable.
Where to stay?
Montañita Estates Hotel (ME) became my base, and honestly, exceeded my expectations in everything. My room on the second floor had jungle views and a hot tub that I used daily after foiling. The property has multiple pools, space for children, lightning-fast internet to upload content and work and the best water pressure I’ve ever experienced. The poolside restaurant serves excellent juices and perfect food to recover.
When to go?
I was there from May 15 to 28, 2026 and I had epic conditions.
- December – May: to enjoy glassy foil tow and prone or Foil Drive conditions
- June to November: it may be windy, but there are also waves for prone or Foil Drive.
In the absence of editing the official video, I leave you this edit by André Castañeda who also came to visit us, Foil Drive team riders. We had a good laugh and good sessions and I think you can see it in the video:
Ecuador stays a little piece of my heart, I met amazing people, the food was too tasty, hearing salsa and bachata on any corner at all hours I loved it and I can’t wait to go back to Montañita!