Ayangue – A Coastal Cove with an Underwater Image

Ayangue is a cove with calm, clear water. Its coastal landscape, an underwater image, and cuisine associated with seafood give the destination several distinct features. When planning a vacation, it is worth considering the beach surroundings as well as nature and culture in the wider Santa Elena destination.

The Beach and Its Surroundings

Playa Rosada, whose sand has a pinkish hue, is located near Ayangue. Coral reefs and Roca El Pelado can also be explored in the area. Each has a distinct appeal: Playa Rosada stands out for the color of its sand, while the coral reefs and Roca El Pelado offer other natural attractions. When choosing a vacation destination, this provides a clear contrast: sand color and beach on one side, marine exploration on the other.

Recreation Area at the Beach Access

The new recreation area at Ayangue’s beach access, handed over in 2017, included a paved area and a gazebo. It was also equipped with restrooms, changing rooms, and showers. If you are factoring these facilities into your plans, check their current condition before your visit.

The Underwater Image off Islote El Pelado

The underwater image Sagrado Corazón de Jesús de las Aguas was installed in 2011 off the coast of Ayangue, opposite Islote El Pelado, at a depth of 11 meters. It can be viewed from boats that visit the islet. The religious image at this distinctive location connects the sea with a cultural subject of its own.

Seafood and Traditional Dishes

Ayangue is associated with fresh seafood and traditional dishes. If local food culture is also a factor in your choice of vacation destination, this adds a culinary focus to the coastal and natural attractions. This lets you choose a location based on a range of interests, not just the beach scenery.

More Nature and Activities in the Wider Santa Elena Destination

La Chocolatera is the westernmost point on the Ecuadorian coast and the second-farthest-reaching headland in South America. Five viewpoints are connected by self-guided trails with information boards. Santa Elena offers other opportunities for nature observation: the Humedal Ecuasal wetland is home to more than 100 species of seabirds and shorebirds. Around 300 bird species have been recorded in the Loma Alta Reserve, including endemic species from the Tumbes and Chocó regions as well as typical Andean species. The viewpoints, wetland, and reserve therefore cater to different nature interests across the wider destination.

Activities and landscapes offer their own distinct appeal: Montañita offers surfing lessons. In Dos Mangas, the Las Cascadas hiking trail passes through the humid forests of the Cordillera Chongón-Colonche and by several waterfalls. During the rainy season, the main waterfall can reach up to 20 meters in height. Surfing lessons and a forest trail with waterfalls therefore appeal to different travel interests than Ayangue’s coastal landscape.

When choosing a vacation rental location, you can start by deciding what matters most: Ayangue’s calm, clear water and underwater image, or the viewpoints, birdlife, surfing lessons, and waterfalls across the wider Santa Elena destination.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ballenita, Punta Blanca, Valdivia, Simon Bolivar, Olon, La Libertad, Santa Elena, Chanduy.

Go to the wider travel overview: Santa Elena.